Looking to purchase metal 2 drawer cabinets for your home or office? You’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will provide everything you need to know about buying quality metal 2 drawer cabinets.
An Introduction to Metal 2 Drawer Cabinets
Metal 2 drawer cabinets are a popular storage solution for many reasons. They are extremely durable, provide efficient use of space, and have a clean, sleek appearance. Here are some key things to know about metal 2 drawer cabinets:
Sturdy Construction
Unlike plastic or particle board cabinets, metal 2 drawer cabinets are constructed from strong steel or aluminum. This makes them resistant to chips, cracks, and scratches. The all-metal build ensures they will last for years even with frequent use.
Space-Efficient Design
With two full-extension drawers, metal 2 drawer cabinets maximize every inch of available space. The drawers are ideal for storing office supplies, tools, craft items, clothing, linens, and more. The smooth-gliding drawers make contents easy to access.
Sleek, Modern Look
Metal cabinets have a minimalist, contemporary aesthetic. Their simple styling works well in modern, industrial, or farmhouse decor. Many models have a powder-coated or enamel finish for a clean, polished look.
Customization Options
Metal 2 drawer cabinets are available in a wide array of sizes, colors, and finishes. Many can be customized with locks, casters, drawer liners, and other accessories. This lets you tailor them to your exact storage needs.
Where to Buy Metal 2 Drawer Cabinets
Now that you know the benefits of metal 2 drawer cabinets, where are the best places to buy them? Here are some top options to consider:
Home Improvement Stores
Stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s have a great selection of metal storage cabinets in-stock at affordable prices. You can often get discounts if you buy multiple units. This is a convenient option if you need cabinets right away.
Online Retailers
Websites like Amazon, Wayfair, and Target offer hundreds of metal 2 drawer cabinet options that ship directly to your home. This makes it easy to compare styles and prices from different brands. Online retailers frequently run sales and deals.
Furniture Stores
IKEA, Costco, and other furniture stores typically carry ready-to-assemble metal storage cabinets. These come unassembled in a flat box for easy transport. Furniture stores allow you to see units in person before purchasing.
Office Supply Retailers
Staples, Office Depot, and similar stores market metal cabinets for office and commercial use. These models generally have more durable builds and locking drawers. Office supply retailers often sell lateral filing cabinets with two drawers.
Medical and Lab Supply Companies
For cabinets to store medical, dental, or lab supplies, check companies like Global Industrial, Continental Metal Products, and TrippNT. Their models adhere to strict quality standards.
Restaurant Supply Stores
Restaurants and commercial kitchens use metal cabinets to organize culinary tools and small wares. Restaurant supply companies such as WebstaurantStore and KaTom Restaurant Supply have a huge selection.
Cabinet or Furniture Manufacturers
For custom or made-to-order metal cabinets, contact manufacturers like Tennsco, Sandusky, and Durham. These companies can modify sizing, materials, drawer configurations, and other details.
Second-Hand Sites
You can find discounted second-hand metal cabinets on sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay. These are good options for vintage, antique, or retro-style used cabinets. Be sure to inspect used cabinets for damage before purchasing.
What to Look for When Buying Metal 2 Drawer Cabinets
Keep the following things in mind when shopping for metal 2 drawer cabinets:
Construction
Look for cabinets made from thick, cold-rolled steel or aluminum with few seams for maximum durability. Avoid models with plastic, wood, or thin metal that dents easily.
Drawer Size
Standard drawer dimensions for 2-drawer cabinets are about 30” wide x 18” deep. Measure your space and what you intend to store before choosing a size. Opt for full-extension, ball-bearing glides.
Weight Capacity
Check the weight rating for each drawer to make sure it can handle what you need to store. Capacities typically range from 50-100 lbs per drawer. Go higher for heavy tools or materials.
Locking Mechanisms
Many metal cabinets have the option to add locks to one or both drawers for security. Keyed or combination locks prevent unauthorized access to contents.
Interior Features
Some models have drawer liners or dividers to customize storage. Look for cabinets with sound-dampening pads to reduce rattling and sliding noise.
Adjustable Shelving
For maximum versatility, choose cabinets with height-adjustable shelves. This allows you to accommodate items of various sizes in the drawers.
Finish and Color
Powder-coated and enamel finishes resist scratches and fingerprints. Neutral colors like black, gray, and white fit most decor. Or choose bold hues to make a statement.
Price
Basic metal 2 drawer cabinets start around $50. Larger sizes or heavier-duty models with more features can cost $200+. Compare prices and qualities to find the best value.
Brand Reputation
Choose reputable commercial brands like Tennsco, Sandusky, Duram, and Excel for the highest quality metal cabinets. Read reviews and check warranties.
Where to Place Metal 2 Drawer Cabinets
The versatile two-drawer design of these cabinets makes them suitable for nearly any room in your home. Here are some common placement ideas:
Garage and Workshops
Metal cabinets are ideal for holding tools, hardware, auto supplies, paints, and workshop essentials. Their rugged build stands up to dusty and damp garage environments.
Office Spaces
Use lateral filing cabinets to organize office supplies, paperwork, and important documents. The locking drawers keep confidential items secure.
Craft Rooms
Crafters love storing all their supplies neatly sorted in metal drawers – ribbons, buttons, embroidery floss, fabric scraps, and more. Some cabinets have removable dividers.
Kitchens
Metal cabinets conveniently hold pots, pans, canned goods, baking sheets, and kitchen gadgets. Place them near work areas for easy access while cooking.
Bathrooms
In bathrooms, metal cabinets keep towels, toiletries, first aid items, and cleaning products organized yet hidden behind closed doors.
Laundry Rooms
Stack two matching metal cabinets side-by-side to sort laundry essentials, seasonal clothes, and linens. Labels help identify contents.
Entryways and Mudrooms
Near home entries, metal cabinets stow shoes, outerwear, sports equipment, pet supplies, and other everyday items out of sight.
Dorm Rooms
College students make use of metal 2 drawer cabinets for clothes, snacks, electronics, and dorm supplies. They fit nicely under lofted beds.
Style and Design Tips
Follow these style tips for choosing and decorating with metal 2 drawer cabinets:
Match Cabinet Hardware
For a cohesive look, match the metal finish on the cabinet handles and knobs with the finish on the unit itself. Matte black, brushed nickel, and chrome are safe choices.
Consider Your Decor
Clean-lined metal cabinets suit modern, contemporary, industrial, and minimalist decor best. For traditional spaces, look for vintage-style cabinets with arched pulls.
Add Interest With Color
Go bold with a bright color like red, orange, or aqua for an eye-catching accent. Or choose a subdued tone like sage green that complements your existing color palette.
Label Drawers
Use vinyl labels, chalkboard stickers, or handwritten painter’s tape tags to identify what’s stored in each drawer. This keeps contents organized.
Store Like Items Together
Group together items that are used regularly or related to certain tasks. For example, keep all jewelry-making supplies in one drawer.
Allow for Airflow
Don’t pack drawers too densely. Leave some room for airflow, especially when storing clothes. This prevents musty odors.
Protect Surfaces
Use shelf liners or foam matting in the drawers to guard against scratches and dents from stored objects.
Elevate for Easy Access
Raise cabinets off the floor by several inches if you plan to access them frequently. Caster wheels or riser legs make contents easier to reach.
Safety Tips for Metal 2 Drawer Cabinets
While very durable, metal cabinets do come with some safety considerations. Keep these tips in mind:
- Use caution when opening drawers to avoid pinched fingers. Open and close gently using handles.
- Bolt cabinets securely to wall studs for stability, especially if installing multiple units.
- Ensure cabinets meet safety testing standards from organizations like BIFMA or ANSI.
- Check drawers for sharp edges or gaps that could cause cuts. File down any rough spots.
- Keep heavier items in bottom drawers to prevent accidental tipping. Load weight evenly.
- Keep cabinet contents organized so drawer glides don’t jam and contents don’t shift unexpectedly.
- Check drawers periodically for signs of loose screws, broken glides, or instability.
- Keep cleaning products, chemicals, and anything harmful to children locked or in high cabinets.
- Avoid overloading drawers beyond the recommended weight capacities.
- Pull out just one fully-extended drawer at a time to maintain stability.
- Install anti-tip brackets for added safety, especially in homes with young children.
Maintenance Tips for Metal 2 Drawer Cabinets
With proper care, your quality metal cabinets can serve you for decades. Here are some maintenance best practices:
- Wipe down exterior surfaces frequently with a soft cloth and mild cleaner to remove dust and dirt.
- Clean drawer interiors periodically by removing all contents and vacuuming out debris.
- Use a furniture polish or mineral oil to restore shine and luster to enamel finishes. Avoid harsh chemicals.
- Lubricate drawer glides every few months with a dry lubricant spray to keep slides operating smoothly.
- Tighten loose knobs, pulls, hinges, drawer glides, or hardware as needed over time.
- Spot clean scuffs, scratches, or stains quickly to prevent damage. Use a touch up marker for minor marks.
- Adjust or replace cabinet leveling feet if doors become misaligned over time.
- Assess drawers for damage or excessive wear yearly. Replace broken components like glides or slides.
- Consider installing reinforced corner guards if cabinets are used in high-traffic areas.
- Use riser legs or casters to raise cabinets off the floor for easy cleaning underneath.
With regular cleaning and maintenance, quality metal 2 drawer cabinets will function like new for many years. Be sure to follow any additional care instructions from the manufacturer.
Does It Make Sense to Buy Used Metal Cabinets?
The option to purchase used metal 2 drawer cabinets appeals to many buyers because of the potential cost savings. But does it make sense? Here are some pros and cons to weigh:
Potential Pros of Buying Used Metal Cabinets:
- Lower upfront cost, sometimes up to 50% less than new
- Ability to find solid wood models that are no longer manufactured
- Vintage or antique styles show unique character
- Often little wear and tear on second-hand office models
- Greener choice reduces waste and environmental impact
Potential Cons of Buying Used Cabinets:
- No warranty or guarantee on quality or condition
- May require repairs, refinishing, or part replacements
- Drawers and slides may not operate smoothly from previous wear
- Difficult to inspect thoroughly for flaws without seeing in person
- Could contain odors, stains, or other signs of past use
- Selection is limited to what can be found secondhand locally
Key Tips for Buying Used Cabinets:
- Inspect carefully for damage like dents, rust, chips, or scratches
- Test drawer slides to ensure smooth operation with no sticking
- Check for level surfaces with no major wobbling or instability
- Look for a clean interior free of debris, stains, or odors
- Evaluate any necessary repairs and factor into total cost
- Purchase from reputable sellers that allow returns if unsatisfied
If you take your time to find quality secondhand cabinets in excellent shape, go for durable metal construction, and budget for any repairs needed, buying used can be a smart way to save. But skip any cabinets that show structural damage or need major work. When in doubt, opt for new metal cabinets that come with peace of mind from a warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions About Metal 2 Drawer Cabinets
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about buying and using metal 2 drawer cabinets:
What are typical dimensions of metal 2 drawer cabinets?
Popular standard sizes range from 30 to 36 inches wide and between 30 to 35 inches tall. Drawer depths are usually around 18 to 24 inches. Exact dimensions vary by brand and model.
How much weight can metal drawer cabinets hold?
Look for weight capacities of at least 50 pounds per drawer for regular home use, up to 100+ pounds for heavy duty use. Weight limits should be listed in product details.
What thickness of steel or aluminum is best?
Aim for 18 to 22 gauge cold-rolled steel or aluminum of 0.075 inch thickness or more. The lower the gauge number, the thicker and more durable the metal.
Should I choose a smooth or textured finish?
Smooth powder-coated and enamel finishes resist fingerprints and are easiest to clean. Textured finishes like brushed nickel hide scuffs better.
Can I customize a metal 2 drawer cabinet?
Many brands offer custom upgrades like drawer liners, locks, casters, adjustable shelves, and more. Or customize yourself with contact paper, hooks, bins, etc.
How do I clean metal cabinets?
Use a mild soap and water solution and soft cloth to clean. Don’t use harsh chemicals or abrasive pads. Wipe spills promptly to avoid stains.
Should I bolt a metal cabinet to the wall?
For safety, especially with children, bolt to wall studs using provided hardware. This prevents tipping if drawers are pulled out.
Why are drawer slides so important?
High-quality ball-bearing slides ensure smooth operation. Look for full-extension slides for easy access to back of drawers.
How can I soundproof metal cabinet drawers?
Felt pads, rubber bumpers, and drawer liners minimize rattling, sliding noise, and vibration. Foam matting also helps soundproof contents.
Conclusion
From durable construction to efficient storage and sleek styling, it’s easy to see why metal 2 drawer cabinets are a versatile, practical choice for nearly any room. Now that you know where to shop, how to compare options, and tips for decorating with metal cabinets, you are ready to choose the perfect model to organize your space.
Invest in quality, seek out top-rated brands, measure carefully, and don’t overload drawers. With proper use and care, metal 2 drawer cabinets can serve your household functionality and storage needs for many years to come.