File cabinets are ubiquitous in offices and homes around the world, providing efficient and organized storage for documents, files, and other paperwork. Though they may seem simple, file cabinets have evolved over the years into sophisticated storage solutions made from various metals and materials. So what metal actually makes up the file cabinets we know so well? Let’s take a closer look at the most common metals used for modern file cabinets.

Steel is the Most Common File Cabinet Metal

The majority of file cabinets today are made primarily from steel. Steel offers file cabinets the strength needed to hold the weight of all those files and the durability to withstand years of use. Most models use a type of steel called cold-rolled steel, which provides an affordable balance of strength and weight.

Steel file cabinets come in a range of thicknesses, measured by something called gauge. Lower gauge numbers indicate thicker, heavier steel. Here are some of the most common steel gauges used:

• 20 gauge steel – The thinnest and lightest option. Best for light home office use with just a few files.
• 18 gauge steel – Provides a good balance of sturdiness and weight, common in low-to-medium use office settings.
• 16 gauge steel – A frequent choice for file cabinets meant for significant daily use and larger loads. Provides enhanced strength and rigidity.
• 14 gauge steel – Extra thick steel reserved for file cabinets made to handle very heavy use in busy office environments. Provides maximum sturdiness.

While gauge gives an indication of thickness, steel file cabinets can also be categorized based on the quality and characteristics of the steel:

Low Carbon Steel

The most affordable type of steel, containing less carbon for basic strength and rigidity. Used for lighter home office filing cabinets.

High Tensile Steel

A stronger steel alloy more resistant to stretching and compression forces. Used for heavy-duty office file cabinets subjected to constant opening/closing.

Galvanized Steel

Steel coated with a zinc layer to resist rust and corrosion. Used for file cabinets meant for humid or coastal environments.

Alternative Metals Used for File Cabinets

While steel dominates the market, file cabinets are manufactured using other metals as well:

Aluminum

An ultra-lightweight metal sometimes used to construct thinner, more portable file cabinets. Not as strong as steel but easier to move around.

Stainless Steel

Steel alloy containing chromium for an eye-catching shiny appearance and enhanced corrosion resistance. More expensive but sleeker than regular steel.

Sheet Metal

A thin, inexpensive steel used mainly for budget home office file cabinets. Does not have the strength or rigidity of thicker cold-rolled steel.

Metal Wire

Thin metal wire welded into a mesh pattern is used as shelving in some file cabinets. Allows you to see contents unlike solid steel.

Most Common File Cabinet Finishes

In addition to choosing the metal itself, the finish or coating applied is also an important factor:

Powder Coated Paint

A colored powder coating applied electrostatically then baked on for a smooth finish. More durable than conventional painted finishes.

Baked Enamel

A liquid paint that is applied then bonded onto the metal at high heat for an extra smooth, glossy finish. Provides enhanced scratch resistance.

Laminate

A resin-coated decorative paper bonded onto the exterior of steel file cabinets for an attractive wood-like look. Affordable but can scratch or peel over time.

Lock Options for Securing File Cabinet Contents

Most file cabinets incorporate some kind of lock and key mechanism to keep contents private and secure. Here are some of the most common:

• Standard Lock & Key – A basic pin and tumbler cylinder lock built into the top drawer. Usually includes 2-3 identical keys.
• Digital/Electronic Lock – Opens electronically via an integrated keypad or fingerprint scanner. Convenient but requires power/batteries.
• Interlocking Drawers – Drawers lock when closed so only one can open at a time. Prevents tipping but no keyed security.
• Bar Lock – A steel bar swings over cabinet to lock all drawers. Found on older retro file cabinets.

Common Size Options

While file cabinets were traditionally available only in standard office sizes, today there are many size options to suit different needs:

• 2-drawer vertical – The standard office file cabinet size around 15″ wide x 28″ high. Usually comes in 4, 3, or 2 drawer models as well.
• 4-5 drawer lateral – Wider cabinets with drawers that slide side-to-side to store hanging file folders and legal/letter sized documents.
• Mini/home office – Shorter cabinets around 22-25” high for use in small home offices and tight spaces.
• Extra wide – Wider than standard cabinets, around 20-24″ wide, to store larger documents like architectural drawings.
• Slim/narrow – More compact cabinets 12″ or less wide for fitting in narrow gaps and cramped offices.

Factors to Consider When Buying a File Cabinet

With all these options, it can be tricky choosing the right metal file cabinet for your needs. Here are some key considerations as you shop:

• Usage level – How often will the cabinet be used and how heavy will files/contents be? This impacts how durable it needs to be.
• Available space – Measure where the cabinet will sit to ensure you get one that properly fits the height and width of the allotted area.
• Matching aesthetic – What style and finish best matches your office decor? Aesthetics may guide metal type and finish selection.
• Security needs – Do you need a locking cabinet or drawers to keep sensitive documents private and secure?
• Mobility needs – For moving around offices, caster wheels or portable sizes may be preferred. Or go heavier for stationery cabinets.
• Budget – Prices range widely based on size, materials, and features. Having a budget helps narrow the options.
• Expandability – Some systems allow attaching additional cabinets together for future expansion ability.

Main Components of File Cabinet Construction

While the metal exterior is the most visible part, file cabinets also incorporate various other components:

Drawer Slides

The tracks on which drawers slide in and out, made from metals like steel or aluminum. Ball bearing slides are best for smooth, effortless opening and closing.

Hanging File Frames

Metal bars inside drawers to properly hold hanging file folders upright. Some have adjustable width to fit different folder sizes.

Follower Blocks

Spring-loaded metal blocks that press against files to keep them upright and neatly in place in each drawer.

Drawer Pulls/Handles

Attached knobs or handles used for pulling open drawers. Available in different styles and finishes. Recessed grooves may be used instead for a sleek, handle-free look.

Caster Wheels

Rolling wheels on the base of mobile file cabinets allow them to be easily moved then locked in place. Casters may have rubber or plastic wheels.

Label Holders

Clear plastic or acrylic holders attached to drawers to slide in labels denoting drawer contents. Some feature write-on tabs.

A Brief History of File Cabinet Evolution

While they now are made from various metals, the earliest file cabinets constructed in the late 19th century generally were wood:

• Wooden drawers – Earliest cabinets had wooden drawers on roller tracks with leather straps for pulling. Not durable for heavy use.
• Steel introduced – By the early 1900s, steel was adopted for more durable and fire-resistant cabinets to store important documents.
• Office adoption – By the 1920s-30s, steel file cabinets had become a standard office fixture for organized record storage.
• Lateral files – Side-to-side “lateral” drawer file cabinets were introduced in the 1940s, gaining popularity by the 1960s.
• Shift from wood – Steel mostly displaced wood for filing cabinets by the 1950s-60s except for some executive furnishings.
• New sizes – More sizes emerged by the 1970s-80s, including slimmer and wider options.
• Alternate metals – By the 1990s, some file cabinets were being constructed from metals like aluminum for lighter weight.
• Digital locks – Electronic locks were incorporated into many cabinets in the 2000s for enhanced security.

So in summary, while wood filing cabinets came first, steel has long been the dominant metal used for its balance of strength, durability, weight, and cost – though other metals are sometimes utilized as well. For choosing the best file cabinet metal for your needs, consider usage level, intended contents, security requirements, and available space.

Frequently Asked Questions About File Cabinet Metals

Here are answers to some of the most common questions people have regarding file cabinet metal types and construction:

Are metal or wood file cabinets better?

Metal file cabinets are generally superior in an office setting for their durability, protection of contents from external damage or fires, and resistance to warping or mold. However, wood can provide a warmer aesthetic for some home offices.

How thick should the steel be on a file cabinet?

Most good quality file cabinets range from 18-16 gauge steel, with 20 gauge acceptable for very light usage and 14 gauge recommended for the heaviest office use.

Is a laminate coating as durable as a painted/powder coated finish?

Laminates scratch and peel more easily over time compared to powder coated and baked enamel finishes, which bond directly with the steel for enhanced durability.

Should I get a steel or aluminum file cabinet?

Steel provides the best balance of strength and cost for most filing needs. Aluminum is lighter in weight but more prone to dents and creasing from heavy loads. It also costs more than steel.

Are old retro metal file cabinets as good as new ones?

Vintage steel file cabinets from the mid-century era were often over-engineered and can be great if still functioning properly. But drawers may not slide as smoothly and the finishes show more wear.

Do file cabinet locks really add much security?

Basic locks deter opportunistic snooping but won’t stop a determined intruder. Still, locks are recommended for storing sensitive documents and providing liability protection in commercial settings.

Is it worth getting a fire-rated file cabinet?

For businesses storing essential records long-term, fire-rated cabinets provide vital protection. They are engineered to withstand exposure to fires for 30 minutes up to two hours before internal temperatures rise.

How many drawers do I need for home office filing?

For most home offices, a 2 to 4-drawer vertical cabinet provides ample room. Mini 2-drawer models take up minimal space. Lateral file cabinets with 3-5 side-to-side drawers are also popular home office options.

Should I get file cabinets with wheels if they’ll stay in one place?

Wheeled “mobile” file cabinets are useful if you foresee needing to move them occasionally. But for permanent positioning, go with stationary models placed on glides or feet to ensure the cabinet stays put.

Hopefully this guide has helped explain the most common metals used to construct file cabinets as well as the many factors to consider when choosing a file cabinet. With their long history of reliable service storing important documents and records, quality metal file cabinets remain a wise investment for both home office and commercial settings.

Conclusion

The metal that makes up the bulk of most file cabinets today is steel. Specifically, cold-rolled steel sheet metal in gauges like 20, 18, 16, or 14 are commonly used to fabricate modern file cabinets. Steel offers an optimal balance of strength, durability, weight, and cost required for storing files and documents. While wood was historically used, steel has been the prominent file cabinet material since the early 20th century. Other metals like aluminum and stainless steel are sometimes utilized as well but are less common. When shopping for a file cabinet, the expected usage level, weight load, security needs, available space, and matching decor should be considered when selecting steel gauge, finishes, sizes, and other options. With the right metal file cabinet properly storing and protecting important paperwork, both home and business users can rest assured their documents are safely organized for the long haul.