Drawer filing cabinets are typically made from wood or wood composites, metal (usually steel), or durable plastic.
Many of the cabinets are compatible with Letter, A4, and Legal hanging files.
They commonly include central or cam locks to secure drawers and anti‑tip features such as interlock mechanisms or anti‑tip wheels that prevent multiple drawers from opening at once.
Common mechanisms include full‑extension ball‑bearing slides, three‑quarter extension slides, and soft‑close closures; some metal cabinets specifically advertise ball‑bearing, full‑extension, soft‑close operation.
Metal cabinets often use corrosion‑resistant steel and protective coatings (for example, electrostatic, phosphorus‑free epoxy sprays); painted steel surfaces are typically non‑porous and easy to wipe clean.