How to Add Legs to a Metal File Cabinet

Adding legs to a metal file cabinet can provide extra height, improve stability, and create a more visually appealing piece of furniture. With some simple tools and materials, it’s easy to DIY legs onto a basic file cabinet. Follow the steps below to learn how to add legs to a metal file cabinet.

Introduction

Metal file cabinets are extremely common in both home and office settings. They provide efficient and organized document storage. However, most metal file cabinets sit directly on the floor without any legs. Adding custom legs can provide a variety of benefits:

• Increased height – Legs raise the file cabinet off the ground for more comfortable access. This removes the need to bend down to access lower drawers.
• Visual appeal – Legs add a decorative touch that improves the overall look of the filing cabinet. The style of legs can match your home decor.
• Improved stability – Legs with a wide base help keep the filing cabinet balanced and prevent tipping. This is especially important for taller cabinets.
• Level surface – If the floor is uneven, legs can raise the cabinet for an even horizontal surface. Level cabinets open and close smoothly.
• Mobility – Some leg styles create a rolling file cabinet for easy transportation.

Adding custom legs is an affordable and straightforward upgrade for basic metal file cabinets. With a few tools and supplies, you can create an attractive cabinet with improved function. This article will walk through the complete process of attaching legs to a standard two- or four-drawer lateral file cabinet.

Choose Your Leg Style

The first step is selecting the style of legs to attach. There are several options that range from simple to more complex:

Hairpin Legs

Hairpin legs are formed from bent steel rods. They have a thin, tapered shape resembling old-fashioned hairpins:

Hairpin legs support lighter pieces of furniture. They add a vintage or rustic aesthetic. The legs usually attach with screw-on flanges or tabs.

Tapered Wood Legs

Tapered wooden legs are another basic style. The legs have a wider top that tapers down to a narrow bottom. The tapered shape provides stability:

Wood legs can coordinate with many furniture styles. They are often attached with corner blocks or an apron spanning the legs.

Square Metal Legs

For a more industrial look, square metal legs are a good choice. The blocky shape matches the metal file cabinet:

The legs can attach directly to the metal cabinet or to a supporting base frame.

Casters

For the most versatility, consider casters or wheels. These allow rolling the filing cabinet easily:

Locking casters keep the cabinet stationary when needed. Or select two fixed and two swivel casters for mobility.

Turned Wood Legs

Turned wood legs have an elegant, ornate style. They suit traditional decor:

The round, tapered shape provides stability. Built-in corner blocks often attach turned legs.

The leg style you choose may depend on the size and weight of the file cabinet. Simple legs like hairpin and tapered styles work well for lighter two-drawer cabinets. Heavier four-drawer units may require sturdier legs.

Gather the Necessary Materials

Once you’ve selected your desired leg style, gather the necessary hardware and building materials. Having everything on hand will make the project go smoothly.

Here is an overview of common supplies needed:

• Legs – Purchase metal or wooden legs in the required quantity and style. Or gather materials to fabricate DIY legs.
• Attachment plates – Metal corner brackets, hairpin tabs, or wooden blocks secure the legs.
• Fasteners – Wood screws, machine screws, or bolts connect the legs. Select the proper size and type.
• Tools – A drill/driver, wrenches, and basic hand tools are needed for assembly.
• Base frame – If not attaching directly to the cabinet, build a supporting wooden base.
• Paint/finish – Apply finish to any DIY legs and wood components for protection.
• Glue – Wood glue bonds leg attachments like corner blocks.
• Casters – Buy quality casters rated for the cabinet’s weight if creating a rolling file.

Purchase legs and hardware from home improvement stores, hardware stores, or online retailers. Building supply centers offer lumber for base frames. Allow time to fabricate any custom legs or wood base before starting installation.

Remove Drawers from the File Cabinet

The first installation step is emptying and removing the drawers from the file cabinet. This provides easier access for adding the legs. Take the following steps:

1. Empty the contents of all drawers into boxes for temporary storage. Organize contents according to the original drawer order.
2. Open each drawer and locate the plastic or metal drawer release clips on either side. These are small semicircular tabs positioned underneath the drawer slides.
3. Pull up on both drawer release clips and carefully pull the drawer completely out. Set it aside.
4. Repeat steps 2-3 to remove all remaining drawers. Stack them in order for reinstallation later.
5. Clean the cabinet interior if needed. Now the sides and bottom are accessible for leg attachment.

With the drawers cleared out and removed, the cabinet sides are now open. This allows you to easily mark the leg positions and complete the attachment process.

Mark the Leg Positions

Determine the ideal position for each leg based on your selected leg style. Follow these tips when marking the leg locations:

• Space the legs evenly along the sides of the cabinet. Measure and mark identical positions on opposite sides.
• Keep the legs several inches in from the front and back of the cabinet for best stability. Don’t mark too close to the edges.
• If using corner leg attachments, position the legs at the corners of the cabinet sides.
• Pull the cabinet partially away from any walls to access the back sides for marking.
• Use a carpenter’s square to ensure the marks are perpendicular to the cabinet edge.
• Mark hole locations if pre-drilling pilot holes for screws.

Use a pencil to mark the precise spot for centering each leg. Accurate marking is crucial for a stable finished product. Take time to measure carefully.

Attach Supporting Base Frame

Some leg installation methods require first attaching a supporting wooden base frame underneath the file cabinet:

• A base provides an anchoring point for legs that don’t attach directly to the metal sides.
• It acts as blocking to support aprons between legs.
• On uneven floors, a base allows leveling the legs individually.

Construct the base from 2×4 or 2×6 lumber cut to fit snugly against the underside of the cabinet. Follow these steps to attach it:

1. Position the base frame centered under the cabinet and flush with the edges.
2. Mark the locations of the leg positions onto the wooden base.
3. Pre-drill holes up through the base frame at the marks.
4. Use wood screws driven from underneath to anchor the base to the metal cabinet bottom.
5. Check for a flush fit against the cabinet edges and make any adjustments.

The wooden base is now secured. The legs will bolt into it at the marked locations in upcoming steps.

Attach the Cabinet Legs

With the leg positions marked and any base frame installed, now fasten the legs themselves. The attachment method varies by leg type:

Hairpin Legs

1. Screw the threaded leg flanges onto the ends of the legs. Position them facing inward toward the cabinet.
2. Place the flanges over the pencil marks aligning the holes.
3. Drive screws through the holes into the cabinet sides to secure the flanges.
4. Check that all legs are plumb and make any adjustments.

Tapered Wood Legs

1. Apply wood glue to the tops of the legs where they will contact corner blocks.
2. Position the legs with blocks centered on the marks. Clamp in place.
3. Drill pilot holes and drive wood screws through the blocks into the legs and cabinet frame.
4. Allow the glue to dry completely before unclamping.

Square Metal Legs

1. Bolt the legs to the insides of the base frame using appropriate sized nuts and bolts.
2. Make any necessary height adjustments by leveling individual leg bolts in or out as needed.
3. Use lock washers or thread locking adhesive to prevent loosening over time.

Casters

1. Bolt caster mounting plates onto the bottom of the cabinet or base frame.
2. Attach the casters securely onto the plates following the product directions.
3. Test rolling the cabinet and engage the wheel locks to ensure they function properly.

Check that all legs are firmly attached before moving on. Apply your choice of finish to any exposed leg surfaces if desired.

Level the File Cabinet

With all legs installed, take time to ensure the file cabinet sits level and stable on the new legs:

• Place a level tool on the cabinet top and check side-to-side and front-to-back orientation.
• Adjust individual leg heights as needed if the cabinet is not level.
• For casters, extend adjustable leveling feet down until they contact the floor.
• Place wood shims beneath any legs that don’t contact the floor properly.
• Verify the cabinet does not rock or wobble when lightly pushed from any corner.

Leveling is important for proper operation of the drawers. Take care to achieve an evenly balanced cabinet.

Reinstall Drawers

The final step is reversing the initial drawer removal:

1. Line up a drawer with its empty slides and push fully into the cabinet.
2. Lift the release clips and slide the drawer closed.
3. Repeat for the remaining drawers, returning them to their original locations.

Check that each drawer opens and closes smoothly. Make any final level adjustments if needed. Now enjoy your file cabinet with its new custom legs!

Frequently Asked Questions About Adding Legs to File Cabinets

Many common questions arise when adding legs to a filing cabinet. Here are helpful answers to some often asked questions:

What tools do I need to add legs to a file cabinet?

You will need the following basic tools:

• Tape measure and carpenter’s square for marking leg positions.
• Electric drill with driving bits and screwdriver bits.
• Wrenches or pliers for securing bolts (leg-specific).
• Saw for cutting base frame lumber (if needed)
• Sandpaper may be helpful for smoothing DIY legs.
• Level tool for balancing the finished cabinet.

What is the most stable type of file cabinet legs?

If using a heavy four-drawer file cabinet, stout, sturdy wood legs with wide corner blocks provide maximum stability. Turned legs or square tapered legs work well.

For lighter two-drawer cabinets, tapered hairpin legs offer enough support.

Casters allow mobility but may compromise stability. Use broad, well-rated casters and keep weight in mind.

Can I attach file cabinet legs without removing the drawers?

It’s best to remove all drawers before attaching legs. This allows complete access to position and secure the legs from all angles. Trying to attach legs with drawers still in place is extremely difficult.

Where is the best place to attach legs on a file cabinet?

Legs should attach several inches in from the front and back edges of the side panels. Centering them lengthwise provides optimum stability. Position the legs evenly spaced left-to-right on opposite sides for balance.

Do file cabinet legs need to have foot pads?

It’s advisable to attach adhesive-backed felt pads or rubber leg tips onto the bottom of any metal or wood legs. These provide a non-slip surface and prevent floor scratches. Foot pads cushion the points of contact and isolate vibration.

Conclusion

Adding custom legs provides big benefits to plain metal file cabinets. The process is straightforward using basic tools and materials. Measure carefully, choose leg styles to match your needs and decor, and take care to level the finished piece. With a furniture leg upgrade, you can give new life to a tired filing cabinet.