Choose suitable storage and compare the complete supply
An office cabinet must fit more than the visual scheme. Actual quantities, accessible interior space, suitable loading and safe placement matter. Complete supply with accessories and installation makes quotes comparable.
Distinguish complete cabinets from accessories
Count the complete cabinets to be acquired. A shelf, top unit and mobile drawer pedestal are not interchangeable quantity units. For mixed models, the quote needs a count per model or construction; a general storage requirement alone is insufficient.
Distinguish a new installation, replacement or addition to an existing range. For an addition, name the known system and desired connections or shared locking. When replacing furniture, dismantling and removing old units are separate scope items.
Check outside dimensions and usable space
Measure the installation space’s width, height and depth, including nearby doors, radiators and walkways. A cabinet must be usable as well as fit the recess. Also check its route from the entrance to the installation position.
Outside width and usable inside width differ because of sides, doors and fittings. Compare actual folders, boxes or equipment with inside dimensions and clear opening. Advertised folder heights help selection but do not replace suitable product dimensions.
Choose the opening for space and access
Hinged doors, sliding doors and tambours use space differently. A compact front does not automatically make the entire interior accessible at once. Consider access frequency and whether several people need access together.
| Construction | Check before choosing |
|---|---|
| Hinged doors | Clear door swing and operation |
| Sliding doors | Which parts are accessible together |
| Tambour | Opening, runners and usable depth |
| Drawers | Extension, load and stability |
Specify interior fittings and locking
Folders, hanging files, supplies and personal belongings need different layouts. Specify shelves, pull-outs or separate compartments and clarify what the base price includes. Check later availability and accessory compatibility too.
An ordinary furniture lock is not equivalent to a security or fire-resistant cabinet. Describe actual access: open, shared locking or individually locked compartments. Special protection requirements need separate assessment for a suitable product.
Loading and safe installation
Check the proposed shelves’ and drawers’ load ratings against your actual documents and supplies. One model’s load capacity is not a general property of all office cabinets. Store heavy objects low and keep the contents safely accessible.
Stability, levelling and any fixing depend on construction, location and manufacturer instructions. Clarify who performs assembly and function checks. A blanket rule requiring every cabinet to be fixed the same way does not replace suitable installation.
Check existing range and condition
For additions, dimensions, finish, handles and locking should demonstrably fit the existing installation. A similar colour or equal outside width does not establish technical compatibility. Name known models and check the proposed combination.
Used cabinets can be suitable if function, condition, accessories and transport are clear. Record damage and missing parts. Compare the ready-to-use package rather than the price of an empty carcass.
Delivery, installation and old furniture
Clarify delivery to the kerb, inside the building or to the final position. Assembled furniture needs a different transport route from flat components. Give location, floor and lift or stairs without guessing whether an unknown model will fit.
Expressly agree assembly, alignment, necessary fixing and packaging removal. For replacements, give the old units’ count and type and desired removal. Prepare documents and equipment separately; their contents do not belong in the initial enquiry.
Compare the same usable scope
Request quotes for matching counts, constructions, dimensions and fittings. Different load ratings, locks and installation services can make similar cabinet prices incomparable. The lowest-cost suitable execution meets the required function and deadline with all necessary services.
Include delivery, carrying, assembly, accessories and any old-furniture dismantling. Unknown freight and your own time are not free. At acceptance, check count, dimensions, doors, locking and agreed installation against the same basis as the quote.
| Item | Comparison basis |
|---|---|
| Cabinets | Count per model and complete configuration |
| Fittings | Shelves, pull-outs, compartments and loads |
| Access control | Lock, keys and shared locking |
| Installation | Placement, levelling and necessary fixing |
| Logistics | Transport, carrying, packaging and old units |
Frequently asked questions
How many cabinets should I specify?
The number of complete furniture units. For different configurations, also specify the count per model; describe accessories separately.
Are outside dimensions sufficient?
They help with placement. Folders and equipment also need suitable usable inside dimensions and clear opening.
Is a tambour cabinet always better?
No. The suitable opening depends on space, access, interior and use. Compare actual operation.
Are shelves and locks included?
That depends on the quoted configuration. Have counts, equipment and accessories clearly listed.
Does a lockable office cabinet protect against fire?
An ordinary furniture lock does not establish fire protection. Special requirements need a suitable assessed product.
Must every cabinet be fixed to a wall?
Safe installation depends on model, loading, location and instructions. Clarify necessary fixing and responsibility before assembly.
Is removal of old cabinets included?
Only if agreed. Give old unit counts and desired dismantling without including their contents in the enquiry.
