If you’re setting up a new industrial workspace, one of the first things you’ll need to consider is the type of shelves you’ll install. Shelving is a must for any industrial setting because it provides a safe, organized way to store tools, equipment, and materials.
Shopping for shelves can be difficult because there are several types of industrial shelving to choose from, including cantilever, pallet, boltless, and wire shelves. How are you supposed to know which of these is the right fit for your warehouse? Learning about each type’s capabilities can help you narrow down your options and make a final decision.
Does the Type of Shelving You Use Really Matter?
You might wonder if the type of shelving you use really makes a difference. After all, isn’t shelving just shelving? All shelves hold things, so what does it matter which style you choose?
While it’s true all shelves serve the same general purpose, each type has its own unique features and benefits that make it more suitable for certain warehouse environments and storage needs. Some shelving offers a durable design that can handle heavy loads, while others are better suited for storing small, lightweight items. Understanding what your warehouse needs to store and the characteristics of the shelves will help you make an informed decision by the end of this blog.
Types of Industrial Shelving
The types of industrial shelving include cantilever, pallet, boltless, wire, mobile, and carton flow shelving. Factors like the layout of your warehouse and the type of materials you need to store will affect which shelves you incorporate. Let’s take a closer look at each type and its unique features.
Cantilever Shelving
Cantilever shelving is a popular choice for storing long, bulky items such as pipes, lumber, and steel bars. It consists of sturdy arms attached to vertical columns that permit easy access and loading or unloading from the front. This type of shelving is ideal for warehouses with high ceilings because it utilizes vertical space efficiently.
Pallet Shelving
Pallet shelving—also referred to as selective pallet racking—is the most common type of industrial shelving. It consists of upright frames and horizontal beams that create shelves to store pallets of goods. This type allows for easy access to individual items, making it suitable for warehouses with high turnover rates.
Boltless Shelving
Boltless shelving is an adaptable option that doesn’t require any bolts or other hardware for assembly. Instead, it uses clips or rivets to secure the shelves in place. Staff members can easily assemble and adjust the shelves according to the warehouse’s storage needs.
Wire Shelving
Wire shelving is durable and versatile; it consists of wire shelves supported by metal frames. It’s great for storing large and heavy items like tools, equipment, and supplies. Because wire shelving boasts an open design, it allows for air circulation and prevents dust buildup.
Mobile Shelving
Mobile shelving or rolling shelving is a space-saving option that uses movable shelves to maximize storage capacity. It features a system of tracks and carriages that users can slide shelves back and forth. Therefore, employees can access items without having to leave extra space in the aisle. Warehouses with limited floor space will greatly benefit from mobile shelving for organizing and storing inventory.
Carton Flow Shelving
Carton flow shelving—also known as gravity flow or dynamic shelving—uses rollers and inclined shelves to let items slide down from the back of the shelf to the front. Warehouses with high-volume orders and fast-moving inventory implement carton flow shelving because staff members can easily pick up the items.
Choosing the Right Shelves for Your Warehouse
Each type of industrial shelving has its own unique advantages. When deciding which type is right for your warehouse, ask the following questions:
What Type of Materials Will You Be Storing?
Consider the size, weight, and shape of the items you need to store. If you need to store heavy or bulky materials, cantilever or pallet shelving will provide substantial support and strength. For smaller items, boltless or wire shelving works well.
What Type of Environment Will the Shelving Inhabit?
Does your warehouse encounter harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures that could potentially damage the shelving? Some types of shelving, like wire and mobile, are ideal for tough environments because they’re durable and can withstand wear and tear without falling apart.
How Much Space Is Available?
Do you have a large warehouse with high ceilings or a small building with limited floor space? Knowing the layout and dimensions of your workspace will help you determine which type of shelving will fit best. Some types of shelving, like mobile and carton flow, have smaller footprints and can help smaller warehouses maximize their storage capacity.
What’s Your Budget?
Each shelving design comes at a different price point. Establish a budget and compare the cost of each type to determine which style you can afford. You should also factor in any additional costs for installation, maintenance, and future expansions.
How Often Will You Rotate the Inventory?
If your warehouse sees a lot of inventory turnover, pallet or wire shelving may be the best option as they allow for easy access to individual items. If you have a slow-moving inventory, you may want to consider cantilever or carton flow shelving for more efficient storage and retrieval.
For those who are still unsure which type of shelving you should choose after considering these questions, consult with an industrial shelving expert for additional insight and recommendations. They can inspect your space, talk to you about the materials you need to store, and help you find a solution that accommodates your warehouse’s demands and budget.
Choosing the right type of industrial shelving is an important decision for any warehouse. With an effective shelving solution in place, your employees can work efficiently. Not to mention, you’ll have an organized, easily accessible inventory.
Consider the different types available and take the time to evaluate your needs before making a decision. If you’re on a tight timeline for opening your warehouse, it can be tempting to rush through the decision-making process. However, carefully thinking over these factors before investing in shelving will save time, money, and headaches.
If you’re looking for industrial metal shelving for your warehouse, reach out to Direct Pallet Racking. We’re a shelving manufacturer and supplier that offers a variety of shelving solutions, from cantilever to boltless, and everything in between. You can find pre-made shelving units or choose to customize a system based on the size, layout, and inventory of your warehouse.
Direct Pallet Racking also offers professional installation services. Instead of stressing about perfecting the installation process, you can sit back as we take care of the task. You can trust that your new shelving is safe, sturdy, and ready to use. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services!
