Best Drawing Storage Buyer’s Guide

Architects are responsible for making some of the most stunning structures and buildings, but a large part of their work involves dealing with paper, sheets, several stages of sketches and drawings before the plan can finally be executed. When there are so many plans and documents to deal with, there is an urgent need for a good storage and organization method. There are a few different drawing storage tools architects can use, depending on their immediate needs and requirements. But before you set out to buy something, take into account some factors that should affect your purchase. The following is a basic buying guide and product reviews for drawing storage tools for architects. Start from the basics and think about what you should consider before buying a storage tool.

Things to Consider Before Buying

When buying a drawing storage tool for yourself, there are a few things you should take into account. These are not any storage tools. As an architect, there is a good chance for the drawings and documents you want to store are large in width and require precise care and treatment. Therefore, as an architect looking for drawing storage tools, you should look out for:

Size

What is the size of the storage unit? Depending on where you would like to place it and whether you would like it to be portable, etc., the size of the storage tool will have to be considered. If you require a storage tool that you can carry your drawing around to meetings in, you will need a lightweight, portable tool. Even in the category of a portable tool, the size will determine whether or not it is a good fit for you.

Type

There are several different types of storage tools. It can be a desk of drawers for your office, or simply a flat portfolio in which you can carry your drawings to a meeting. So before putting your money down, consider all the different types of storage tools there are in the market. Perhaps your requirement demands a very specific type of storage tool. If you only figure out the type, you can look in the right places and weed out the things you do not require.

Price

When you are setting out to buy anything, obviously, you need to set a budget. Your budget dictates which product you can and cannot buy. This should, in fact, be one of the first things you set out to do — set a budget. It will save you a lot of trouble and unnecessary browsing through products you cannot afford. Of course, the type of storage tool you are looking for and the size and durability will also determine the kind of budget you should set.

Requirement

Finally, this is actually a factor that underlines all the other factors mentioned above. What do you need the storage tool for? Is it for your everyday commute to work? Is it for a lot of documents and drawings in your office? Is it a smaller storage requirement for your home office? Your requirement dictates the size of the storage tool you need, the type of storage tool you should go for and the price you should be okay with paying.

The following section deals with different types of storage tools and reviews of products in each type:

Poster Tube Options Reviewed

Poster tubes are for everyday use. It is a plastic tube that you can hang over your shoulder easily. The following are two products for you to consider:

Nozlen Document Poster Tube

This budget, plastic telescoping poster tube, with a diameter of 3.5” diameter is ideal for architects and artists. It expands from 24.5” up to 40” and is made of rigid plastic, which protects the contents inside from creasing or getting damaged. The tube is water and light-resistant. There is also an extra long shoulder strap, which you can use comfortably even when the tube is extended fully. The twist off, threaded lid also has a contact card which allows you to label the contents. The following are some of the features the tube has to offer:

Features

  • The document poster tube has a diameter of 3.5”. It extends from 24.5” up to 40”.
  • The tube is ideal for architectural drawings, photo prints, artwork, drumsticks, etc.
  • The tube is watertight and made of rigid plastic so the contents do not get damaged.
  • The tube is also light-resistant so the chances of sun damage will also reduce greatly.
  • There is an extra long shoulder strap that can be used no matter how much the tube is extended.

Pros

  • The extra long shoulder strap is a helpful addition.
  • The poster tube is water-resistant and light-resistant.
  • The rigid plastic prevents the content from bending or getting creased.
  • The poster tube is expandable, making it versatile for a variety of document sizes.

Cons

  • Some users complained that the expandable piece does not stay in place.
  • Some users complained that the tube has a small lip in which the outermost document tends to get caught when being extracted.
Nozlen Document Poster Tube - Black Plastic Storage Tube Expands from 24.5' up to 40' with Clear ID Card Cap - Water and Light Resistant - Telescoping for Posters, Artwork and Drawings Model DT3001
1,041 Reviews
Nozlen Document Poster Tube - Black Plastic Storage Tube Expands from 24.5" up to 40" with Clear ID Card Cap - Water and Light Resistant - Telescoping for Posters, Artwork and Drawings Model DT3001
  • Affordable, Black Plastic Telescoping Document Poster Tube with 3.5" diameter that expands from 24.5" up to 40" is ideal for...
  • Poster Tube is made of a very rigid plastic to protect contents from bending or creasing in transit. Tube is also water and...

Last update on 2024-01-11 / As an Amazon Associate, Archareer earns a small commission from qualifying purchases. / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Helix Large Expanding Document Tube

The tube made of rigid plastic prevents the contents from bending or creasing. There is a screw cap which ensures the contents do not come out if the tube is dropped by mistake. The tube is water and light-resistant and protects the contents from dampness and sun exposure. It offers adjustable locking positions and has a built-in carry strap. The following are the features the product has to offer:

Features

  • Ideal for large blueprints and plans, artwork, photographs, etc.
  • The tube expands from 28” to 49”, with 10 adjustable locking positions.
  • Rigid plastic construction that protects contents from creasing or bending.
  • Water and light-resistance, which protects contents from dampness and sun exposure.

Pros

  • Has a convenient carry strap.
  • The tube is water and light-resistant.
  • It is expandable and has 10 adjustable locking positions.
  • The rigid plastic prevents the contents from getting damaged.

Cons

  • Some users complained that it is a bit unsteady when extended fully.
  • Some users complained that the strap is not very useful when the tube is fully extended.
Helix - Large Expanding Document Tube - Water and Light Resistant - 3in Diameter - 24-40 Inches Extendable Length
347 Reviews
Helix - Large Expanding Document Tube - Water and Light Resistant - 3in Diameter - 24-40 Inches Extendable Length
  • EXPANDING DOCUMENT TUBE: Securely store and transport your valuable documents with this large expanding tube.
  • WATER & LIGHT RESISTANT: Designed to protect documents from water and light exposure, ensuring their safety and longevity.

Last update on 2024-01-11 / As an Amazon Associate, Archareer earns a small commission from qualifying purchases. / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Hanging File Storage Option

Hanging file storage is a vertical storage option that is useful for storing a lot of drawing and documents at once. It is especially useful for large architectural firms to store their plans in an efficient way. The following is a good option for you to consider:

Adir Corp Vertical File Rolling Stand

This mobile rack can accommodate files as large as 27 inches in width. The length is adjustable from 28.5” to 46.5” and the height is adjustable from 46” to 66”, allowing you to store both small and large documents. This stand is ideal for when you are working on a big project and have a lot of plans and deliverables at once. It is helpful to organize your plans and blueprints on the stand. The following are some features the product has to offer:

Features

  • The three-inch swivel wheels allow mobility.
  • It is compatible with a variety of clamp sizes.
  • The dimensions of the stand are 66″ (H) x 27″ (W) x 46.5″ (D).
  • The rack is mobile and can fit files as large as 27 inches in width.
  • The height is adjustable from 46” to 66”. The length is adjustable from 28.5” to 46.5”.
  • It has a weight capacity of 240 pounds and can hold as many as 1,200 documents at once.
  • There are 12 pivoting brackets that can be pulled out so you can access your drawings and blueprints easily.

Pros

  • The rack is compatible with a variety of clamp sizes.
  • The rack is built to last and can hold up to 1,200 documents at once.
  • The length and height are adjustable, allowing you to store documents of various sizes.
  • It is mobile so you can place it anywhere in the room or in your office without any trouble.

Cons

  • Some users complained that the stand was hard to assemble.
  • Some users complained that the product had poor quality control.
Recommended
Adir Mobile Blueprint Holder - Vertical Architectural Plan Storage, Poster Display, Map organizer Rack, Hanging File Organizer Stand Used at Office, Home, Art Galleries
173 Reviews
Adir Mobile Blueprint Holder - Vertical Architectural Plan Storage, Poster Display, Map organizer Rack, Hanging File Organizer Stand Used at Office, Home, Art Galleries
  • Durable and Strong - The AdirOffice blueprint storage organizer is robust, crafted from solid steel, promising longevity with...
  • Versatile Usage - Beyond serving as a construction plan holder, this rawing rack can be used for a variety of items including...

Last update on 2024-01-11 / As an Amazon Associate, Archareer earns a small commission from qualifying purchases. / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Roll File Storage Option

Roll file storage is typically large boxes with several different compartments in which you can store your rolled up documents and drawings. These are ideal for both office and home environments. The following are two good options:

Adir Corp Upright Roll File Corrugated Box

This corrugated box has 12 slots and comes in two options. In one, the slots measure 3.875 inches across and in the other, the slots measure 2.75 inches across. It is made with sturdy, corrugated fiberboard and is reinforced with plastic molding on the sides and on top to prevent the documents from snagging or ripping. You can roll up large documents like blueprints, sketches, plans, etc. and stack them in this upright roll file. It is a compact box set that can fit easily wherever you want to place it. The following are the features the product has to offer:

Features

  • It is lightweight and compact and fits anywhere without taking too much space.
  • The box is made of corrugated fiberboard and is reinforced with plastic on top and on the sides.
  • You can choose between two options for the compartments — 3.875 inches across and 2.75 inches across.

Pros

  • The box is lightweight and compact, perfect for storage.
  • It keeps the workspace clutter-free and at the same time, keeps your documents at hand for easy access.
  • The box is built to last and is made with a sturdy, corrugated fiberboard. The plastic reinforcements on the sides and on top add another layer of protection.

Cons

  • Some users complained that the box was too overpriced.
  • Some people complained that they did not find the material to be very durable.

Adir Corrugated Cardboard Roll File

This easy-to-transport, compact and lightweight box is made of white, corrugated cardboard. The bottom is reinforced, preventing any breakage. The dividers inside the box are placed over an additional piece of cardboard for more strength. It is small enough to fit in compact spaces and can even be stacked to save floor space. It also has a simple labeling grid in the front and on the top so you can identify which file is stored where. The following are some of the features the product has to offer:

Features

  • There are 16 compartments.
  • There are side handles which make carrying it easier.
  • It is made of white, corrugated cardboard and is built to last.
  • There is a convenient labeling grid for you to number and label your files.
  • The roll file is compact and lightweight, so you can carry it easily and store it anywhere.
  • The box is available in two sizes — 25 inches and 37 inches. The compartments are 3.75 inches across.

Pros

  • There are 16 convenient compartments.
  • The corrugated cardboard is meant to be very sturdy.
  • It is compact, lightweight and easy to carry thanks to the side handles.
  • The labeling system makes the storage option very convenient and efficient.

Cons

  • Some users complained that it was a bit tricky to assemble.
  • Some users complained that the product is priced too high for what it manages to deliver.
Adir Cardboard Roll File Storage Organizer - Vertical File Sorter - Blueprint, Poster, Plans, Gift Wrap, And Map Holder Station-16 Slots (for Rolls up to 25 Inches Long)
363 Reviews
Adir Cardboard Roll File Storage Organizer - Vertical File Sorter - Blueprint, Poster, Plans, Gift Wrap, And Map Holder Station-16 Slots (for Rolls up to 25 Inches Long)
  • Tidy Organization. Offered in both a 25” and 37” size, this storage cabinet helps to maintain organization of 16 rolled...
  • Sturdy Construction - Made of white, corrugated cardboard, this unit and top are sturdy and strong to keep your files stored...

Last update on 2024-01-11 / As an Amazon Associate, Archareer earns a small commission from qualifying purchases. / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Final Thoughts

As an architect, you are probably working on several things at the same time. It is, therefore, especially important that you should be able to organize your documents and drawings efficiently. The products mentioned above are some of the most useful and effective ways to store large documents in bulk. You can pull the documents as and when you need them without worrying that they are gathering dirt in some corner of your desk or that they might get lost in the chaos of everyday routine. To execute so many tasks at once, you need some organization and efficiency and a good storage unit is the perfect way to bring some organization into your work.

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