How to Put Legs on a Metal File Cabinet

Adding legs to a metal file cabinet can provide extra height, improve aesthetics, and make the cabinet more stable. With some simple tools and materials, it’s easy to DIY this project.

Introduction

Putting legs on a metal file cabinet serves several purposes:

• It raises the cabinet off the ground, making the bottom drawer more accessible and allowing you to easily clean underneath.
• Legs add visual interest and style, upgrading the look of a basic metal cabinet.
• They provide stability, preventing the cabinet from tipping if drawers are pulled out.
• Getting the cabinet off the floor protects contents from moisture damage.

You can buy ready-made metal legs, or make your own wooden ones for a custom look. As long as you have the right tools, it’s a straightforward weekend project.

Benefits of Adding Legs to a File Cabinet

Installing legs on a file cabinet comes with several advantages:

Improved Accessibility

Raising the cabinet off the floor makes the bottom drawer much easier to access. You don’t have to crouch down or bend over as far to reach contents. This is especially helpful for cabinets that hold legal-size hanging folders.

Easier Cleaning

Vacuuming and mopping under a cabinet is difficult when it sits directly on the floor. Adding legs creates space to easily clean underneath.

Style and Interest

Legs let you customize the look of a basic, purely functional file cabinet. Choose metal legs in a modern design or wooden ones for a rustic, vintage feel.

Protection from Moisture

Getting the cabinet off the floor prevents bottom drawers from water damage if minor flooding occurs. This safeguards important contents.

Preparing the Cabinet

Before attaching the legs, take these steps to prepare:

• Empty all drawers completely so the cabinet is as light as possible to move.
• Measure cabinet dimensions to determine appropriate leg height and spacing.
• Assess cabinet balance and stability. If it rocks or wobbles already, legs may not help much.
• Purchase materials and legs. Make sure weight capacity meets or exceeds cabinet load.
• Choose leg location. Most cabinets do fine with a leg near each corner. Very heavy ones may need a third central leg.
• Protect flooring by laying down towels or cardboard before starting.

Attaching Ready-Made Metal Legs

For simple installation, ready-made boltable metal legs are widely available. Here is the process:

Step 1 – Mark Leg Placement

Turn the cabinet on its back and mark leg locations with a pencil. Make sure they align with the edges or corners.

Step 2 – Drill Holes

Use a power drill to drill holes at each mark, slightly larger than the leg attachment bolt.

Step 3 – Bolt On Legs

Place a leg baseplate over each hole, insert bolts, and tighten fully with a wrench.

Step 4 – Adjust Leg Glides

If the legs are new, screw in the included plastic glides so they properly contact the floor.

Step 5 – Stand Upright

Carefully turn the cabinet right side up. Adjust glides if needed to level.

Making Custom Wood Legs

For a more stylish DIY approach, you can fabricate custom wooden legs:

Choose Wood Type

Opt for a dense, durable hardwood like oak or maple. Match existing furniture for a cohesive look.

Cut Legs to Length

Cut 4 identical wooden legs to desired height based on plans. Sand cut edges smooth.

Shape and Style Legs

Use a router, jigsaw, or handsaw to shape legs according to your desired profile.

Finish the Wood

Apply decorative stain, paint, or clear sealer finish. Allow time to dry completely.

Attach Brackets

Screw sturdy L-brackets into upper end of each leg to attach to cabinet.

Mount the Legs

Position legs and use screws or bolts to affix brackets to file cabinet underside at marks.

Tips for Installing Legs on a File Cabinet

Follow these tips for best results:

• Check leg height along the way – stop when cabinet reaches a comfortable working height.
• Make sure surface under cabinet is level – shim floor if needed.
• Tighten all bolts very securely using a wrench.
• Use washers under leg brackets for easier bolting into thin sheet metal.
• Consider adding leg levelers for adjusting on uneven floors.
• Check that cabinet is stable and doesn’t rock once legs are installed.
• Take care moving cabinet after adding legs, as balance point may shift.

FAQs About Adding Legs to File Cabinets

How much weight can legged file cabinets hold?

With properly installed heavy duty legs, a 4-drawer legal or letter size file cabinet can typically hold 500-700 pounds spread across the drawers. Always check rated weight capacity of the legs.

Should I attach locking casters instead of legs?

Casters offer mobility, but legs provide more stability. Locking casters are a good compromise, but make sure they lock securely when loaded.

What height should I make the legs?

Standard drawer height is 26-28 inches. Legs boosting cabinet height 6-12 inches higher work well, raising overall height to 32-40 inches.

Can I just use blocks of wood instead of legs?

machined metal or wood legs attach more securely. Gluing and screwing wood blocks directly to the cabinet bottom can work in a pinch.

Should I install a leg in the middle in addition to 4 on the corners?

For heavy use, a 5th central leg helps support weight. But it may get in the way of sitting at the cabinet, so measure carefully.

How do I get an accurate leg placement mark on the cabinet bottom?

Use a ruler and square for layout. One easy way is to measure in from edges to corner leg marks. Mark the central leg last symmetrically.

What do I do if my cabinet rocks or seems unstable after adding legs?

First check that legs are tightly bolted on. If still unstable, glue furniture pads under opposite corners to level, or add an additional central leg.

Conclusion

Installing legs on a standard metal file cabinet is an easy DIY project. Ready-made boltable legs are simplest, but custom fabricated wooden legs allow for more style options. With the cabinet raised off the floor, contents stay cleaner and dryer while being more conveniently accessed. Just be sure to take precautions when moving the cabinet after legs are attached. With this straightforward upgrade, you can give a basic file cabinet a whole new look and improved functionality.