What Are Paper Trays?

Paper trays hold folders and documents and come in single or stackable options. While a single desk file organizer tray might be best for some projects, stackable trays allow the sorting and storage of more papers and files without requiring extra desk space. Most desktop paper trays come with grooves and tabs to make stacking easy and secure, but stacking posts allow you to create tiers with trays not originally designed for that system.

Some desktop file trays even combine two letter trays with six step file sorters for even more efficiency. They can also be used to store business envelopes for outgoing mail and smaller packages.

Why Should You Shop for Letter Trays?

Desktop letter trays are perfect for organizing and storing incoming mail, outgoing documents, envelopes, folders, manuals, notepads, letters, and much more. The trays allow you to create a mail system with individual cubbies that you can mark with label makers and tape.

Stacked file trays take up less space and give you more room at your workstation. They are great for placing outside of office doors for after-hour drop-offs. They can also be used to collect items like keys, IDs, calculators, and more.

What Types of Paper Tray Organizers Are Available?

Letter trays come in plastic, metal, wood, steel, and resin—all materials that hold up well to daily use. Choose metal, either solid or mesh, for an industrial look in your decor, or opt for wood for a traditional design.

With plastic file trays, choose clear or black, or liven up the office with trays in colors like red, navy, white, and aqua. Use the colors to code by department or project, making sorting fast and efficient. Stacking letter trays can also be used to hold and store a variety of office supplies like clipboards, pens, sticky notes, staples, and more.

What Are the Features of Paper Trays?

In addition to the different materials, paper trays come in styles that tailor to an employee's organizational needs. Choose from side load or front load letter trays for ease in organizing. Opt for solid sides or wide edges to allow for labels to name projects or files for each tier, or choose open sides for lighter trays, if you need to move them frequently. Some paper tray organizers come with ribbed surfaces to prevent the sticking of papers, making it easier to take them out of the trays.

Pick the perfect size for your needs, as well. Letter-sized desktop paper trays, with standard measurements of 3" (h) x 10" (w) x 14" (d), hold standard file folders and 8.5 x 11 paper. Opt for legal-size paper trays for oversized paper, folders, and other materials. Other trays, with higher or wider clearance, allow for storing binders, as well.