Low quality wood file cabinets are normally made to be self assembled by the purchaser. Assembling these filing cabinets are often more difficult than expected because they use “cam” assembly hardware. When looking for a file cabinet you should avoid buying one that is made from particleboard. While the description on the package may say it’s made of wood, you need to use caution. The Furniture Manufacturers Association has declared that the description “solid wood” includes particleboard. You should look for a file cabinet that is made from solid wood like pine, cherry, or oak.
Another thing to consider that a file cabinet needs glue, screws, and clamps in order to hold a lot of weight. It is doubtful that cam locks in particleboard will hold up to regular use.
The next thing you need to know is the difference between solid wood (not particleboard), genuine wood veneer, and printed grain. The simplest way to determine whether a piece of furniture is made from solid wood or not, is to look at the grain. If the end grain runs perpendicular to the rest of the grain, it is very likely veneer. This is not to say that you should not purchase furniture made with veneer, but you should know exactly what you are purchasing.
An oak filing cabinet that has wood drawers that are made with English Dovetailed joints is the best. If the drawers are put together with cams, they won’t stay together. A drawer that is glued and stapled may be acceptable as long as the staples are only used to hold the drawer together as the glue dries.
Another thing to look at is the hardware that is used to open the file cabinet drawers. Look at the runner system and make sure that it opens evenly and smoothly. Look at how the tracking system works. If the file drawer pulls out less than 90% you will have a hard time retrieving documents from the back of the drawer. If the drawer doesn’t pull out all the way you will lose valuable storage space. File cabinets made with Euro type rollers are not acceptable under any circumstances. This roller system has two interlocking wheels on a spindle and is not able to take the heavy weight of a file drawer. This type of roller system won’t last long at all.
An acceptable file cabinet glide system would be a full extension, full ball bearing slide system that has a minimum rating of 100 pounds.
You should also decide whether or not you will want to lock the individual file cabinet drawers. The best way to lock a drawer and keep it safe from prying eyes is to install a lock on each individual drawer. You can also lock all the drawers by using a key on just the top drawer that controls a mechanism that locks all the drawers in the file cabinet. Sometimes these interlocking systems on quality wood file cabinets can be expensive and can sometimes create access problems if they hang-up.
A conscientious consumer will take all of these tips into consideration when choosing a file cabinet. By sticking to solid wood file cabinets with quality glides and steering clear of those that require assembly, you will have a quality file cabinet that provides good access to your files that will last for years.
Phillip Gasvar has worked in the interior decorating and home furnishings business for 10 years. He writes for a landmark furniture store in Los Angeles. They offer American made Arts & Crafts and Mission style bedroom, living room and oak office furniture for your home or office. Thy take pride in offering furniture that’s built to last for generations. You’ll find everything you need within one roof.