Office file cabinets are necessities in the workplace as well as in many home offices. I thought that computers were suppose to cut down on the amount of paper we saved, but it seems like we accumulate even more paper these days. If you haven't shopped for a filing cabinet in recent years, you'll be surprised at the amount of options that are available. Here's an overview of the three kinds of office file cabinets we're going to discuss here: vertical files, lateral files, and fireproof files.
Vertical file cabinets were the original design. If you have limited wall space, they are a good choice as they take up less wall space than lateral files. Vertical office file cabinets do not accommodate both letter and legal size file folders, so you must select either vertical or lateral cabinets. The other necessary decisions are paint color, depth, pulls (if the brand you are considering has more than one pull style), and the number of drawers (2, 3, 4, or 5).
Lateral file cabinets are the most popular these days and also more versatile than verticals. Many workstations use two drawer file cabinets under work surfaces. Laterals will accommodate both letter and legal size file folders, so it's not necessary to make that decision. The folders will be arranged either side-to-side or front-to-back in the drawers. There are many choices for these cabinets. The necessary decisions are paint color, edge detail, choice of pull style, depth of cabinet, width (30, 36, or 42 inches), and the number of drawers (2, 3, 4, or 5).
Custom lateral file cabinets are available from some manufacturers, but they are more expensive. They are custom in the sense that you can "build the file" yourself; in other words, you choose each piece from the base to the top. Since there are so many ready made options, it is rare that you would need to go the custom route.
Lateral File Tips:
A five drawer lateral file is more convenient if the top module is a lift up door rather than a pullout drawer as it's impossible for most people to see inside the top drawer.
For a more finished look you can order laminate or wood tops for lateral files that will match the work surfaces in your cubicle or your desk top.
Fireproof file cabinets are not widely used. However, they do serve a purpose particularly since they double as a safe. The things you need to know about fireproof files is that they are expensive and extremely heavy. If you purchase a large size be prepared to pay a hefty delivery charge.
Purchasing Suggestions For Vertical and Lateral File Cabinets:
Choose high-quality office file cabinets that are made with a thicker grade of steel. This will eliminate warping or bulging cabinets when they are filled to capacity.
Purchase units that allow only one drawer to be open at a time, which will prevent the cabinets from tipping over.
Purchase office file cabinets made by the same manufacturer as the furniture in your office or your workstations/cubicles. There are several reasons why this is important:
- The paint color or wood finish will match perfectly.
- Choose the same edge details and pulls as your furniture.
- All locking drawers can be opened with the same key as long as your furniture dealer orders it that way. It's called "keyed alike" and insist that your private offices as well as your workstations are ordered "keyed alike." If you order additional furniture with locking drawers, request lock cores with the same key numbers.
About the Author
Janet Vogel, who is retired from the office furniture industry, is now the owner of a website dedicated to creating Homemade Theme Gift Basket which she created to supplement her retirement income
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