Metal cabinets are an excellent choice for long-lasting and durable storage. With a wide range of sizes, styles, and features available, metal cabinets can meet the organization and storage needs of any home or office. However, with so many options to choose from, you may be wondering where is the best place to purchase quality metal cabinets for your space.
What to Look For When Buying Metal Cabinets
When shopping for metal cabinets, there are a few key factors to consider:
Construction and Materials
- Gauge: The gauge (thickness) of the steel determines the overall strength and durability. Look for 18, 20, or 22 gauge steel which offers a good balance of durability without being too heavy.
- Welded vs Riveted: Welded seams are stronger than riveted construction. However, riveted cabinets are still very sturdy.
- Paint Finish: Powder coating or enamel paint finishes prevent rusting and provide added durability.
- Doors and Drawers: Look for full overlay doors, soft-close metal drawer slides, and steel roller catches on doors for smoother operation.
Size and Style
- Standard Sizes: 18″, 24″, 30″, and 36″ widths are common. Standard heights range from 30″ up to 84″.
- Storage Features: Number of drawers, shelves, cabinets and overall dimensions should suit your storage needs.
- Locking Options: Some units come with locking doors or drawers for added security.
- Certifications: Look for ANSI/BIFMA certifications that ensure quality standards.
Where to Purchase Quality Metal Cabinets
Once you know what to look for, it’s time to find some reputable sources to purchase metal cabinets. Here are some of the best places to buy quality metal cabinets:
Big Box Stores – Affordable and Convenient
Popular home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s carry a range of ready-to-assemble (RTA) metal storage cabinets at affordable prices. The selection tends to focus more on utility over style.
Pros
- Wide availability across locations. Easy to browse in-store selection.
- Affordable pricing, frequent sales and deals.
- Ready to take home same day.
Cons
- More limited options compared to specialty retailers.
- Focus is more on baseline functionality over style.
- Quality can vary. Stick to top brands.
Some top metal cabinet brands at big box stores include:
- Husky (Home Depot)
- Kobalt (Lowe’s)
- Trinity (Home Depot)
- Sandusky (Lowe’s)
Big box stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s provide an affordable and convenient option for purchasing quality metal cabinets. Focus on top brands for the best durability and storage performance.
Online Retailers – Convenience with More Styles
Shopping online opens up many more metal cabinet options with extensive selections and fast shipping. Retailers like Wayfair, Amazon, and Walmart offer a huge assortment of metal cabinets in various sizes, styles and price points.
Pros
- Huge selection of sizes, styles and brands. Filter and compare options.
- Convenience of shopping from home and quick shipping.
- Competitive pricing with frequent sales and special deals.
- Read customer reviews.
Cons
- Can’t see in person before buying. Rely on photos and descriptions.
- Potential for damage in shipping which may be a hassle to return/exchange.
Top metal cabinet brands from online retailers include:
- Seville Classics (Wayfair, Amazon)
- Tennsco (Wayfair)
- Sandusky (Wayfair, Walmart)
- Prepac (Wayfair, Amazon)
- Edsal (Amazon)
Online shopping for metal cabinets allows for more variety and doorstep delivery. Stick to top reviewed brands for assured quality.
Specialty Storage Retailers – Premium Quality
For commercial grade or more stylish metal cabinets, specialty storage retailers like The Container Store offer superior quality and finishes. Though prices are higher, the cabinets are very durable and designed for longevity.
Pros
- Very high quality materials and construction. Built to last.
- Larger selection of stylish designs and luxury finishes.
- Storage experts can provide personalized recommendations.
- Better customization options.
Cons
- Much higher prices than big box stores or online sites.
- Limited local availability, may need to ship.
Some top specialty metal cabinet brands include:
- Sandusky Lee (The Container Store)
- Case Design (The Container Store)
- Trinity (The Container Store)
- Hunter (Spencer’s Office)
Specialty storage retailers offer premium metal cabinets with quality tailor-made for longevity and style. Expect to pay more for better materials and finishes.
Office Furniture Stores – For Commercial Spaces
Businesses outfitting a new office or looking to upgrade old filing cabinets should check commercial grade options from office furniture stores. Brands like HON and Mayline offer best-in-class durability and functionality suited for daily professional use.
Pros
- Extremely durable commercial grade quality.
- Meets stringent safety and testing standards.
- Variety of secure locking mechanisms.
- Tailored specifically for office needs.
Cons
- Very expensive, highest pricing tier.
- Focus is on utility over aesthetics.
- Limited inventory may require special orders.
Top commercial metal cabinet brands include:
- HON
- Mayline
- Sandusky Lee (Spencer’s Office)
- Alera (Spencer’s Office)
- Tennsco (Spencer’s Office)
For the best office-ready metal cabinets, check professional brands at office furniture stores. Be prepared to pay top dollar for unmatched quality and safety.
Metal Cabinet Buying Tips
- Carefully measure the space intended for the cabinet to ensure proper fit.
- Read product descriptions and specifications closely to understand materials and features.
- Sort by narrow specifications like size, gauge, drawer type, etc to filter options.
- Look at actual buyer reviews for insights on real-world quality and durability.
- Consider delivery fees if not picking up locally. Large metal cabinets can get pricey to ship.
- Properly anchor tall cabinets to studs in the wall for safety, especially in earthquake zones.
- Be prepared for some minor assembly and adjustments out of the box for most ready-to-assemble cabinets.
Frequently Asked Questions about Buying Metal Cabinets
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about purchasing metal cabinets for your home or office:
How much do metal cabinets cost?
Metal cabinet pricing can range tremendously based on size, quality of materials, brand, and place of purchase. Basic small ready-to-assemble cabinets can cost $50 to $150 at big box stores. Larger welded cabinets from specialty retailers could cost $300 on up. expect to pay $500+ for heavy duty commercial grade metal cabinets.
What gauge steel should I look for in metal cabinets?
18, 20, or 22 gauge steel offers a good balance of durability without being excessively heavy. Look for full welded cabinet construction for maximum durability. Avoid thin 24+ gauge steel cabinets that dent easily.
Are metal cabinets better than wood?
Metal is naturally more resistant to moisture, rust, and pests than wood. Metal cabinets are a better choice for garages, laundry rooms, and other damp areas. However, quality solid wood cabinets offer classic styling. Choose based on look, budget and intended use case.
How do I match existing cabinets when buying new ones?
Carefully note the size, color, door style and interior configurations of your existing cabinets. Bring photos when shopping to find the closest match in materials and dimensions from the same manufacturer if possible.
Should I build my own or buy pre-made cabinets?
For basic utility, buying ready-to-assemble metal cabinets is more affordable and convenient than custom building your own. But if you want fully customized cabinets built for a unique space or layout, custom fabrication offers limitless possibilities.
How difficult is it to assemble store-bought cabinets?
Most ready-to-assemble metal cabinets from retailers involve some minor assembly using provided hardware and instructions. The process ranges from very quick and simple, to more complex for bigger cabinets. Have helpers, tools and patience on hand.
Conclusion
Finding the right metal cabinets to meet your specific storage needs takes some careful shopping research. Fortunately, with the wide range available both locally and online, quality metal cabinets that fit your budget, space, and style preferences are out there. Focus on trusted brands, construction quality, and durable finishes to invest in metal cabinets that will serve you securely for many years. Take measurements in advance, read customer reviews, and evaluate shipping options to make the buying process smooth. With the right metal cabinets in place, you can neatly organize items and add a touch of industrial style to your home or workplace.