Metal storage cabinets are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of settings from garages to offices. When searching for metal storage cabinets, it’s important to consider factors like size, style, features, quality, and price. With many options available from big box retailers to specialty stores, knowing where to find the best selection can simplify the buying process. This comprehensive guide provides insights on the pros and cons of various places to purchase metal storage cabinets.
Big Box Retailers
Large big box stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s offer a wide assortment of metal storage cabinets at affordable prices. The major advantages of buying storage cabinets from big box retailers include:
- Convenience – With hundreds of locations across the country, you can easily visit a local store to view options in person before purchasing. This allows you to inspect the quality and assembly.
- Affordable Pricing – Due to high volume purchasing, big box retailers can offer lower prices on storage cabinets than small specialty stores. Frequent sales and specials also help keep costs down.
- Variety – Big box stores have partnerships with several major storage cabinet brands. This results in a large selection of sizes, configurations, and styles to meet diverse needs.
- Immediate Availability – With high inventory volumes, most metal storage cabinets are in stock ready for same-day pickup. This avoids waiting for items to ship.
While low prices and vast choice are beneficial, there are some potential drawbacks when purchasing storage cabinets from a mega retailer:
- Limited Customer Service – Large stores prioritize fast transactions which may result in less personalized guidance on selecting the optimal cabinet for your needs.
- Potential for Damage – High customer volume can lead to floor models being scratched or dented. Carefully inspect units prior to purchase.
- Lower Quality Materials – To meet lower price points, some big box cabinet lines may use thinner steel or plastic components.
- Limited Specialization – Selection focuses on general home storage needs rather than specialized commercial or industrial models.
For shoppers wanting good value on essential cabinet styles, big box stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s are prime destinations. Just take time to carefully evaluate options to find high quality units.
Where to Find Big Box Retailers
The major national chains providing a large assortment of competitively priced metal storage cabinets include:
- The Home Depot – With over 2,000 locations, Home Depot has one of the largest and most affordable selections of storage cabinets from brands like Husky, Excel, and Glacier. Models range from 2-door uprights to large workbenches.
- Lowe’s – Another huge home improvement chain, Lowe’s offers value-priced cabinet styles from Edsal, Kobalt, and Blue Hawk. Freestanding cabinets, wardrobes, and cabinets with drawers are available.
- Menards – Primarily located in the Midwest, Menards has a full spectrum of storage solutions. Look for tough Tennsco cabinets as well as MasterForce, SteelSentry, and John Sterling models.
- Costco – For bulk shoppers, Costco warehouses carry GarageSmart, Edgemate, and other name brand garage and utility cabinets. Styles vary seasonally.
Checking the websites of these go-to big box retailers lets you see their latest metal storage cabinet selections.
Warehouse Club Stores
In addition to general big box retailers, warehouse club outlets like Sam’s Club and Costco offer a limited range of commercial grade metal storage. Warehouse pricing can equal big savings for business owners or anyone needing high capacity solutions. Consider warehouse clubs for:
- Bulk Pricing – Like other items, purchasing metal cabinets through a membership warehouse benefits from discounted bulk rates and economy of scale.
- Commercial Grade Quality – Warehouse equipment is made to handle heavy daily use with reinforced doors, thicker gauge steel, and stronger shelving.
- Large Capacities – Warehouse outlets emphasize high capacity models able to hold sizable inventories of goods, supplies, or archive records.
- Special Order Availability – While selection is limited to common essentials, warehouse staff can place special orders for cabinets in other sizes or configurations.
Of course, the defining downside of warehouse clubs is the limited model selection. Only the most popular sellers are stocked. This means finding specific storage features or aesthetics may require purchasing elsewhere.
For serious commercial storage needs, Costco Business Center, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Wholesale Club are prime targets for value bulk pricing on metal cabinets. Just confirm specifications match your environment.
Office Superstores
Retail chains catering to office and business needs, like Staples and Office Depot, carry a smaller assortment of metal storage geared for workplace settings. Advantages of office superstore cabinet shopping include:
- Office Oriented Styles – Look for laterals, verticals, wardrobes, and multimedia cabinets to furnish professional spaces.
- Advice for Business Buyers – Associates can provide recommendations to outfit offices, copy rooms, conference areas, and more.
- Frequent Discounts – Special sales and coupons help reduce costs for furnishing on a budget. Open box deals also offer savings.
- Space Planning Assistance – Some locations offer free space planning to help layout cabinets and other furniture.
- Delivery Options – Have large orders delivered and installed rather than transporting pieces yourself.
While convenient for office managers, professional storage selections may be narrower and geared only toward basic needs. Home users may need to shop outlets with more variety.
Major national office chains like Staples and Office Depot have an assortment of cabinets to furnish workspaces affordably. Their websites allow you to view available styles and prices.
Online Retailers
Online only retailers provide the ultimate convenience for shoppers. You can purchase metal storage cabinets and have them delivered directly to your door. Assessing online sources involves weighing factors like:
- Convenience – Order cabinets anytime without leaving home. Useful for rural shoppers far from large retail stores.
- Fast Shipping – Many online sellers offer expedited shipping for an additional fee to receive orders quicker.
- Expanded Selections – Webstores showcase models from a wide array of manufacturers rather than just one or two brand partnerships.
- Detailed Research – Browse complete product specifications and buyer reviews for feedback on real world performance.
- Discreet Purchases – Those wanting privacy can shop discreetly versus in crowded public showrooms.
- Limited Pre-Purchase Inspection – While photos provide views of cabinets, you can???t fully evaluate fit and finish without seeing in person.
While the selection may be wider, scrutinizing photos, descriptions, and reviews is vital to ensuring satisfactory online cabinet purchases.
Top sites providing one-stop metal storage cabinet shopping include:
- Amazon – As the largest online retailer, Amazon stocks all sizes of metal cabinets from leading brands plus more economical house brands like AmazonBasics. Sort by customer rating, price, or Prime eligibility.
- Walmart – The Walmart website features numerous metal storage cabinets with the convenience of pickup at your local store or delivery. Look for top labels like Rubbermaid and Keter.
- Wayfair – One of the largest online furniture sellers, Wayfair offers free shipping on a huge assortment of utility cabinets, garage cabinets, wardrobes, and cabinet bundles.
- The Home Depot – In addition to in-store shopping, Home Depot provides online ordering with home delivery or free store pickup of your storage purchase.
- Lowe’s – Take advantage of Lowe’s vast selection of storage cabinets by ordering online for delivery to your home or business location.
The buying power of mass retailers allows them to ship popular metal cabinet styles directly to your address at reasonable rates.
Local Retailers
Beyond the big national chains, locally owned home goods and hardware stores often have a lineup of metal cabinets. The upside of local sourcing includes:
- In-Stock Convenience – Smaller retailers with excess stock can provide same day pickup without waiting on delivery trucks.
- Boutique Finds – Unique, locally made cabinet designs are more likely at specialty shops versus big chains.
- Personalized Guidance – Small business owners often have the time and expertise to advise on optimal storage options for your specific needs.
- Installation Services – Local handyperson businesses may provide cabinet assembly and installation as an additional service.
- Support Small Businesses – Money spent at local retailers supports neighborhood jobs and economic health.
Of course, selection may be more limited if stores only carry a few brands. Be prepared to visit multiple locations to find the right style. Carry measurements to ensure the cabinet you find can fit your space.
The right locally owned store can be the solution for hard-to-find storage cabinets and personalized assistance. Search for well rated hardware stores, contractors, and specialty shops in your area.
Used Cabinets
For the budget conscious or those needing just basic storage, used (or secondhand) metal cabinets are plentiful:
- Lower Cost – Buying used provides significant savings with gently used cabinets priced at a fraction of new versions.
- Vintage Styles – Older retro models made of thicker gauge steel can have more character than modern flimsy versions.
- Reuse Benefits – Purchasing secondhand keeps old cabinets from landfills to support sustainability.
- Hidden Defects – While cost effective, used cabinets may have dings, rust, warped doors, and other issues not immediately evident upon inspection.
- Limited Selection – Finding exactly what you need can require regular searching as available used inventory constantly fluctuates.
While used metal storage units don’t offer the same pristine condition or warranty as new, they deliver serious value. Take time to carefully assess condition before purchasing.
Top places to locate discounted secondhand metal storage cabinets include:
- Classified Listings – Websites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace feature numerous sellers offering quality used cabinets in good working order.
- Consignment Shops – Find consignment furniture shops or reuse stores for cabinets traded in by previous owners. Selections change regularly.
- Auctions – Storage cabinets are commonly sold at live and online auctions. Inspect thoroughly before placing bids.
- Estate Sales – The settlement of estates often includes garage, shop, or utility cabinets priced for quick sale.
- Thrift Stores – Check thrift store furniture sections for donated cabinets. Call ahead to ask about current large inventory.
With patience, persistence, and scrutiny, secondhand sourcing can uncover fantastic storage cabinet bargains needing just minor refurbishment.
Cabinet Material Comparison
An important choice when selecting metal storage cabinets is deciding the ideal material to suit your needs:
| Material | Attributes |
|-|-|
| Steel | Durable, dent resistant, affordable, and available in wide range of gauge thicknesses. Can develop rust if not properly treated. Most economical option. |
| Stainless Steel | Extremely strong, dent proof, rust proof, and stain resistant but more expensive upfront. Requires less maintenance. Best for wet areas. |
| Aluminum | Resistant to rust and corrosion but susceptible to dents and scratches. Fairly lightweight yet strong when properly reinforced. Found in industrial settings. |
Taking into account factors like budget, durability requirements, weight, and workspace needs assists in determining which metal works best. Steel offers the best balance for general home or business use.
Key Cabinet Features
Today’s metal storage cabinets deliver functionality through helpful design elements:
- Adjustable Shelving – Modular shelves that can be repositioned enable customizing interior space. Make room for large items.
- Drawers – Incorporated drawers provide dedicated space for tools, hardware, office supplies, and other smaller goods accessed regularly.
- Doors – Cabinet fronts secure contents from dust and prying fingers yet allow easy access compared to fixed shelving units.
- Locks – Locking mechanisms on doors safely protect valuable contents from unauthorized access. Look for pick resistant designs.
- Ventilation – Louvered vents promote airflow which is especially useful when storing paints, chemicals, and odor causing items.
- Caster Wheels – Built-in rolling casters enable conveniently moving fully loaded cabinets around as needed. Locking wheels prevent accidental sliding.
Think about must-have features to support your intended storage purposes when selecting cabinets. Other specialty options like mini drawers, magnetic strips, and metal pegboards further enhance utility.
Where to Buy Metal Storage Cabinets – FAQs
Q: Are used metal storage cabinets safe to purchase?
A: Carefully inspecting any used cabinet for damage and evaluating if repairs are needed is advised. Minor dents or scratches are usually fine. But major rust, damaged doors, or unstable bases could indicate a safety hazard not worth the savings over a new cabinet.
Q: What are the shipping costs for purchasing metal cabinets online?
A: Shipping fees for metal storage cabinets bought online vary based on retailer policies, cabinet dimensions, and your location. Expect costs between $50-$300+ for full sized upright cabinets. Retailers often provide free shipping on smaller chest style cabinets.
Q: Should I assemble metal cabinets myself or pay for professional installation?
A: Assembling basic freestanding storage cabinets with included instructions is generally a manageable DIY project. But complex modular, wall mounted, or integrated cabinet systems may benefit from professional assembly to ensure proper installation.
Q: How much weight can metal storage cabinets safely hold?
A: Weight capacities depend on cabinet size and construction but most can handle 100-800 lbs on fixed shelves and up to 150 lbs in drawers when evenly distributed. Refer to the manufacturer specs for a max recommended weight limit to avoid buckling or collapsing.
Q: Can you paint metal storage cabinets to match your room decor?
A: Yes, with proper prep and priming, factory finished or unfinished bare metal cabinets can be painted any color using spray paint, rollers, or brushes. Just confirm the paint is formulated to bond to slick metal surfaces.
Conclusion
Finding the right metal storage cabinets to organize your home, garage, office, or workspace involves comparing your needs to the variety of sizes, styles, and prices available. While large big box stores offer budget-friendly generic options, also check warehouse clubs, online retailers, local shops, and even secondhand sources when the exact configuration you need is hard to find. Invest time assessing material quality, durability, and hardware to get long lasting storage. With an array of cabinet buying options, you can surely secure the perfect solutions to organize your space in style.