Lateral file cabinets are a popular storage solution for many homes and offices. But when it comes to capacity, many wonder – do lateral file cabinets hold more than vertical file cabinets? The short answer is yes, lateral file cabinets generally have a greater storage capacity than vertical ones.
What is a Lateral File Cabinet?
A lateral file cabinet is a filing cabinet that is wider than it is deep, with drawers that pull out from the side. The drawers slide side to side, providing access to files along the entire depth of each drawer.
Lateral filing cabinets are designed to make full use of floor space. They can hold more files in the same floor footprint as a vertical cabinet. Their shallow depth fits against walls and in tight spaces. The drawers pull out sideways, so you don’t need space in front for them to open.
Benefits of Lateral File Cabinets
There are several benefits that make lateral filing cabinets advantageous over vertical ones:
Increased Capacity
The main benefit of lateral cabinets is their increased storage capacity. Because they are wider than vertical cabinets, lateral drawers can hold more files front to back. More files can be stored without having to increase the floor space occupied by the cabinet.
Lateral drawers are generally 24″ to 30″ deep, while vertical drawers are only 15″ to 18″ deep. Even a two-drawer lateral cabinet holds far more than a four or five-drawer vertical file.
Full Drawer Access
With both sides of the drawer accessible, filing and retrieving folders is easier in a lateral cabinet. You don’t have to remove files in the front to reach those in the back. This convenience makes laterals ideal for frequently accessed active files.
Space Saving Design
The shallow profile of lateral cabinets makes them perfect for tight spaces. They can fit in narrow alcoves, behind doors, and against walls. Many models have finished backs so they can be placed anywhere without stands or wasting space between cabinets.
Ergonomic Advantages
The full-extension drawer slides on lateral files bring files completely outside the cabinet body. This provides better ergonomics by eliminating the need to reach into the back of deep drawers. The shallow drawer depth requires less bending and straining.
Do Lateral Cabinets Actually Hold More?
When comparing cabinets of the same height, lateral files almost always offer greater capacity than vertical ones. Even a two-drawer lateral holds noticeably more than a four or five-drawer vertical.
For example, consider two 30″ high, commonly sized filing cabinets:
- A 30″ high, four-drawer vertical cabinet has drawers about 15″ deep that yield around 1.2 cubic feet of storage per drawer. Total capacity is approximately 4.8 cubic feet.
- A 30″ high, two-drawer lateral cabinet has drawers around 25″ deep that yield 2.5 cubic feet per drawer. Total capacity is 5 cubic feet.
Despite having half as many drawers, the two-drawer lateral holds slightly more in total than the four-drawer vertical.
To maximize their storage advantage, lateral cabinets are often designed with only two or three very large drawers. Fewer, deeper drawers provide more room for hanging folders front-to-back.
Factors That Impact Lateral File Capacity
While laterals ultimately fit more files, there are some variables that affect their capacity:
Drawer Configuration
Lateral cabinets come in two, three, and four drawer models. Generally, the fewer larger drawers a lateral cabinet has, the greater capacity it will have overall.
For a given cabinet size, two large drawers will hold more than three shallow drawers. One deep drawer maximizes storage, but multiple drawers allow sorting files into categories.
Drawer Dimensions
Wider and deeper drawers increase capacity. A 30″ deep lateral drawer stores 50% more than a 24″ deep drawer of the same height. Be sure to check actual drawer interior dimensions.
Standard drawer widths for letter or legal-size hanging folders are 15″, 18″, 21″, 24″, 30″, and 36″. Wider drawers allow more folders to be stored side-by-side.
Cabinet Height
Taller cabinets provide more usable vertical space, so a taller lateral can hold more than a shorter one with the same drawer configuration. Typical heights are 30″, 36″, 40″, and 52″.
A 52″ or 60″ double-wide lateral is ideal for maximizing storage in a small footprint. Some suppliers offer custom cabinet heights as well.
Hanging Folders vs. Filing Boxes
Hanging folders are more space efficient than filing boxes or stacked documents. Storing files upright in hanging folders utilizes the full drawer depth and fits 15-20% more files than boxes.
Laterals that use hanging folders rather than boxes or shelves get the most benefit from the extra drawer depth.
Ideal Uses for Lateral Filing Cabinets
The expanded capacity of lateral filing cabinets makes them ideal for:
- Large volume filing – Storing high quantities of files, archives, medical records, deeds, plans etc. Their roomy drawers can condense filing space.
- Active project files – Quick access laterals help keep current working files orderly yet close at hand. Their full drawer access speeds finding and refiling documents.
- Big format folders – Legal, A3, architectural plans, and large format folders fit neatly into deep lateral drawers. Less need to fold odd oversized documents.
- Hybrid filing – Mixing hanging folders, shelving, and drawers in one unit. Top shelf space provides room for inbox trays and frequently used supplies.
Key Features of Quality Lateral File Cabinets
Here are some useful features to look for when choosing lateral filing cabinets:
- Full-extension, ball-bearing slides – These allow the drawer to open fully so all contents are accessible. Smooth, easy access prevents drawer breakage.
- High weight capacity – Look for laterals with 100 lbs or more weight capacity for durable heavy duty use. Steel ball-bearing slides support weight best.
- Hanging folder rails – Integrated rails properly suspend hanging folders and keeps them upright. Some models have adjustable or removable rails.
- Locking – Locking lateral drawers keep documents secure. Often one or more drawers will lock while the top compartment is left public.
- Caster wheels – Casters offer easy mobility for heavier cabinets. They also allow cabinets to be moved for cleaning. Leveling feet ensure the cabinet sits firmly in place.
- Lift-out shelves – Adjustable shelves maximize storage for binders, boxes, and index cards. Shelves can also divide one drawer into compartments. Choosing the right size lateral filing cabinet with quality features ensures you get the most usable storage capacity for your space. Their increased drawer depth keeps more records and documents neatly organized yet still easily accessible. Lateral file cabinets are the ideal solution when floor space is limited but filing needs are not.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lateral File Cabinets
Q: Are lateral file cabinets better than vertical ones?
A: In most cases, yes – lateral file cabinets provide more storage capacity than vertical cabinets of the same size. Their wider, shallower drawers can fit more files front-to-back. Laterals also allow full access to all folders without removing others first.
Q: How deep are lateral filing cabinet drawers?
A: Typical depths are 24″ to 30″. The deeper the drawer, the more rows of hanging folders it can accommodate. Legal and letter-size drawers are usually 18″ to 21″ deep.
Q: What height are most lateral cabinets?
A: Standard heights include 30″, 36″, 40″, 42″, 52″, and 65″. The 30″ height is most popular for under desktop use. 52″ cabinets are ideal for large storage needs.
Q: Should I get 2, 3, or 4 drawer lateral cabinets?
A: Generally 2 large drawers provide maximum capacity, while 3 to 4 smaller drawers allow sorting into more categories. Consider how you will use the files and organize them.
Q: Can I use regular file folders in a lateral cabinet?
A: Yes, you can use file folders stored upright or on shelves. But to maximize a lateral’s capacity, use hanging folders vertically to utilize all the drawer depth.
Q: Are lateral file cabinets more expensive than vertical ones?
A: Laterals often cost more due to requiring more materials, wider bodies and full-extension slides. But the increased storage capacity makes the cost per file stored lower.
Q: How heavy are loaded lateral filing cabinets?
A: A fully loaded 30″ to 36″ lateral can weigh 400-600 lbs. Consider casters for mobility and floor load capacity. Ball-bearing slides support weight well.
Lateral file cabinets are an efficient storage solution, especially when space is tight. Their capacity to hold more files and convenient accessibility make them a smart choice for any home or office. With quality materials and features like full-extension slides, laterals keep your files orderly while also close at hand.
Key Takeaways on Lateral File Cabinet Capacity
- Lateral filing cabinets provide greater storage capacity than vertical file cabinets of the same size. Their wider, shallower drawers hold more files front-to-back.
- Even a two-drawer lateral holds noticeably more than a four or five-drawer vertical cabinet. Fewer, larger drawers maximize storage.
- Drawer depth, width, configuration, and cabinet height all impact the storage capacity of a lateral filing cabinet.
- Quality features like full-extension slides, hanging rails, casters, and weight ratings ensure lateral cabinets function reliably.
- The increased capacity and accessibility of laterals make them ideal for active files, large volumes, and hybrid storage needs.
- When floor space is limited but filing needs are not, lateral filing cabinets are the optimal solution to keep documents organized yet easily accessible.