The average person would look at a warehouse and say that all shelving systems look the same. If you take a closer look, however, you will find that there are diverse types of shelves that a warehouse can deploy to store its clients’ items in an efficient way. In this article, we will discuss the common warehouse shelving systems that are used in large scale storage solutions worldwide, and highlight their advantages and why they are ideal for specific applications and in organizing a warehouse.
1. Clipless shelves
If a warehouse requires portability and efficiency in its operations, it’s better off deploying clipless shelving in its spaces. One of the strengths of this type of shelving is the lightweight materials used in its construction. You can move this shelf around quickly if you need to change the warehouse layout at any given time. Utilizing mainly steel braces supported by particleboards for the items, you can expect durability from these types of shelves. Clipless shelves can carry upwards of 500 pounds of total weight, as well.
2. Bulk racks
Bulk racks are viable for maximizing whatever available space you have. Just like the clipless shelf, the bulk rack shelving can easily be broken down or assembled whenever the need arises. This type of warehouse shelving is optimal for short-term clients with minimal storage requirements. They are slightly smaller than other warehouse shelving systems, which means you can group these racks in a tiny space in the storage area.
3. Multi-tier racks
Multi-tier rack shelves are very flexible solutions designed to occupy as much vertical space as possible. The shelves can be customized by removing or adding tiers whenever needed. They are best for lightweight items, like cosmetic products, books, and school supplies. Make sure to take note of the weight limits of your multi-tiered racks to avoid collapse and, worse, injuries in the workplace. Also, survey what you need precisely from this shelving system. You have many options to look at when you’re shopping around suppliers for multi-tier racks.
4. Rivet shelving
Rivet shelving is the best solution to pick when planning for long-term and heavyweight storage. Compared to the classic steel “nut and bolt” shelving, rivet shelving is easier and quicker to install. For its storage surface, you can pick from either the particleboard or the wire mesh. Both have their own advantages, but the particleboard can deteriorate over time. If rain seeps in from your roofing, for instance, this will affect the life expectancy of the boards. Wire, on the other hand, is very resilient and can survive for a more extended period.
5. Wireless shelving
It’s perhaps the most durable and practical of all the warehouse shelving systems discussed in this article. Wireless shelving is a mesh of ¼ inch wire welded together to a tubular steel frame. One of its edges is its ability to prevent dust accumulation. Without a smooth surface to gather on, dust will fall through to the floor. They are also famous for their convenience. You can disassemble the structure quickly or put it back together when you need to.
If a client pulls out from the warehouse and you have no client to replace the space, you can pull it down and store it for future use. Most importantly, you can plan your warehouse layout effectively if you also know what kind of storage solutions are available to you. Know your requirements and take your pick from the many types of warehouse shelving that you can find in the market.
