How Do I Choose the Best Five Drawer File Cabinet?

Choosing the best five drawer file cabinet means carefully evaluating your needs against the available options. Primary considerations include the size and layout of the cabinet, the color and material from which it is made, and the security features. You will also want to consider the price and any warranties that may be offered.

Size and layout are two of the major factors in choosing a five drawer file cabinet. Drawers may be sized to accommodate either standard letter or standard legal files, or may be adjustable and able to hold both. In addition, drawer layouts can vary.

Drawers can be laid out so that files are placed front to back, meaning that the tabs are readable when standing in front of the file cabinet. These cabinets usually have the advantage of a smaller overall footprint. Often, however, a five drawer file cabinet is laid out so that the files are arranged from side to side, meaning that the tabs are visible when standing to the side of the open drawer. These cabinets are larger, but generally hold more files.

In most cases, a five drawer file cabinet features drawers that are stacked vertically. These units can be quite tall. If you are concerned about the accessibility of the top drawers, or if you need to place the cabinet in a difficult position, such as under a window, you might consider a four drawer cabinet instead. Such cabinets often have two side-by-side rows of drawers stacked two high, dramatically reducing the height of the unit. Six-drawer cabinets are also available in a similar configuration, stacked three high.

Drawer size and layout contribute significantly to the overall footprint of a five drawer file cabinet. You'll want to carefully evaluate the space you have available to determine what's best for you. Remember to consider factors such as the width of doors and hallways, and the position of any existing furniture.

Materials and colors are generally a secondary consideration, but can be important. For example, if your existing cabinets are black — and you intend to keep them — you might not want to purchase a green or cream-colored five drawer file cabinet. File cabinets are generally metal, but can also be wooden or can be designed with a wood finish.

Available security features include the ability to lock the cabinet, fire resistance and anti-tip stabilizers. All such features will increase the price to a degree, as will warranties offered by the manufacturer. You'll want to consider whether these features are important to you and whether they are important enough to warrant the cost difference.