Best Flat File Cabinets of 2025

Denise Buck Avatar
Denise Buck
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2025

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Flat file cabinets are a great way to store and organize large documents such as blueprints, maps, and artwork. These cabinets are designed with wide and shallow drawers that can accommodate oversized documents, making them ideal for architects, engineers, artists, and designers. They come in various sizes and styles, ranging from simple metal cabinets to more decorative wood cabinets. With their sturdy construction and ample storage space, flat file cabinets are a must-have for anyone who needs to keep their large documents safe and organized.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

AdirOffice 5-Drawer Flat File Cabinet Cover #TOP 1
AdirOffice 5-Drawer Flat File Cabinet
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Safco 5-Drawer Flat File Organizer Cover #TOP 2
Safco 5-Drawer Flat File Organizer
ftb score rating icon 9.7
AdirOffice Flat File Cabinet Cover #TOP 3
AdirOffice Flat File Cabinet
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Flat File Cabinets

#TOP 1

AdirOffice 5-Drawer Flat File Cabinet

500-01
Black
24” x 36”
AdirOffice 5-Drawer Flat File Cabinet Cover
AdirOffice Flat File Cabinet - Heavy Duty 5-Drawer Blueprint Sheets Storage, 29" x 40" Great for Documents Sized 24” x 36”, Ideal for Artists, Art Files, Engineers, Architects, Offices - Black

The AdirOffice Flat File Cabinet is designed to help you keep your workspace organized and efficient. You can store blueprints and documents up to 24” x 36”, ensuring that your important papers remain neat and accessible. Its durable construction features a heavy gauge steel base, making it resistant to daily wear and tear. The built-in drawer depressors and ball-bearing sliders keep your documents aligned and prevent curling, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of your files. Plus, with a secure lock, you can protect sensitive materials while easily labeling drawers for specific projects or subjects.

What We Like
Versatile document storage
Durable and scratch-resistant
Aligned and protected papers
Secure locking system
Customizable labeling options
#TOP 2

Safco 5-Drawer Flat File Organizer

4972LG
Light Gray
Medium
Safco 5-Drawer Flat File Organizer Cover
Safco 5-Drawer Flat File Organizer for Engineering, Construction, Design & Architecture Documents, 300 lbs Capacity, Medium, Light Gray

The Safco Flat File Organizer is a reliable storage solution for engineering, construction, design, and architecture documents. It ensures secure file storage with rear hoods in each drawer to protect your sheets. The heavy-duty steel construction with a powder coat finish provides durability. Enjoy smooth and quiet operation with extra-strength rails for precise drawer alignment and noise-free nylon rollers. The cabinet's design prevents document curling, keeping your files well-preserved and easily accessible.

What We Like
Secure File Storage
Heavy Duty Construction
Smooth & Quiet Operation
#TOP 3

AdirOffice Flat File Cabinet

500-02
Black
30” x 42”
AdirOffice Flat File Cabinet Cover
AdirOffice Flat File Cabinet - Heavy Duty 5-Drawer Blueprint Sheets Storage, 35" x 46" Great for Documents Sized 30” x 42”, Ideal for Artists, Art Files, Engineers, Architects, Offices - Black

AdirOffice Blueprint Storage is a heavy-duty 5-drawer cabinet great for organizing documents up to 30”x 42”. The durable construction ensures longevity, while convenient features like drawer depressors and ball-bearing sliders keep your papers aligned and prevent curling. You can safeguard sensitive documents with the secure lock and easily label drawers for individual or project-specific use. Available in various sizes, this cabinet is ideal for artists, engineers, architects, and offices.

What We Like
Heavy-duty construction
Convenient drawer features
Secure document storage
#TOP 4

Safco Flat File 5-Drawer Cabinet

4996BLR
Black
Safco Flat File 5-Drawer Cabinet Cover
Safco 5-Drawer Flat File Organizer for Construction, Design, Architecture, Engineering & 30" x 42" Large Documents, Black

The Safco Flat File Cabinet is a sturdy steel cabinet designed to store your important documents safely. With rear hoods in each drawer to protect your papers and prevent curling, this cabinet ensures your files remain well-preserved. The heavy-duty construction and latches keep the drawers securely shut and in place. Enjoy smooth and quiet operation with extra-strength rails and noise-free nylon rollers for seamless sliding. Each drawer can hold up to 500 active, 750 semi-active, or 1,000 inactive files, providing ample storage space for your needs.

What We Like
Archival-Safe Storage
Heavy Duty Construction
Smooth & Quiet Operation
#TOP 5

Safco Products Flat File 5-Drawer, White

4994WHR
White
Safco Products Flat File 5-Drawer, White Cover
Safco Products Flat File for 36" W x 24" D Documents, 5-Drawer (Additional Options Sold Separately), White

Safco Flat File Cabinet is a versatile storage solution for your office documents. The drawers are equipped with heavy-duty nylon rollers for smooth operation. You can stack up to 5 units, saving space in your office. The rear hood and hinged front document depressor ensure your files stay organized and secure. Additionally, the label holder on the drawer front allows for easy identification of your documents.

What We Like
Heavy-duty nylon rollers
Stackable up to 5 units
Secure document organization
#TOP 6

Safco Products Flat File 5-Drawer

4998GRR
Grey
Safco Products Flat File 5-Drawer Cover
Safco Products 4998GRR Flat File for 48" W x 36" D Documents, 5-Drawer (Additio0l Options Sold Separately), Grey

The Safco Flat File Cabinet is a versatile storage solution for your documents. With its 5-drawer design, it provides ample space to store and organize your 48" W x 36" D documents. The installation manual, provided in pdf format, guides you through the assembly process to ensure proper setup. This flat file cabinet is perfect for offices, studios, or any space where you need to keep your documents organized and easily accessible. Its grey color adds a touch of sophistication to any environment. The Safco Flat File Cabinet is a reliable and functional choice for your document storage needs.

What We Like
Ample storage space
Easy assembly
Stylish and professional design
#TOP 7

Safco Products Flat File 5-Drawer Cabinet

4998BLR
Black
Safco Products Flat File 5-Drawer Cabinet Cover
Safco Products Flat File for 48" W x 36" D Documents, 5-Drawer (Additional Options Sold Separately), Black

The Safco Flat File Cabinet is a steel cabinet with a powder coat finish capable of holding up to 38" x 50" documents with a sheet capacity of up to 500 active, 750 semi-active, and 1000 inactive sheets. The cabinet features five drawers with dimensions of 50"W x 38"D x 2 1/8"H (ID) and label holders on drawer fronts with dimensions of 3 1/4"W x 1 ⅞"H (OD). The drawers are equipped with heavy-duty nylon rollers, a courtesy stop, a rear hood, and a hinged front document depressor. The cabinet can be stacked up to five units with the Safco Products Closed Low Base Model 4999BLR or up to two units with the Safco Products Open High Base Model 4979BL (sold separately). Additionally, the Safco Flat File Cabinet can be used with an optional Lock Kit, which includes a lock and two keys (Model 4981, sold separately).

What We Like
Durable steel construction
Large sheet capacity
Multiple stacking options
#TOP 8

Safco 5-Drawer Flat File Cabinet

4998WHR
White
Safco 5-Drawer Flat File Cabinet Cover
Safco Products Flat File for 48" W x 36" D Documents, 5-Drawer (Additional Options Sold Separately), White

The Safco Flat File Cabinet is a versatile storage solution designed for documents up to 38" x 50". Its five sturdy drawers glide smoothly on heavy-duty nylon rollers, making it easy for you to access and organize your important files. The courtesy stop feature prevents drawers from falling out, ensuring safe handling. Additionally, the cabinet's rear hood and hinged front document depressor help keep your documents flat and secure, perfect for preserving the integrity of your materials. You can even stack multiple units to maximize your office space efficiently.

What We Like
Sturdy, durable construction
Smooth drawer operation
Space-saving stacking options
Protects document integrity
#TOP 9

Safco 4899 Flat File Trays

4899
White
Safco 4899 Flat File Trays Cover
Safco 4899 Giant Stack Flat File Trays, 45-1/4w x 34d x 3h, White(Pack of 2)

The Safco 4899 Flat File Trays offer a flat filing stacking system with trays molded in one piece from high-density polyethylene and steel reinforcement. The stacking system allows you to stack trays up to 5 feet high, providing ample storage space for your files. This product is perfect for individuals or companies that require a lot of filing space, and the optional wood top (4898LO) is available for an additional layer of convenience and usability.

What We Like
Stack trays up to 5 feet high
Molded in one piece from high-density polyethylene and steel reinforcement
Offers ample storage space for your files
#TOP 10

Safco 4986TS Flat File

4986TS
Tropic Sand
Safco 4986TS Flat File Cover
Safco Products 4986TS Flat File for 42" W x 30" D Documents, 10-Drawer (Additional Options Sold Separately), Tropic Sand

Meet the Safco Flat File Cabinet, a versatile storage solution for your 42" W x 30" D documents. This cabinet offers case-hardened ball-bearing rollers for smooth drawer operation, ensuring easy access to your files. With positive closures, your documents stay securely in place. The rear hood and hinged front depressor help organize your papers neatly. Whether used individually or stacked, this cabinet provides space-saving storage options. Optional base available separately for added convenience.

What We Like
Smooth drawer operation
Secure document storage
Space-saving design
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a flat file cabinet used for?

A flat file cabinet is used for storing and organizing large items like blueprints, artwork, maps, and other oversized documents. It is designed specifically to accommodate these items and keep them organized and easily accessible.

2. What are the three types of filing cabinet?

The three types of filing cabinets are lateral file cabinets, vertical file cabinets, and mobile file cabinets. Additionally, there are also fireproof file storage cabinets available for added protection against fire damage.

3. How do I use a flat file safely?

To use a flat file safely, hold it firmly and securely with both hands. Apply pressure only on the forward or pushing strokes while filing. Avoid using excessive downward force on the return stroke to prevent dulling the file teeth. Never use a file for prying or hammering as it can damage the file and compromise safety.

4. Are filing cabinets still used?

Yes, filing cabinets are still widely used in modern offices. With the need to handle large volumes of paperwork and files on a daily basis, filing cabinets provide a reliable and efficient way to store and organize important documents and papers.

5. Why do companies still use filing cabinets?

Companies continue to use filing cabinets because they are the most reliable way to store and organize large volumes of paperwork and files. Filing cabinets provide easy access to important documents, ensure their safety and security, and help maintain an organized office environment.

6. What is lateral vs vertical file cabinet?

Lateral filing cabinets have better storage capacity compared to vertical cabinets as their drawers are wider. Lateral cabinets allow you to store files or documents either front to back or side to side, depending on your needs. They can accommodate both legal size and letter size files within the same drawer.

7. What is a wood flat file?

A wood flat file is a type of flat file cabinet that is made of wood. It offers a classic and elegant look and is often used to keep reference material handy or to enhance the workspace by displaying decorative items. Wood flat files are modular and can be used individually or stacked to save space.

Editor's Notes

During our flat file cabinet research, we found 24 flat file cabinet products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 3,638 customer reviews through our big data system to write the flat file cabinets list. We found that most customers choose flat file cabinets with an average price of $932.33.

The flat file cabinets are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of flat file cabinets, including AdirOffice, Safco. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Denise Buck Avatar

Denise Buck is an excellent content writer. She has the ability to look for great deals on Home & Kitchen appliances and office products on the Internet for various customers, then she can write a complete buying guide to help you find products that fit your budget and the best bargains.