About Flat File Cabinets

 A flat file cabinet is a storage device that helps you organize all your flat files that require special handling. Normally, flat file cabinets are created to accommodate large-sized paper flat files that you do not want crumpled, rolled or otherwise kept.

A flat file cabinet is made up of large and thin drawers that are supported by frames.  Each of these drawers can slide open through the bearings on the side.  When buying a flat file cabinet, you can choose between sizable ones that have more drawers thus more storage capacity, or shorter ones with fewer drawers. You also will have size choices, depending on the paper size of the documents you wish to keep in them.

What are the different varieties of flat file cabinets you can choose from?

Typically, flat file cabinets are manufactured in the five-drawer or ten-drawer variety.  You will also have different sizes for the width of the flat file cabinet you wish to buy. The range of bases is from 41 inches to 57 inches.  These flat file cabinets can support sheets that are sized at 24” x 36” to 36” x 48” documents. Flat file cabinets are usually made of steel, to ensure the protection of the sheets inside from different elements. 

Here are some examples of flat file cabinets available in the market:

1. 41” flush base flat file cabinet – This cabinet is made of all steel and has a flush base for elevation.  It can only support three files in each drawer.  Each sheet would have to be sized 24” x 36”.

2. 47” five-drawer flat file cabinet – This flat file cabinet is made of steel but does not have a flush base, which means it does not have any elevation. However, this features a reinforced case thus providing maximum protection. Additionally, its drawers have front metal plan depressors with a hooded rear to enclose documents better. This accommodates sheets sized 24” x 36”.  Also, this supports up to 200 documents. 

3. 51” five-drawer flat file cabinet with closed base- This is an all steel cabinet with a closed based for elevations.  It also has a reinforced casing and front metal plan depressors and hood for document protection.  This cabinet houses up to 200 sheets sized 30” x 42”.

4. 54” ten-drawer flat file cabinet – This can house up to 100 sheets sized 36” x 48” in every drawer.  You would not need any other drawer after this. It also has reinforced casing and depressors and hoods for each drawer for optimum protection of documents.

All flat file cabinets can be chosen without base for elevation or with a flush or closed base.  Some have five drawers while some have ten, and each drawer has a specific number of sheets it can support.  Flat file cabinets can also be bought in different colors: white, tan, black, grey, blue, or red.

Flat file cabinets are used for the storage of large documents and sheets such as blueprints, drawings, and maps. This can also hold canvasses, different artwork and paintings, and report sheets generated in an office.