Every office has paperwork that needs storing. Chances are, you are considering buying file cabinets to store important documents, whether you work from home or at the office. However, you may think to yourself: why are file cabinets so expensive? This is understandable, though, as some models have a hefty price tag.

Why are file cabinets so expensive? More expensive file cabinets are built to last. Some commercial-grade file cabinets are more expensive than others because they are equipped with sliding ball-bearing technology designed for rigorous daily use. Cheaper file cabinets may feature drawers that jam.

Nonetheless, there are a number of factors that make up the price of high-quality filing cabinets. In this post, we break down why filing cabinets are so expensive. Additionally, we discuss how you can maximize the value of this important office equipment. By the end of this post, you should understand file cabinets better.

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Why Are File Cabinets So Expensive?

When it comes to filing cabinets, always remember: you get what you pay for.

Most household furniture may not hold up to the heavy usage of office furniture. Commercial-grade file cabinets are designed to withstand the wear and tear of heavy office usage. If you use regular household furniture for office use, you may be surprised that it may break down sooner than later.

Believe it or not, file cabinets don’t have to be expensive. You can find an attractive yet reliable file cabinet that fits any budget. Best of all, there are many different styles available, from plain black metal cabinets to rustic wicker baskets. A file cabinet should make your office life neater, not messier.

PRO TIP: If you are looking to make your office more organized, consider checking out our super simple and step-by-step guide on how to organize an office filing system. Making sure that all your files and documents are systematically stored can save you a lot of office space, all the while saving you from future headaches.

1. The Purpose of a Filing Cabinet

A file cabinet, or often known as a filing cabinet, is a piece of office furniture usually used to store paper documents in file folders. In essence, it is an enclosure for drawers in which items are stored. File cabinets are typically made of metal or wood. There are two common forms of file cabinets: vertical files and lateral files.

Almost every office has files and paperwork to deal with on a daily basis. These files are important for business. Because of this, protecting these files from damage or theft becomes top priority at the office. This is where file cabinets come in, as they can effectively act as office storage units.

With that said, file cabinets offer benefits that can help enhance everyday office operations. This makes it essential for companies to include filing cabinets in their offices. The benefits of file cabinets include:

• Hold large amounts of files without taking up too much floor space.
• Neatly categorize files and folders, making it easier for the user to retrieve information.
• Reduce loss of company information or damage to the filing cabinet’s contents.
• Protect files and folders from environmental damage.

Filing cabinets can also come with different types of locks to increase the security of confidential information stored within them. This is important if you want to protect certain files from prying eyes safely. Just be sure not to lose the key; otherwise, you might need to learn how to pick a locked file cabinet without the key.

2. How Much Does a File Cabinet Cost?

So, how much does a file cabinet cost? On average, a vertical file cabinet can cost between $20 to $1,000, depending on the number of drawers. A lateral file cabinet, on the other hand, can cost between $150 to $1,500, depending on the number of drawers. Fire and water-resistant models are a lot more expensive.

The price of file cabinets is determined by four things: quality of material, number of drawers, dimensions of the cabinet, and type of locking system. Below are the average prices of different file cabinets:

• Two-drawer vertical file cabinets can cost between $52 to $150
• Five-drawer vertical file cabinets can cost between $450 to $1500
• Two-drawer lateral file cabinets can cost between $150 to $600
• Five-drawer lateral file cabinets can cost between $1000 to $1,500
• Fire and water-resistant two-drawer file cabinets can cost between $800 to $1900
• Fire and water-resistant five-drawer file cabinets can cost between $2000 to $4,000+

Taking all the considerations in mind, It’s important to shop around and do your research before deciding on a filing cabinet. There are smart tips you can employ to get the best value for file cabinets. Doing so can help you save money without getting less in return than what you pay for.

How to Get the Best Value Out of File Cabinets

Finding the best deals online is your best bet in getting the best value out of file cabinets. This is especially true if you don’t live in a metropolitan area, since furniture pricing can be highly competitive. Fortunately, there are many products online that offer practical high-performance filing solutions at affordable prices.

If you’re keen on buying a highly affordable file cabinet, your best route is to buy one designed for small spaces. We’ve compiled a list of the best file cabinets for small spaces to help you make the best buying decision. Countless hours of research and testing go into this list, so you can be sure to buy the right one.

Another great option is to find good deals locally, especially if you consider close-outs or used furniture. Sometimes, the furniture may not be so impressive or sturdy compared to the pictures you see online. Finding good deals locally allows you to inspect the file cabinets physically and look for defects.

One caveat, though. If you can get a good price on a used file cabinet, don’t worry about the initial appearance. You can always update them and make them look new.

There are many ways to make your file cabinets look better. One of them is to paint the file cabinets yourself. Doing so requires a basic understanding of what to do and what not to do. If you feel like unleashing your creative side, it’s best to learn how to paint a file cabinet properly to get the best results. You can also cover them with wallpaper and ceiling tiles for a cool look.

Bottom Line

And there you have it, a short and concise post on why file cabinets are so expensive. Filing cabinets are still a staple in most offices, even as paperless storage grows in popularity. Now that you are well-informed about file cabinet prices, you can now take the time to consider which one is best for you carefully. 🙂