Ever tried moving a 5-drawer filing cabinet? The weight can surprise you! Whether relocating or reorganizing, understanding the weight of a 5 drawer filing cabinet is crucial. In this blog, we will dive into the factors that determine a cabinet’s weight and how it impacts your decisions, safety, and surroundings. Let’s check the weight of these file cabinets.
Key Takeaways
- How does the weight of a file cabinet matter
- Factors affecting the weight of a file cabinet
- Weights of different File cabinets based on Brands, Materials, Size, and accessories
- Ways to check the Weight of a file cabinet
- How to move a file cabinet safely
After going through this informative article you will be able to comprehend the weight of a 5 drawer File cabinet easily.
Why Does File Cabinet Weight Matter?
The weight of file cabinets holds significance in several practical and safety areas:
Mobility & Transportation:
A cabinet’s weight directly affects how easy or challenging it is to move. Whether you’re changing offices, rearranging your current space, or transporting it, a lighter cabinet is easier to handle. A heavier one requires specialized equipment or extra hands.
Stability & Safety:
Heavier cabinets generally have a lower center of gravity, making them more stable and less likely to tip over, especially when the top drawers are open. On the other hand, a lighter cabinet might pose a tipping risk, especially when overloaded or improperly balanced.
Floor Protection:
Heavier cabinets can exert significant pressure on the floor, especially on softer surfaces like carpets or certain types of wood. Over time, this can lead to indentations or damage, requiring repairs or replacements.
Installation & Assembly:
A lighter file cabinet is easier to install than a heavy one. Heavier ones require more people while lighter pieces can often be managed solo.
Durability & Lifespan:
While weight isn’t the only factor, heavier filing cabinets often signal robust construction and materials, potentially offering a longer lifespan and better resistance to wear and tear.
Factors Affecting the Weight
The weight of a 5-drawer filing cabinet doesn’t just randomly vary; it’s influenced by several key components and characteristics. Let’s delve into the primary factors affecting its heft:
Materials Used:
Metal Cabinets:
Typically heavier, these are made of steel or other metals, providing durability but adding significant weight. If you look at the table below metal file cabinets were the bulkiest weighing more than 120 pounds on average.
Wood Cabinets:
Depending on the type of wood (hardwood or particleboard), the weight can range from moderately heavy to lighter. Wood is the most commonly available file cabinet. A standard-size cabinet with dimensions of 16″ D x 16″ W x 24″ H has a weight in the range of 36-40 pounds. It may go higher depending on the thickness and depth of the drawers.
Composite or Plastic Cabinets:
Often the lightest option, these might not offer the same robustness as metal or wood but are more manageable in terms of weight. A plastic file cabinet of size 13.7″D x 11.8″ W x 12.1″ H has an average weight of 6 pounds. These are desktop versions to be kept on the table.
Size and Dimensions:
Larger cabinets, with more depth or width, naturally weigh more due to the extra material required for construction.
Hardware and Fixtures:
The inclusion of locks, handles, rails, and even the type of drawer slides can add to the weight.
Drawer Thickness:
Thicker, more durable drawers designed to hold more weight themselves tend to be heavier.
Additional Features:
Cabinets with added features like wheels or casters for mobility, extra compartments, or built-in safe boxes will have an increased weight.
Finishes and Coatings:
Some cabinets come with special finishes or coatings that can slightly alter the weight. For instance, fireproof coatings may add some extra pounds.
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Weight of a 5 Drawer Filing Cabinet – Table
I scanned through hundreds of 5 drawer file cabinets both online and offline. I encountered several brands and makers and I took note of all the weight of these file cabinets with 5 drawers.
Here is a table that shows the weight of different file cabinets with 5 drawers. It lists the material such as Wood, metal, or plastic, dimension, brand, and if it comes fitted with any accessories.
| Brand | Material | Dimension | Accessories | File Cabinet Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HOOBRO | Wood | 15.7” D x 15.7” W x 27.2”’ H | Casters | 22 Lbs |
| PUNCIA | Wood | 15.7” D x 30.7” W x 25.4”’ H | Casters and a Book Cabinet | 60.9 Lbs |
| WOOD WORTH | Wood | 16″ D x 16″ W x 24″ H | Casters | 38 Lbs |
| Salfanre | Wood | 16.5″D x 26.5″ W x 19.45″ H | Casters | 52.7 lbs |
| EDGEWOOD | Wood | 16″ D x 16″ W x 26″ H | Casters | 36 lbs |
| SANYOAC | Wood | 16.5″D x 19.5″W x 26.5″H | Casters | 53 lbs |
| DVTEL | Plastic | 13.7″D x 11.8″ W x 12.1″ H | No | 6.61 lbs |
| HON | Steel | 26.5″D x 15″ W x 60″H | No | 128 lbs |
| Winsome Halifax | Wood | 15.98″D x 19.21″ W x 26.3″H | Casters | 40.3 |
| Adeptus | Wood | 15.25″D x 13.25″ W x 25.75″H | Casters | 21 lbs |
| Koifuxii | Wood | 16.5″D x 19.5″W x 26.5″H | Casters | 54.8 |
| Panana | Wood | 15.35″D x 19.29″W x 29.53″H | Casters | 40 lbs |
| Staples Commercial | Wood | 10.43″D x 5.91″W x 24.17″H | Casters | 32 lbs |
A 5-drawer filing cabinet can vary significantly in weight depending on its construction materials and design. However, there’s a general weight range based on typical materials:
Metal 5-Drawer Filing Cabinets:
- Most common and durable.
- Typically weigh between 100 to 200 pounds (45 to 90 kg).
Wood 5-Drawer Filing Cabinets:
- Weight can vary widely based on the type of wood (e.g., hardwoods like oak or cherry will be heavier than particleboard or MDF).
- Generally, they can weigh from 35 to 100 pounds (15 to 46 kg).
Composite or Plastic 5-Drawer Filing Cabinets:
- Typically the lightest option available.
- The weight range is usually 10 to 30 pounds (4.5 to 15 kg).
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How to Determine the Exact Weight of a Specific Cabinet
Determining the exact weight of a specific cabinet can be a crucial step, especially when planning to relocate or install it. Here’s a guide on how to find this information:
Check Manufacturer’s Specifications:
- The easiest way to know the weight is to refer to the product details provided by the manufacturer.
- This can be found on the product’s packaging, user manual, or the manufacturer’s website.
Retailer/Product Listings:
- If you purchased the cabinet online, product listings often include weight details.
- Offline store staff might have this information readily available as well.
Use a Household Scale:
- For a direct measure, empty the cabinet entirely.
- Tilt the cabinet and slide a bathroom scale under one corner, noting the weight. Repeat for each corner and sum up the measurements.
Contact the Manufacturer:
- If you can’t find the weight in any product documentation, reaching out to the manufacturer’s customer service can be beneficial.
- Provide them with the model number and any other relevant details to get accurate information.
Estimate Based on Material and Size:
- If you’re familiar with the materials used, you can make an educated guess. For example, knowing that metal cabinets tend to weigh more than wooden ones can give you a rough ballpark.
Ask Professionals:
- If you’re working with movers or furniture specialists, they often have experience and might be able to provide a close estimate based on similar items they’ve handled.
