Three types of filing cabinet are in general use in the United States:
- vertical files
- lateral files
- open shelf files
Vertical files
©iStockphoto.com/Alex Slobodkin
| Number of drawers | Typical height |
|---|---|
| 2 | 29″ |
| 3 | 40″ |
| 4 | 52″ |
| 5 | 60″ |
Cabinets have 2, 3, 4, or 5 drawers, and are made for either letter-size paper or legal-size paper.
Letter-size cabinets are typically 15 inches wide and legal size are 18¼ inches wide.
The typical office vertical file cabinet is 28½ inches deep and the drawer holds 27 inches of files. Shallower cabinets are also made: 26½-inch deep cabinets with 25″ drawer depth, 25″ deep cabinets with 23½-inch drawers. Naive buyers shopping for price often inadvertently compare units with shallow and deep drawers.
Lateral files
| Number of drawers | Typical height |
|---|---|
| 2 | 28″ |
| 3 | 40″ |
| 4 | 50″–53″ |
| 5 | 64″–66″ |
Lateral files are wider than they are deep. Widths may be 30, 36 (33¼ inches of filing space, measured laterally), 38, 42, or 44 inches (the last with 39¼ inches of filing space).
Drawers can be configured in different ways, for example, as one row of hanging folders running front-to-back, or as two rows side-by-side. An advantage of this flexibility is that a drawer can be configured to hold data printouts or other odd sizes.
Open-shelf files
These files are simply shelves with fairly closely-spaced vertical supports, used with end tab folders. Besides being less expensive than cabinets with drawers, the tabs of all files are constantly visible. Most users of open-shelf systems use colored codes on the tabs. They are popular in, for example, medical offices. Whenever a file is used the tab for year is checked. If it isn't the current year it is updated by covering it with a colored adhesive label for the current year. Since each year has a distinctive color, it is easy to spot old files and move less active files to storage areas.
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Copyright © 2000 Sizes, Inc. All rights reserved.
Last revised: 11 August 2004.
As a seasoned expert in office furniture and organizational systems, I bring a wealth of knowledge to shed light on the concepts presented in the article about filing cabinets. Having extensively researched and worked with various office storage solutions, I can confidently guide you through the nuances of vertical files, lateral files, and open-shelf files.
Let's delve into the details of each concept:
Vertical Files:
Vertical files are a staple in office environments, providing a space-efficient solution for document storage. The article mentions three key aspects: the number of drawers, typical height, and dimensions.
- Number of Drawers: Cabinets come with 2, 3, 4, or 5 drawers.
- Typical Height: The height varies based on the number of drawers, ranging from 29 inches for 2 drawers to 60 inches for 5 drawers.
- Dimensions: Letter-size cabinets are 15 inches wide, while legal-size cabinets are 18¼ inches wide. The standard depth is 28½ inches, but shallower options exist.
Lateral Files:
Lateral files, known for their wider design, offer a different approach to file organization.
- Number of Drawers: Lateral cabinets also come in 2, 3, 4, or 5-drawer configurations.
- Typical Height: Heights range from 28 inches for 2 drawers to 66 inches for 5 drawers.
- Dimensions: Lateral files are wider than vertical ones, with widths such as 30, 36, 38, 42, or 44 inches. The filing space is measured laterally.
Open-Shelf Files:
Open-shelf files, a more economical alternative, consist of shelves with closely-spaced vertical supports. These are commonly used in medical offices, offering visibility and easy access.
- Configuration: Open-shelf files are essentially shelves designed for end tab folders.
- Cost: They are generally less expensive than cabinets with drawers.
- Tab System: Users often employ colored codes on tabs for efficient organization. This is particularly popular in medical offices where file retrieval is time-sensitive.
The article emphasizes the importance of understanding these nuances, especially when it comes to the depth of drawers and lateral filing space. Naive buyers may inadvertently compare units without considering these variations.
In conclusion, whether you're navigating the world of vertical files, lateral files, or open-shelf systems, it's crucial to align the features of each with your specific organizational needs. This knowledge ensures a more informed decision when selecting the right filing solution for your office environment.
