Which Cabinets are Right?

Choose from the following topics to learn more:

• Vertical Files
• Lateral Files
• Shelf Files
• Pedestal Files

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Usually, filing cabinet decisions are based upon how one plans to use files and the layout of the office. Both Vertical and Lateral file cabinets have between 2 and 5 drawers.

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Vertical File Cabinets

Advantages:

1. Vertical file cabinets tend to be more economical and are the most widely used filing method.
2. May fit in situations where wall space is too limited to accommodate lateral files.  Vertical file cabinets are 15” (letter) to 18 1/2” (legal) wide, but require at least 45” to 58” of depth from the wall to open completely, depending on model.
3. Files are usually stored facing the front of the drawer, although this is not always required.

Considerations:

1. Vertical files are best suited for long-term storage of files that you do not need to access on a daily basis.
2. Lateral files are more space-efficient for larger banks of files than vertical files.
3. Vertical file cabinets are purchased as either letter or legal size, whereas lateral file cabinets can accommodate either size.
4. Verticals are usually limited to front-to-back filing, whereas laterals have more flexibility.

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Lateral File Cabinets

Advantages:

1. The most efficient means of conventional filing.  Depth is 18” to 19 1/4”, and extends to 36” to 38 1/2” with the drawer fully withdrawn.  Widths are 30”, 36” or 42”. 
2. Lateral file cabinet drawers are larger than vertical file cabinet drawers, so they hold more files.
3. The drawer design provides complete access to all files when open only 16”, making them ideal for active filing, where higher volume capacity is necessary and retrieval is frequent
4. Lateral file cabinets are more flexible, in that they offer various filing methods: front-to-back, side-to-side, and combination of both. Laterals also allow for the filing of both letter and legal in the same drawer.
5. Lateral file cabinets offer a variety of options, such as pull-out ‘Posting’ shelves, and enclosed shelves for binders and supplies.
6. Laterals have a more heavy duty construction for durability under frequent use.
7. Lateral file cabinets offer shelf storage space on the top of the cabinet.
8. Two-drawer steel lateral files fit under standard-height work surfaces when using panel systems.

Considerations:

1. Lateral files are wider than vertical files, but don’t extend as far into the room.

30, 36 & 42" Lateral	30, 36 & 42" Lateral
30, 36" Lateral	42" Lateral

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Shelf File Cabinets

Advantages: The highest density method of filing Specially designed for end-tab files for quick identification and long term filing. Available as open shelves or with flipper doors. Ideal for medical, dental or insurance offices, where there is frequent access to the files.

Considerations:

1. End tab files may not be the preferred filing system for all organizations.
2. Shelf file systems may be taller and less flexible than desired for some applications.

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Pedestal File Cabinets

Advantages:

1. Pedestal files are usually used when file cabinets need to take up a small space.
2. May be under or near a desk, or may be mobile on casters.
3. May have 2 file drawers or combinations of file drawers and pencil drawers

Considerations:

1. Provide convenient personal filing space, but may not be suitable for shared large scale filing.