File cabinets are essential pieces of office furniture used to store important documents, files, and other items that need to be kept secure and organized. While early file cabinets were made of wood, most modern file cabinets are constructed primarily of steel for durability and fire resistance. However, file cabinets can also be made of aluminum or even plastic. The most common metals used for file cabinets today are steel and aluminum.

Why Steel Is The Most Popular Metal For File Cabinets

Steel is by far the most common metal used to construct file cabinets. There are several good reasons steel has become the standard:

Strength and Durability

Steel is extremely strong and durable. It can withstand decades of regular opening and closing of drawers, the weight of stacked files and documents, and accidental bumps and knocks that are bound to happen in a busy office environment. Steel file cabinets are built to last for many years of constant daily use.

Fire and Heat Resistance

Steel is naturally fire and heat resistant. In the event of a fire, a steel file cabinet will resist burning far longer than wood or plastic. This gives extra time to put out a fire before important documents inside are destroyed. Steel makes file cabinets appropriate for any office, even in environments more prone to fire.

Security Features

Most steel file cabinets offer security features not available with other materials, like lockable drawers. This allows sensitive documents to be kept secure and confidential. Steel locks are also very difficult to break into without the proper key or combination.

Affordability

Steel is an affordable metal option that helps keep file cabinets reasonably priced for most office budgets, even when buying in bulk. Steel is cheaper than aluminum but provides most of the same benefits.

Weight and Stability

Properly weighted steel file cabinets sit solidly on the floor without tipping. Drawers glide smoothly without the cabinet rocking. Steel provides excellent stability compared to lighter materials like plastic or wood.

For all these reasons and more, steel is the clear frontrunner when choosing a material for file cabinet construction.

What Grade of Steel Is Used?

While most file cabinets are labeled simply “steel,” there are actually different grades of steel that can be used:

Low Carbon Steel

This common, inexpensive steel alloy is used for basic file cabinets focused solely on affordability. It provides moderate strength but may be less durable over decades of heavy use. Lower carbon steel file cabinets are more likely to suffer dents, scratches, and other cosmetic damage.

Cold Rolled Steel

Slightly stronger than low carbon steel thanks to a process of rolling steel through treatments to improve its strength and finish. Cold rolled steel strikes a balance of affordability and durable performance ideal for most standard file cabinet needs. It resists wear better than low carbon steel.

Stainless Steel

For high-end file cabinets where budget is not a concern, stainless steel provides the ultimate in strength and corrosion resistance. Stainless steel file cabinets maintain a near new appearance even after decades of service. They cost significantly more than low carbon or cold rolled steel.

So in summary:

• Low carbon steel – most affordable but lower durability
• Cold rolled steel – optimal balance of cost and durability
• Stainless steel – most expensive but highest performance

Most quality file cabinets strike a balance by using cold rolled steel construction. This provides suitable durability to withstand years of service at a reasonable cost. High-use environments like law firms may opt for stainless steel for added resilience. But cold rolled steel satisfies the needs of most offices very well.

How Is Steel File Cabinet Construction Done?

Steel file cabinets are not simply molded as one piece – they are assembled from multiple steel parts that are cut, bent, welded, and finished to create the final product. Here is an overview of how a steel file cabinet is actually constructed:

Cutting Steel Parts

Sheets of steel are cut into the side panels, drawer fronts, cabinet backs, and other parts that make up the file cabinet. Computer-controlled machines cut the steel precisely to specification.

Bending and Forming

Many steel parts must be bent or formed to shape – like rounded drawer fronts, angled side panels, cabinet backs, etc. Special machines apply immense pressure to bend and mold the steel pieces.

Welding Joints

Once shaped, the steel parts are clamped together and welding joins them permanently. Skilled welders fuse the steel with high heat, adding strength at the joints.

Adding Drawer Slides

Ball-bearing slides are installed to allow the drawers to glide in and out smoothly. These mounts firmly to the cabinet body and drawer box.

Finishing Details

Finally, the cabinet receives a powder-coated paint finish for a clean, professional look. Other details like drawer handles are installed.

Quality Control

Each cabinet is inspected to check for any flaws in construction. Minor imperfections get re-worked before the cabinet is approved for use.

This full assembly process combines steel parts, hardware, and finishes into the complete file cabinet ready for use. Automated machines and skilled workers cooperate to build each cabinet to the highest quality standards.

What About Aluminum File Cabinets?

While steel dominates the market, aluminum provides an alternative metal option for specialty file cabinets:

Lightweight

Aluminum weighs less than half as much as steel. This allows aluminum file cabinets to be moved around a room or office with greater ease. Workers appreciate the reduced weight when relocating cabinets.

Anti-Corrosion

Aluminum naturally resists corrosion, maintaining a “like new” appearance even after years of use. It does not rust or oxidize over time when exposed to moisture like steel eventually can.

Contemporary Styling

Aluminum comes in modern metallic finishes like silver, gray, or black. This allows aluminum file cabinets to better fit a contemporary office aesthetic vs traditional steel.

High Security

Heavy duty aluminum file cabinets offer increased security, protecting contents from fire, water, or unauthorized access. Specialized locks keep sensitive items ultra-secure.

However, aluminum still comes second to steel for a few reasons:

Strength

Aluminum does not match the raw strength and durability of steel. It is more prone to dents, bending, and wear under heavy daily use. Aluminum works better for occasional file access versus constant heavy use.

Cost

Like stainless steel, aluminum costs more than standard cold rolled steel. Aluminum is less affordable for furnishing an entire office with many file cabinets.

Fire Resistance

While special high-security aluminum alloys resist fire better than wood, standard aluminum still melts at a lower temperature than steel. It provides less fire protection for important documents.

In summary, aluminum excels for specialized cabinets but steel still dominates for affordability, strength, and fireproofing in most offices. But both metals make excellent, long-lasting file cabinet materials.

File Cabinet Finishes and Coatings

Beyond the core metal construction, different coatings can be applied to file cabinets:

Powder Coating

A specialized painting process that electrostatically fuses colored powder to the steel for an attractive, durable finish. More resilient than standard paint. Provides protection against scratches.

Enamel

A glossy and smooth vitreous enamel coating can be fused to steel or aluminum at high heat. More premium than powder coating but also more costly. Provides a glass-like finish.

Laminate

A resin-saturated paper finish bonded to file cabinets under high pressure. Provides decorative patterns or wood-grain texture at an affordable cost. More options than metal paint.

Stainless Steel

As discussed above, stainless steel cabinets maintain an attractive brushed metal appearance indefinitely without further coating needed. Most expensive finish option.

These various finishes allow file cabinets visual customization to match office décor – from conservative black or beige to wood-grain patterns and bright colors. The finish protects the underlying steel for a long service life.

Are There Any Plastic File Cabinets?

While less common in offices, filing cabinets can also be constructed of heavy-duty plastics. Advantages of plastic include:

Lightweight

Like aluminum, plastic file cabinets weigh significantly less than steel for easy mobility. Workers appreciate the reduced heft when moving cabinets.

Noise Reduction

Plastic dampens noise better than hollow steel. Closing and opening drawers is quieter. In a busy office, plastic reduces background noise and distractions.

Low Conductivity

Plastic provides insulation against electricity and heat. This added safety is useful when storing papers alongside electronics and other devices.

However, plastic comes second to metal for other significant reasons:

Structural Strength

Plastic cabinets are more prone to buckling and warping under weight. Over time, heavy use can cause sagging shelves and misaligned drawers. Durability is lacking.

Fire Resistance

Plastic melts at low temperatures, providing very little fire protection. Combustible paper contents can quickly ignite. Metal file cabinets are far superior for fire safety.

Security

Plastic is easier to pry open than metal. Determined intruders can more easily access contents compared to steel models. Break-ins are a concern.

For these reasons, plastic works better for light home office use rather than handling heavy daily use in busy workplaces that require sturdy construction. Metal cabinets remain the standard for robustness.

Key Takeaways About File Cabinet Materials

• Steel is the most popular file cabinet material due to its strength, durability, security, and fireproofing. Cold rolled steel offers the optimal balance of cost and longevity.
• Aluminum provides a lightweight alternative but lacks the power of steel. It excels mostly for specialty or decorative cabinets.
• Plastic works for light duty but fails for the demands of busy offices. Metal vastly outperforms plastic for heavy commercial use.
• Many different finishes can be applied to file cabinets for protection and aesthetics. Powder coating and enamel are common.

So in summary, steel is king when considering which metal is best for file cabinet construction. For affordable excellence, steel can’t be beaten. When furnished with high-quality steel file cabinets, any office will stay securely organized for decades to come.

Why Are File Cabinets Made of Metal Instead of Wood?

For most of history, file cabinets and similar storage items were made of wood. However, over the last century metal has emerged as the clear material of choice. There are several compelling reasons metal is now used instead of wood for file cabinet construction:

Durability

Metal is simply tougher and lasts longer than wood. File cabinets suffer a lot of wear and tear – from frantic searching for documents to slamming closed drawers. Wood ultimately succumbs to nicks, dents, splits and cracks under this daily abuse. Metal stands up to the demands of high-traffic use in busy offices.

Dimensional Stability

Wood naturally expands and contracts with changes in humidity and temperature. This can lead to sticking drawers that refuse to open or close seasonally as wood swells. Metal remains dimensionally stable year-round, with smooth drawer function regardless of the weather.

Fire Safety

Metal withstands fire and high heat better than combustible wood. Although wood can be treated with flame retardant, metal ultimately protects documents better in the event of an office fire. Steel file cabinets in particular offer excellent fire resistance.

Weight Support

Wood sags over time, especially on lower shelves and drawers. The weight of files and records takes its toll on the structural integrity of wood. Metal provides superior support for heavy loads of paperwork and records, maintaining usability for decades. The ball bearing slides of metal cabinets also allow smoother drawer function under weight.

Security

Lockable metal file cabinets better secure confidential documents and valuables. While wooden cabinets can also have locks installed, metal is harder to force open for thieves seeking valuable contents. The strength of metal foils smash-and-grab break-ins.

Appearance

Modern metal file cabinets come in attractive, professional finishes and colors to match office décor. From sleek black or silver to warm wood grain patterns, metal offers aesthetics beyond the traditional oak cabinet look. Dents and scratches are also less obvious.

For all these reasons – durability, stability, fire safety, strength, security and aesthetics – metal has clearly emerged as the preferable material for file cabinet construction in both home and commercial settings. Offices can rely on metal file cabinets to securely organize records for years to come.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Common File Cabinet Metals?

If you’re purchasing metal file cabinets, it helps to weigh the relative pros and cons of common options like steel, aluminum, and stainless steel:

Steel File Cabinets

Pros

• Affordable price point
• High strength & durability
• Impact resistance
• Naturally fire resistant
• Available in many colors

Cons

• Heavy weight, not easily moved
• Prone to rusting without proper coating
• Dents more noticeably than other metals

Aluminum File Cabinets

Pros

• Lightweight for easy mobility
• Resists corrosion and rust
• Contemporary visual styles
• Highly secure models available

Cons

• Weaker structurally than steel
• More expensive than basic steel
• Not as fire resistant as steel

Stainless Steel File Cabinets

Pros

• Extremely strong and durable
• Resists fingerprints and scratches
• Timeless, elegant appearance
• Highest fire resistance

Cons

• More expensive than other metals
• Heavy, not easily moved
• Overkill for basic filing needs

Key Considerations

• Cold rolled steel offers the best mix of affordability, strength, and durability for most offices
• Aluminum excels for decorative accent cabinets rather than daily heavy-use
• Stainless steel is only worth the investment for specialized high-security needs

For standard filing, cold rolled steel is first choice. Aluminum or stainless steel serve niche roles. Consider costs, needs, and office environment when selecting between common filing cabinet metals. An informed choice ensures years of reliable document storage.

How Much Weight Can File Cabinets Hold?

File cabinets may contain thousands of pages of documents and records, so they must be sturdy enough to handle the load. The exact weight capacity depends on factors like:

Cabinet Size

Larger four or five-drawer file cabinets hold more weight than smaller two-drawer models. More robust frames and wider drawers accommodate heavier loads. Average capacities by size:

• 2-drawer – 150-200 lbs total capacity
• 3-drawer – 225-300 lbs total capacity
• 4-drawer – 300-350 lbs total capacity
• 5-drawer – 375-450 lbs total capacity

So choose the minimum cabinet size needed for expected filing volume. Overloading smaller cabinets strains the structure.

Paper Density

Thick, dense paper types and binders are heavier than thin paper. A drawer stuffed with bound ledgers weighs more than the same space filled with loose printer paper. Account for paper thickness when estimating weight.

Drawer Rails

The smooth ball-bearing slides that allow drawers to open easily have a weight rating like any other hardware. Cheaper slides support less weight than heavy-duty, full-extension commercial rails.

Distribution

Equally distributing weight across all drawers is ideal. A bottom drawer overloaded while uppers remain light throws off the center of gravity. Fill each drawer evenly for best stability.

Construction Quality

Inexpensive thin-gauge steel cabinets hold less weight than thick, welded commercial file cabinets built to higher standards. Cheap cabinets dent and bend more readily.

Key Tips

• Don’t exceed drawer weight limits, distribute evenly
• Choose cabinet size based on expected weight needs
• Upgrade rails for heavier loads
• Favor sturdier cabinets for dense files
• Add reinforcing ribs if sagging occurs

With smart loading practices and quality cabinets, modern files achieve ample capacity for years of expanding document archives. Just be realistic about weight capacities and fill responsibly.

What Are the Standard File Cabinet Dimensions?

While filing cabinets come in a range of sizes, there are some standard exterior dimensions for common configurations:

Two-Drawer File Cabinets

• Height: 28-30 inches
• Width: 15-18 inches
• Depth: 24-26 inches

The two-drawer vertical file is well-suited to small office spaces with more limited storage needs. It tucks against a wall or in a corner.

Four-Drawer File Cabinets

• Height: 52-56 inches
• Width: 15-18 inches
• Depth: 24-26 inches

This full-height cabinet has become the modern standard, providing ample secure storage. Some models include the top drawer configured for hanging files.

Lateral File Cabinets

• Height: 23-26 inches
• Width: 30-36 inches
• Depth: 18-22 inches

Low-profile lateral files allow access to all drawers simultaneously without opening the top. Popular for high-traffic areas.

Wide Format Cabinets

• Height: 52-56 inches
• Width: 30-36 inches
• Depth: 18-22 inches

Deep lateral files combine full-height storage with wide drawer access. Provides substantial added capacity.

• Legal Size Cabinets
• Height: 52-56 inches
• Width: 21-24 inches
• Depth: 24-26 inches

Legal cabinets offer wider drawers sized for legal documents. Full-extension slides accommodate extra width.

These standard dimensions allow modular use of similarly sized cabinets from an array of brands. Consistent sizing enables efficient office layouts.

How Are File Cabinets Measured and Labeled?

Beyond exterior cabinet dimensions, the interior drawer dimensions matter for matching file types. Here is an overview of standard file cabinet measurements:

Drawer Widths

The side-to-side interior width of drawers is measured in inches. Common widths include:

• 12” wide – For letter size files sideways
• 15” wide – For legal size files sideways
• 18” wide – For letter size files front-to-back