What Material is Used for Metal Cabinets

Metal cabinets are a popular choice for storage solutions in homes, offices, garages, and industrial settings due to their durability, security, and versatility. When selecting metal cabinets, an important consideration is the type of material used to construct the cabinet. The material affects the cabinet’s appearance, strength, weight, corrosion resistance, fire rating, cost, and intended use. There are several common metals used to make cabinets, each with their own advantages and best applications.

Steel

Steel is one of the most common metals used to construct metal cabinets. There are many grades and finishes of steel to choose from, allowing steel cabinets to fit a wide range of uses.

Types of Steel for Cabinets

The most common types of steel used for metal cabinet construction include:

• Cold-rolled steel – This is steel that has been processed through a series of rollers to improve its finish and precision. It has a smooth, matte appearance and is a lighter-weight steel. Cold-rolled steel is a good choice for general home or office use.
• Hot-rolled steel – Steel that is processed while hot. It has a rougher finish and is typically thicker and heavier than cold-rolled steel. Hot-rolled steel is very strong and often used for industrial or utility cabinets.
• Galvanized steel – Steel that is coated in zinc to protect it from corrosion and rust. The zinc provides a shiny, silvery finish. Galvanized steel is ideal for high-moisture areas like garages, sheds, and bathrooms.
• Stainless steel – Steel alloyed with other metals like chromium, nickel, and copper to make it resistant to corrosion, rust, and stains. Brushed stainless steel has a modern, sleek look. It is more expensive but ideal for laboratories, medical offices, restaurants, and other hygiene-critical places.

Benefits of Steel Cabinets

There are several benefits that make steel one of the top choices for metal cabinets:

• Strength – Steel is very strong and rigid, making it ideal for storing heavy items or using in high-traffic areas. Steel cabinets will not bend, warp, or crack under heavy loads.
• Durability – Properly cared for steel cabinets can last for decades. Steel does not suffer fatigue over time like other metals.
• Fire rating – Steel has a high fire rating, maintaining its integrity for up to 2 hours in a fire. This makes it perfect in offices or businesses requiring fire code compliance.
• Security – Steel cabinets offer better security than other materials like wood or laminate. They are harder to break into and provide fire and impact resistance for contents.
• Customization – Steel comes in a vast array of finishes, gauges, and options allowing full customization of size, shape, color and features.
• Cost – Steel is generally an affordable option compared to alternatives like stainless steel or aluminum. Standard steel cabinets provide excellent value.

Steel is suitable for a huge range of applications from heavy duty workshops to modern offices. Proper care and maintenance is required as untreated steel can eventually rust. But overall steel offers strength, security, and customization at an affordable cost.

Aluminum

Aluminum is a lightweight non-ferrous metal gaining popularity for use in cabinets. Although not as strong as steel, aluminum has other properties that make it an attractive choice for certain uses.

Types of Aluminum for Cabinets

Some specific grades and forms of aluminum used for cabinets include:

• Sheet aluminum – Smooth sheets of aluminum rolled into various thicknesses are used to construct cabinets. Most sheet aluminum is an alloy of aluminum, manganese, and magnesium offering moderate strength.
• Extruded aluminum – Aluminum extruded into complex inline shapes. Extrusions allow unique cabinet drawer and shelf designs and give high strength from the shape.
• Cast aluminum – Molten aluminum is cast into complicated shapes for handles, legs, and trim components. It allows detailed custom designs not possible with other methods.
• Anodized aluminum – Aluminum with an anodic oxide coating applied electrolytically. The coating protects against corrosion and can be dyed different colors.

Benefits of Aluminum Cabinets

Aluminum has properties that make it advantageous for certain cabinet uses:

• Lightweight – Aluminum cabinets weigh significantly less than steel, being about 1/3 the density. This allows easier moving and installation.
• Corrosion resistant – Aluminum forms an oxide layer when exposed to air that protects against corrosion. This makes it ideal for wet areas like bathrooms or marine environments.
• Strength-to-weight ratio – Aluminum provides a high strength-to-weight ratio, meaning it has impressive strength despite its light weight.
• Appearance – Aluminum can be cast into beautiful decorative designs or anodized in bold colors, offering unique aesthetic cabinet options.
• Non-magnetic – Aluminum is non-magnetic, making it suitable around sensitive electrical equipment that could be affected by magnetic fields.
• Recyclable – Aluminum is 100% recyclable without any loss of properties. This makes it an eco-friendly building material.

While not as strong overall as steel, aluminum excels in cabinets where corrosion resistance and light weight are priorities. It also allows for amazing custom designs. But it does dent more easily than steel and is typically more expensive.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel contains alloying metals like chromium, nickel, and manganese added to steel. This alloy gives it excellent corrosion and rust resistance while maintaining strength.

Grades of Stainless Steels

There are numerous stainless steel grades, but some common choices for cabinets include:

• 304 – The most common grade. It has 18-20% chromium and 8-12% nickel for good corrosion resistance and ease of fabrication. An affordable choice suitable for a wide range of uses.
• 316 – Similar to 304 but with more nickel for increased corrosion and pitting resistance. Ideal for marine or chemical-heavy environments.
• 430 – An inexpensive stainless steel. It has 16-18% chromium but no nickel. Resists corrosion in mild environments despite lower cost.
• 301 – A high-strength stainless steel with 17% chromium and 7% nickel. Harder to work with but ideal when high strength is needed.
• Brushed finish – A satin-finish created by rubbing stainless steel along the grain direction. Provides an attractive, scratch-resistant surface.

Benefits of Stainless Steel Cabinets

Some benefits of stainless steel cabinets include:

• Rust and corrosion proof – The chromium in stainless steel forms a protective oxide barrier that resists rust and corrosion. This allows use in wet and chemical-heavy areas.
• Easy to clean – Stainless has a non-porous surface that is easy to disinfect and keep clean, even with caustic or acidic cleaners. It resists bacteria build-up.
• Heat and fire resistant – Stainless steel maintains strength and integrity when exposed to high heat and direct fire.
• Strength – Stainless has comparable strength to other steel alloys. Grades like 301 offer very high tensile strength.
• Aesthetically pleasing – The brushed satin finish and chrome tones give stainless steel an attractive, professional look appropriate for modern designs.

Stainless steel does cost more than standard steel but provides unmatched benefits in certain settings. For optimal corrosion resistance and low maintenance, stainless is hard to beat.

Titanium

While not as common as other metals for cabinets, titanium is used in specialty applications where its unique properties are needed.

Benefits of Titanium Cabinets

Some reasons titanium may be selected for cabinets include:

• Extremely strong but light-weight – Grade 5 titanium has a tensile strength exceeding annealed stainless steel while being nearly 50% less dense. This gives an unmatched strength-to-weight ratio.
• Resists corrosion – Titanium forms an oxide barrier when exposed to air or water that protects against corrosion damage. This stable oxide allows use in salt water or humid settings.
• Bio-compatible – Titanium has high bio-compatibility and does not corrode when inside a living body. This makes it ideal for medical device or prosthetic component storage.
• Heat resistant – Titanium retains its properties at high temperatures that would damage other metals. Its heat resistance suits it for aerospace and high-temperature processing uses.
• Non-magnetic – Like aluminum, titanium has no magnetic properties, making it suited around sensitive instruments.
• Highly durable – Titanium oxide coating resists scratches, scuffs and abrasion damage better than other metals. It retains a “new” look for years.

Limitations of Titanium Cabinets

The benefits of titanium come with some downsides that limit its broader use in cabinets:

• Expensive – Titanium costs several times more than stainless steel due to more complex processing and limited global supply. This restricts it to specialty uses.
• Difficult fabrication – Titanium cannot be cut, bent, molded or welded using traditional metalworking tools and methods. Costly CNC machining or 3d printing is required.
• Limited forms – Only thin sheets and extrusions of titanium are readily available. It is not currently produced in standard forms like steel such as bars, beams, or structural shapes.

For the few uses where light-weight strength and corrosion resistance justify the cost, titanium excels. But it remains prohibitively expensive for standard cabinetry uses.

Cost Comparison

There can be considerable cost differences between the various metals used to build cabinets:

• Cold-rolled steel – Very affordable. Starts around $45-65 per cabinet box. Offers the best value for general home or office use.
• 304 stainless steel – Moderate cost. Approximate range of $200-500 per cabinet. Provides excellent corrosion resistance.
• Aluminum – More expensive than steel. Prices from $250-600 per cabinet typical. Used when light weight is critical.
• Cast iron – Comparable to stainless steel. About $250-600 per cabinet. Used in industrial settings needing rigidity and vibration dampening.
• Titanium – Costs 5-10 times more than other metals with prices from $1000-5000 per cabinet. Restricted to specialty laboratory, medical, and aerospace uses.

Many factors like metal thickness, size, and features impact the final cost in addition to the base material. But steel, especially cold-rolled, offers the best combination of performance and affordability for typical applications. It has the optimal balance of cost, durability, and customization potential. More exotic metals are reserved for unique situations warranting the added expense.

Uses by Metal Type

Certain metals align better with specific uses depending on required performance, aesthetics, and cost-effectiveness:

Steel Cabinets Well-Suited For:

• Garages, shops, and workrooms – Strength to store heavy items. Impact resistance.
• Offices and storage rooms – Affordable. Custom sizes and finishes. Fire rating.
• Apartments and condos – Durability for high traffic. Lower cost.
• Utility and maintenance rooms – Rigidity and security. Can store chemicals.
• Outdoor areas like sheds and patios – Galvanized and stainless options resist moisture and elements.

Aluminum Cabinets Ideal For:

• Bathrooms and wet rooms – Resist moisture with no rusting.
• Boats and marine settings – Won’t corrode in salt water.
• Laboratories and cleanrooms – Non-magnetic and recyclable.
• High-end contemporary designs – Unique shapes and colors possible.

Stainless Steel Best For:

• Commercial kitchens and restaurants – Easily cleaned to meet health codes. Withstand heat and steam.
• Medical and dental offices – Sterile and hygienic storage for instruments and supplies.
• Chemical handling and hazardous material – Withstand corrosion from harsh substances.
• Coastal climates – Resist salt air. Require no protective coatings.

Titanium Uniquely Suited To:

• Aircraft and aerospace – Strength + light weight needed. Withstands heat.
• Medical prosthetics – Bio-compatible storage. Non-magnetic.
• Competition vehicles – Light weight. Can withstand vibration/impacts at high speed.
• Marine research – Resists salt water corrosion and ocean depths.

Selecting the optimal metal for a cabinet depends on matching the material properties and performance to the intended use case. Consulting with a designer or industry expert is recommended to determine the best type of metal for specific cabinet applications.

Factors in Selecting Cabinet Metal

Several factors beyond just cost should be weighed when selecting a metal for cabinets:

Desired Lifespan

How long does the cabinet need to perform before replacement? Steel and stainless steel will last for decades. Aluminum and titanium shorten design life.

Level of Use or Abuse

Is this a lightly used residential cabinet, or an industrial shop situation with heavy use? Durable steel excels under abuse.

Exposure to Moisture or Salt Spray

Frequent humidity and moisture requires stainless steel or aluminum that resists corrosion.

Exposure to Impacts

Will the cabinets suffer bumps from equipment or moving objects? Steel offers the most dent and impact resistance.

Need to Meet Fire Codes

Steel and cast iron have the highest fire ratings for offices and commercial buildings requiring evacuation time.

Weight of Contents

Heavy tools or dense materials require stronger steel or titanium. Shelves adjustable to stagger load can also help.

Sensitivity of Nearby Electronics

Aluminum or titanium are non-magnetic for storing items like hard drives susceptible to magnetic fields.

Ease of Cleaning

For medical, restaurant, and food industry uses, stainless steel has a non-porous surface that is easy to sanitize thoroughly.

Appearance and Design Styling

Metals like aluminum and stainless can be formed into modern curved shapes and take colorful finishes if aesthetics are important.

Prioritizing the most important performance needs and intended use environment will point toward the ideal metal selection for long-term satisfaction. Consulting designers and industry experts helps narrow options.

Maintaining and Caring For Metal Cabinets

While all the metals discussed offer good longevity, taking proper care of cabinets extends useful life. Some tips for care include:

• For steel, occasionally apply a wax or mineral oil to surfaces to retain a protective coating. For routine cleaning, warm soapy water on a soft cloth is ideal.
• Stainless steel should be cleaned along the grain direction to avoid noticeable scratching. Use a plastic scouring pad or soft scrub cleanser to remove grime. Avoid abrasive steel wool pads.
• Aluminum can be cleaned using a mild alkaline solution or non-abrasive scrub product. This helps remove grease and oils that cause yellowing over time. Rinse thoroughly.
• Use plastic or rubber bumpers to reduce denting if contents inside could impact the cabinet walls during opening or closing. Bolt shelves and interior fittings instead of relying solely on friction.
• Avoid excessive moisture that promotes corrosion. Routinely inspect for evidence of rust or oxidation and address it early before major damage occurs. Keeping the cabinet surfaces dry is key.
• Check for any loose or worn drawer slides, hinges, latches, and shelf standards that may need tightened or replaced over time. Do not overload shelves beyond recommended weight limits.

With periodic cleaning and inspection, quality metal cabinets should last for many years before needing replacement. But simple preventative care goes a long way for maximum performance. Consult manufacturers for additional tips specific to a cabinet model. Proper maintenance saves money and extends service life.

Metal Cabinet Finish Options

Beyond just the core metal type, there are numerous finish options to give metal cabinets the desired look and feel:

Paint Finishes

Paint comes in any color and in gloss, semi-gloss, or matte sheens to fit the setting. Baked enamel paints provide an exceptionally durable finish. Painted cabinets offer unlimited custom color combinations.

Powder Coating

Using electrostatic application, a powder coat finish evenly covers all surfaces and adheres tightly when cured. Powder coating resists scratching and marring better than conventional paint.

Metallic Finishes

Zinc, copper, bronze, nickel, brass and other metals are applied via electroplating or foil lamination to give aluminum or steel a permanent metallic appearance.

Wood Veneers

Thin sheets of real wood in oak, maple, cedar and various species are mounted to cabinet surfaces for an authentic wood look at lower cost than solid wood cabinets. Durability depends on veneer thickness.

Laminates

Laminates like Formica provide an economical way to obtain color finishes. Patterns mimicking wood, stone, and creative designs are available to customize appearance.

Anodizing

An anodized layer on aluminum allows color tinting for a durable finish. Popular in bold gold, bronze, and black. Offers excellent corrosion resistance.

Finish options range from basic enamel paint to exotic natural metals applied via electroplating and anodizing. This allows matching a cabinet’s appearance to virtually any décor, brand image, or artistic vision. Consult manufacturers on available finishes and testing to pick the optimal surfaces.

Features and Options

Beyond core material and finish, several features help customize metal cabinets:

Doors and Drawers

Options include solid or glass panel doors along with full-extension, soft-close, or locking drawers. Drawers allow访问deeper into the cabinet versus doors.

Shelving

Adjustable, fixed, solid, ventilated, and wire shelves adapt storage to items being stored. Shelves can be rated for weight loads from hundreds of pounds if needed.

Hinges and Slides

Hinges control door opening direction and self-closing mechanisms. Drawer slides enable smooth operation – side mount, full extension, and soft close types available.

Lighting

Task lighting, cabinet lighting, motion-activated, and battery backup lights can be installed for functionality.

Locks

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