What Metal are Filing Cabinets Made Of?

Filing cabinets are essential pieces of office furniture used to store important documents and records securely. While they may seem simple, filing cabinets are ingeniously designed for optimal organization and access. One key aspect of their design is the type of metal used to construct them. Selecting the right metal is crucial for durability, fire-resistance, weight capacity, and style. In this article, we will explore the most common metals used for filing cabinets and their unique benefits.

Steel is The Most Popular Metal for Filing Cabinets

The majority of modern filing cabinets are made of steel for several good reasons:

• Strength – Steel is incredibly strong and durable. Filing cabinets need to be sturdy to hold the weight of all the files and withstand frequent opening/closing of drawers. Steel construction ensures they will not bend, warp, or break easily.
• Fire-Resistance – Steel has a high heat tolerance and is naturally fire-resistant. This is an important safety feature for a piece of office furniture designed to store critical documents and records.
• Cost-Effective – Steel is an affordable metal option. It strikes the optimal balance of strength and budget-friendliness.
• Wide Availability – Steel is one of the most abundantly produced metals worldwide. It can be obtained quickly and steel filing cabinets can be mass-produced.
• Recyclability – Steel is 100% recyclable without loss of strength or quality. This makes steel filing cabinets eco-friendly.

Steel filing cabinets are available in different gauges. The lower the gauge number, the thicker the steel used. 14 to 16 gauge steel offers robust construction for most offices.

Aluminum is Lightweight Yet Sturdy

Aluminum is a popular alternative metal filing cabinets for several advantages:

• Lightweight – Aluminum weighs less than steel. It can make filing cabinets up to 50% lighter than steel designs. This enables easy mobility.
• Strong – Despite the light weight, aluminum alloys provide impressive strength. Extruded aluminum handles weight capacities suitable for most offices.
• Rust-Resistant – Aluminum does not corrode or rust over time like steel. Its smooth surface retains a clean, polished look.
• Fire-Resistant – Although not as heat-tolerant as steel, aluminum is naturally fire-resistant and suitable for offices.
• Sleek Styling – Aluminum allows for beautiful, modern designs with clean lines and luxurious finishes.

The aircraft-grade aluminum alloys used for filing cabinets offer an optimal strength-to-weight ratio. While pricier than steel, aluminum provides compelling benefits.

Sturdy and Secure Wood File Cabinets

While less common in modern offices, wooden filing cabinets remain in use for certain advantages:

• Aesthetic Appeal – Wood offers unique, warm aesthetics that can make an office more inviting. Rich wood grains and stains create attractive, upscale designs.
• Customization – Wood filing cabinets can be customized with different wood types, stains, and hardware to match office décor. This level of personalization is not possible with metal.
• Sturdiness – Hardwoods like oak and maple are extremely strong and durable. They can withstand decades of use while retaining their structural integrity.
• Security – The thick wooden construction is resistant to breaking and cannot be easily penetrated. Some feature locking drawers for added security.

However, wood is more prone to fire damage than metal. Wood filing cabinets are also heavy, with limited style choices, and only made-to-order.

Key Factors When Selecting Filing Cabinet Metal

With the most common options covered, focus on these key factors when choosing filing cabinet metal:

• Weight Load – Consider how much weight the cabinet needs to hold. Steel or aluminum both offer excellent weight capacities for offices.
• Fire Safety – Prioritize fire-resistance if storing sensitive documents. Steel and aluminum are the most fire-safe options.
• Budget – Steel is the most affordable but aluminum offers benefits at a higher price point. Wood is generally the most expensive.
• Style – Aluminum and wood provide more aesthetic choices than basic steel. Match the style to your office décor.
• Mobility – Opt for lightweight aluminum if the cabinet needs to be moved frequently.
• Security – Aluminum, steel, and wood all offer secure construction. Steel and wood can have added locks.
• Eco-Friendliness – Steel is the most recyclable option while wood is generally less eco-friendly.

Considering these key factors along with your specific office needs will lead you to the ideal metal filing cabinet for organization and security.

Frequently Asked Questions

What metal is best for filing cabinets?

The best metal for most filing cabinets is steel. Steel provides the optimal balance of strength, durability, fire-resistance, security, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendliness that offices require. It can be found in various thick gauges to handle heavy loads.

Are metal or wooden cabinets better?

Metal filing cabinets made of steel or aluminum are better for most modern offices. They offer greater strength, mobility, fire-safety, cost-effectiveness and style options than wooden cabinets. However, wood provides a warmer aesthetic for customized traditional-style décor.

How much weight can a file cabinet hold?

Most standard file cabinets can hold 40-50 pounds per drawer. High-capacity file cabinets may hold up to 70-100 pounds per drawer. Key factors are the metal type and thickness. Steel and aluminum in common gauges used for cabinets can handle significant weight loads sufficient for most offices.

Do fireproof filing cabinets exist?

Yes, there are fireproof file cabinets that keep documents secure for specified periods of time during a fire, such as 30 minutes up to 2 hours. They are constructed using layers of materials including fire-resistant gypsum and special insulation but are typically made of steel walls. This protects contents from fire damage for the stated period.

Can you get vintage metal filing cabinets?

Yes, vintage and retro metal filing cabinets from past era like the 1940s-1960s are popular collectors’ items. These classic filing cabinets were made of heavy-gauge steel and featured details like curved drawers with brass handles. Vintage metal cabinets can often be found via antique dealers, auction sites, vintage furniture stores, or classified ads.

Conclusion

Filing cabinets may come in simple designs, but the metal construction is carefully considered. Steel is the best metal for most offices filing cabinets thanks to its durability, strength, fire-resistance and cost-effectiveness. But aluminum offers a lightweight yet sturdy alternative, while wood provides classic aesthetics. Whether selecting steel, aluminum or wood, consider the load capacity, safety features, budget and style factors that matter most. Investing in quality metal filing cabinets pays dividends for securely organizing records and protecting vital documents while complementing your office decor.