File Cabinets

File Cabinet Storage

File cabinets are a simple way to stay organized and efficient in any environment, whether it be in the home office, for an educational establishment, or in any other office setting. Types of file cabinets vary, and names are often used interchangeably, so a little education will help you choose the right filing system to meet your own needs:

Vertical File Cabinets

A Vertical File Cabinet is probably what you picture in your head when someone says the phrase "File Cabinet." This is the filing system your parents and grandparents probably used--three or four filing drawers stacked one on top of another, with metal or wood drawers that pull out and filing folders that stack inside from front to back. The word "vertical" refers to the cabinet drawers being stacked vertically, one on top of another. Vertical File Cabinets are typically no more than 18 inches wide, 22-26 inches deep, and up to 6 feet tall. High drawer sides accommodate hanging folders or simply stack manilla folders, paper, music, or other documents one behind another.
Another use of the term "vertical file" refers to hanging wall racks that support large-format documents such as blueprints. These files feature spring-loaded clamps that suspend blueprints, artwork, maps and more from a metal rack.

Lateral File Cabinets

Lateral file cabinets are usually built with pull-out drawers as well, but are unique in that files and documents can be stored side to side (or laterally) rather than front to back. The design of a lateral file usually includes a system of cross rails that support hanging file folders. This allows a user to access all files in a drawer simultaneously without reaching to the back of a drawer. Standard lateral file drawers are 30, 36 or 42 inches wide. If space is very limited, consider a vertical file. Otherwise, a lateral file allows for efficient storage of printed materials and documents combined with the added advantage of easy access. Both lateral and vertical files are typically limited to 5 drawers in order to prevent tipping when the top drawer is open, so users with high-density filing needs typically choose an end-tab filing system.

Shelf Files: Top Tab Filing versus End Tab Filing

Picture the typical manilla folder in your mind. The raised tab on the folder that you write on is referred to as a "top tab". Top tap filing cabinets are easy to use and access, but because of the laws of physics, there are limits on how high you can stack them without the risk of tipping or injury when the top drawer is pulled out. End tab filing is an ingenious solution to the problem of high-density storage in a smaller space. You'll see these often in doctor's and dentist's offices where files and medical records have to be stored in an accessible, secure manner. An end tab file system does not have drawers that pull out. Instead, these feature a door that lifts up and recesses into the cabinet, or pulls down and slides underneath the files. End tab filing is basically a shelving system that holds thousands and thousands of folders, and the end tabs are often color-coded for ease of use. Shelves can be locked to make them HIPAA compliant. While healthcare providers have the most obvious need for end-tab filing systems, manufacturers, warehouses, law offices, public safety organizations, and a host of other professional, governmental and service organizations find end-tab lateral filing shelves useful. Lateral files can accommodate up to eight shelves and reach heights of nine feet and higher.

Rotary Filing Systems

Rotary Files are another ingenious way to consolidate lots of files into a small space, and they accommodate a vast array of file types and multimedia. One type of rotary files consists of a double-sided rotary unit with two sets of shelves, one behind another that rotate on a central pole or via foot-controlled hydraulics. Other rotary filing systems employ a carousel design, and these are great for storing binders, DVDs CDs, manuals and more.

Flat File Cabinets

Flat File cabinets are the perfect solution for large-format filing. They are a must for the draftsman, architect, hobbyist, or artist who needs to be able to store blueprints, maps or artwork safely.

Hanging Files and File Frames

Sometimes called "vertical files," hanging file systems allow for storage of large-format documents such as blueprints. Sometimes a hanging file takes the form of metal clamps that attach to a wall-mounted rack. Other hanging files feature a frame mounted on wheels that allows the user to easily transport documents from one location to another.

File Carts and Pedestal Files

For mobile filing at its best, consider a side-access mobile pedestal. A versatile next-to-desk storage solution, a file cart is essentially a mini-filing-cabinet on wheels, while a Pedestal File is a pantry-style pull-out drawer that allows you to store everything from binders to CD cases to wet snow boots. Keep the essentials close-at-hand without digging through deep desk drawers.

Fireproof and Insulated File Cabinets

Keep your critical documents and possessions safe in temperatures up to 1,800 degrees. You'll find fireproof cabinets with and without locking security protection.
Whatever your filing needs, furniture-online has a solution. If you have questions about which filing cabinet will best meet your needs, don't hesitate to contact one of our Customer Support representatives.