What Kind of Metal are Filing Cabinets Made Of?

Filing cabinets are an essential part of any office or workspace. They help keep documents, files and records organized and secure. Most modern filing cabinets are made of steel, though the specific grade and type of steel can vary. Here is an in-depth look at the metals commonly used in filing cabinet construction.

Cold Rolled Steel

The most common metal used to construct filing cabinets is cold rolled steel. This refers to steel that is manufactured by rolling steel through a series of rollers at room temperature. The steel starts out as a slab that is pushed through the rollers until it reaches the desired thickness.

Cold rolled steel is appreciated for its strength, durability and affordable cost. It has a smooth finish and can be painted or coated easily. Most entry-level and standard office filing cabinets are made from cold rolled steel in a gauge ranging from 22 gauge to 26 gauge. The lower the gauge number, the thicker the steel.

Stainless Steel

For more heavy-duty or high-end filing cabinets, stainless steel is a popular choice. Stainless steel contains chromium which gives it a shiny, silver appearance and protects against corrosion. It will not rust or stain like regular steel.

Stainless steel filing cabinets are appreciated for their sleek aesthetic and extreme durability. They are common in medical, scientific and industrial settings that require maximum strength and easy sterilization. The most common grades used are 304 and 316 stainless steel.

Powder Coated Steel

Many filing cabinets are made from cold rolled steel that has been powder coated. Powder coating is a process in which the steel is sprayed with a colored powder pigment using an electrostatic spray gun. The powder adheres due to the electrostatic charge. Then the steel goes through a curing oven to melt the powder into a colored coating.

Powder coated steel filing cabinets are appreciated for their durable finish that resists scratches and corrosion. Popular colors include black, gray and tan to match office décor. The powder coating also provides sound dampening.

Laminate Coating

Another way that cold rolled steel filing cabinets can be finished is with a laminate coating. This involves adhering a plastic-like laminate material over the steel surface using adhesives and high pressure. The laminate comes in various colors and patterns to match office design schemes.

Laminate coated filing cabinets are scratches resistant and easy to clean. The laminate also helps reduce noise. It’s a more economical way to get colored filing cabinets compared to powder coating.

Aluminum

Filing cabinets can also be constructed from aluminum. Aircraft grade aluminum alloys are sometimes used to achieve lightweight but sturdy cabinets for specialized settings.

Aluminum filing cabinets boast enhanced corrosion resistance compared to steel. They have a sleek, modern aesthetic. However, aluminum is generally more expensive than steel and not as common.

Important Factors When Choosing Material

When selecting a filing cabinet, consider these factors related to the material:

• Strength – Steel offers the most strength and durability for frequent use. Stainless steel is stronger than cold rolled. Aluminum is also durable but less strong than steel.
• Weight – Aluminum is the lightest while stainless steel is quite heavy. Cold rolled steel provides a good balance.
• Cost – Cold rolled steel is the most economical. Stainless steel is more expensive. Aluminum and laminate coatings fall in the middle price-wise.
• Aesthetics – Laminate and powder coatings allow for color options. Stainless steel provides an attractive, mirror-like look.
• Fire Rating – Steel filing cabinets generally receive better fire ratings than aluminum. Some coatings like powder coating can improve fire resistance.
• Durability – Stainless steel offers the most scratch and corrosion resistance. But powder coated and laminated steel also provide good durability.

No matter the material, always look for quality features like ball-bearing drawers, interlocking drawers, and lock-secure cabinets for safety. With proper care, most filing cabinets can provide decades of reliable service.

Frequently Asked Questions About Filing Cabinet Materials

Here are answers to some common questions about filing cabinet materials:

What is the most common metal used for filing cabinets?

Cold rolled steel is the most common, making up the majority of affordable standard office filing cabinets. It provides a good balance of strength and cost-effectiveness.

Are metal filing cabinets better than wood?

Metal is generally superior to wood for filing cabinets. Steel and aluminum boast greater strength, fire resistance, durability, and security compared to wood cabinets.

Are stainless steel filing cabinets worth the cost?

Stainless steel cabinets come at a premium price, but can be a worthwhile investment if you need extreme durability and strength along with a modern, elegant aesthetic. They are easier to sterilize as well.

Can filing cabinets be made of other metals?

While less common, filing cabinets can also be constructed from metals like titanium and nickel alloys for specialized industrial uses. Most office and commercial applications rely on steel or aluminum however.

Do fireproof filing cabinets exist?

There are cabinets designed and tested specifically to protect documents from heat and fire for 1-2 hours. These are made from steel with insulation inside and fire-resistant coatings. Some meet UL fire safety standards.

How thick should steel filing cabinets be?

For typical office use, steel thickness between 22 and 26 gauge offers suitable strength. For heavy duty applications, 18 gauge provides enhanced durability. Stainless steel cabinets tend to use a thicker 16 or 18 gauge steel.

Key Takeaways on Filing Cabinet Metals

• Cold rolled and stainless steel are the top choices for filing cabinets, providing strength, security, and fire resistance.
• Steel thickness is measured in gauges, with lower numbers meaning thicker steel construction.
• Aluminum can be used but is less common and costs more than steel options.
• Coatings like laminate or powder coat allow steel cabinets to come in different colors while boosting durability.
• Factors like budget, weight, aesthetics, and needed security level help determine the best metal and finish.
• High-end stainless steel cabinets offer unmatched strength and style, while cold rolled steel is a budget-friendly option.
• With quality construction and care, metal filing cabinets can serve your organization’s needs for decades.