Lateral or vertical: start with the footprint
The first decision is not brand or color. It is where the cabinet will stand and how the drawers will open. Office filing cabinets come in two basic forms, and each suits a different kind of space.
Lateral files
Lateral files are wide and shallow. Drawers open from the long side, and folders hang side to side or front to back depending on the rails. Because they are shallow, laterals sit comfortably along a wall, beside a desk or at the end of a cubicle run. The top often doubles as a credenza surface for a printer or reference binders.
Vertical files
Vertical files are narrow and deep. Folders run front to back, and the drawer pulls straight out toward you. They use very little wall length, which makes them useful in tight private offices or storage rooms. The tradeoff is depth: an open drawer needs a lot of clear floor in front of it.
Lateral vs. vertical files compared
| Factor | Lateral files | Vertical files |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Wide and shallow | Narrow and deep |
| Wall length used | More | Less |
| Clearance for open drawers | Less depth needed | More depth needed |
| Top surface | Useful work or display surface | Small |
| Fits in cubicle runs | Often, as a divider or end cap | Occasionally, under or beside a surface |
| Letter and legal folders | Commonly accepts both with rail changes | Usually sized for one; confirm before buying |
How many drawers do you need?
Drawer count controls both capacity and height. A two-drawer lateral tucks under a window or serves as a counter. Three- and four-drawer units store more and create a partial visual divider. Five-drawer laterals are tall, dense storage best kept against a wall.
For a quick estimate, count your current linear filing, then add room for growth. If your office is moving toward digital records, buy for what you will keep, not what you have today. A move is a natural time to purge and scan records you no longer need on paper.
Condition grades and lead times
Filing cabinets are one of the best categories to buy pre-owned. Steel cabinets are durable, and a sound used file does the same job as a new one. We offer three tiers so you can trade speed, price and finish.
| Tier | What it is | Typical lead time |
|---|---|---|
| Liquidation-grade | Recovered from office projects, sold as is with a condition grade | As little as 72 hours in stock |
| Remanufactured | Pre-owned and refurbished for a refreshed look | Usually 7-14 days |
| New | Full choice of sizes, colors and options | 4-6 weeks |
Pre-owned files carry a grade: A like new, B very good, C good. A grade C file is a smart buy for a back storage room. Save grade A for files that sit in client-facing areas.
We resell pre-owned furniture from lines including Steelcase, Herman Miller, Knoll, Haworth, Allsteel, Teknion and Kimball as an independent reseller, not an authorized dealer. Manufacturer warranties generally do not transfer to pre-owned pieces.
Check filing cabinets in stock
Filing cabinet inspection checklist
Whether you shop in person or from photos, check these points on any used file.
- Every drawer opens fully and closes without grinding or sticking
- Drawer fronts are aligned and not bent at the corners
- Hanging folder rails are present in every drawer
- The lock turns, and keys are included or a replacement core is planned
- The interlock allows only one drawer open at a time, where equipped
- No rust on the base or inside the drawers
- Leveling glides are present so the cabinet sits flat
- Paint color matches the rest of the order, since shades vary by manufacturer and year
Files as part of a workstation plan
Lateral files are often the storage backbone of an open office. They can separate a cubicle row from a walkway or give a team shared storage without adding another enclosed room. If you are furnishing a floor, plan files together with your used cubicles so heights and colors line up. Our space planning is free.
For reference, a 6'x6' workstation, furniture only, runs $615 liquidation-grade, $1,245 remanufactured and $1,920 new. Installation is $95 per workstation with a $495 minimum. Volume pricing on workstations is 5% at 20 or more, 8% at 50 or more and 12% at 100 or more. Build your numbers in the cubicle quote builder.
Delivery
Steel files are heavy, and a loaded lateral should never be moved with files inside. In Greater Phoenix, delivery is $195 for central zones and $295 for the wider metro. Outside Greater Phoenix, we quote freight per project nationwide. Prices exclude electrical, delivery and professional installation unless listed.
Clearing out old filing cabinets
Going paperless or downsizing? Surplus files still have resale value. If you are closing or consolidating an office, our office decommissioning service handles removal with an itemized inventory, and a liquidation offer nets resale value against removal cost. Please empty and shred records before any cabinet leaves your hands.
Estimate what your old furniture is worth
Average market rate Prices subject to availability and project pricing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a lateral file and a vertical file?
A lateral file is wide and shallow, with drawers that open from the long side so folders sit side to side. A vertical file is narrow and deep, with folders running front to back. Laterals fit along walls and cubicle runs; verticals fit narrow spaces where depth is available.
How quickly can I get filing cabinets?
Liquidation-grade files can be ready in as little as 72 hours when they are in stock. Remanufactured files usually take 7-14 days, and new files typically take 4-6 weeks.
Do used filing cabinets come with keys?
Not always. Keys are one of the most commonly lost items when offices move. Ask whether keys are included before you buy, and plan for a lock core replacement if they are not.
Can filing cabinets be delivered outside Phoenix?
Yes. Greater Phoenix delivery is $195 for central zones and $295 for the wider metro. Anywhere else in the country, freight is quoted per project.
Are pre-owned filing cabinets covered by a manufacturer warranty?
Generally no. Office Station is an independent reseller, not an authorized dealer, and manufacturer warranties generally do not transfer to pre-owned furniture. Each pre-owned file is condition graded A, B or C instead.
Average market rate Prices subject to availability and project pricing.
