Iron Cupboard Guide: Steel Almirahs for Clothes, Documents and Valuables, Sheet Thickness and Powder Coating, Locks and Lockers, Shelves and Hanging Space, Sizes, Rust and Weight, Indicative Rates and Buying Tips in Pakistan
An iron cupboard, or steel almirah, is a long-lasting storage cupboard for clothes, documents and small valuables, valued in Pakistan for being termite-proof and strong. Sheet thickness, coating and locks decide quality. Prices run from about PKR 15,000 to PKR 70,000. This page covers steel almirahs for clothes, documents and valuables, sheet thickness and powder coating, locks and lockers, shelves and hanging space, sizes, rust and weight, rates and buying tips. For related pages see storage cabinets, safe box and cloth stand.
What to expect
Steel almirahs are strong, termite-proof and fire-resistant compared with wood, and are usually two-door units with shelves, a hanging section and sometimes a small locker. They are heavy and need a level floor.
Indicative rates
These ranges show common retail figures.
| Item | Indicative range |
|---|---|
| Basic 2-door steel almirah | PKR 15,000 - 30,000 |
| 3-door or larger almirah | PKR 28,000 - 50,000 |
| Almirah with locker and mirror | PKR 35,000 - 70,000 |
| Custom steel wardrobe | Quoted by maker |
| Delivery and installation | PKR 1,000 - 4,000 |
Prices move with brand, model, size and stock. Use these ranges to judge a quote, then compare the exact model and what is included.
Sheet thickness and powder coating
Thicker sheet, 0.6 to 0.8 mm, is more solid than thin 0.4 mm sheet that dents easily. Powder coating resists rust and scratches, while cheap paint peels. Check welding and edges for neatness.
Locks and lockers
Look for a lock with several bolts and a sturdy handle, and an internal locker with its own key for valuables. A steel almirah is not a safe, so for cash and jewellery use a real safe. See safe box.
Shelves and hanging space
Check shelf thickness and supports, and that the hanging rail is high enough for long clothes. Adjustable shelves help. Add a mirror inside the door for convenience.
Sizes, rust and weight
Standard widths are 90 to 150 cm and heights 180 to 200 cm. Steel cupboards are heavy, so check the floor and protect the base from damp with feet or a plinth. Rust starts at cut edges, so inspect them.
Buying tips
Check doors close squarely, hinges are strong and the lock turns smoothly. Ask about warranty and paint quality. Fixing and assembly should be done carefully, with wall fixings suited to the wall type and the load checked against the maker's rating.
Before you decide
Check sheet thickness, coating and hinges, and use a real safe for valuables. Measure the space and the largest item you need to fit, check the material, finish and load rating, compare at least two quotes or products on the same specification and keep the invoice and any warranty. Ask for photographs of the actual item or a sample, confirm delivery and assembly in writing and inspect the delivered piece for damage before the delivery person leaves. Prices change with material costs and stock, so confirm the current figure before you decide, and be careful with very low prices that hide thin materials or poor finishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
A steel cupboard or almirah for clothes and documents. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay. Measure carefully and confirm sizes with the seller before ordering.
Indicative retail rates run from about PKR 15,000 to 70,000 depending on size and features. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay. Measure carefully and confirm sizes with the seller before ordering. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit.
Yes. Measure carefully and confirm sizes with the seller before ordering. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit. If you are unsure, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis.
About 0.6 to 0.8 mm for a solid feel. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit. If you are unsure, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis.
Use a proper safe for valuables. If you are unsure, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay.
Send the quantity, the size or rating and a photo of the space. We reply with a written rate that names the model and the warranty, and lists what is and is not included, so the comparison with other sellers is fair.
Buying a steel almirah?
Send the details and a photo. We reply with a written rate.