You have just purchased a new warehouse, or you are looking for improved storage in your facility. Seems simple enough, right? Not always. If you are not working with the material handling vendor, the process could prove to be daunting and quite challenging. You will soon have inventory sitting all over the place if you are not able to find the right shelving for your items.
The flow and organization of your inventory depends on the type of industrial shelving that you choose for your facility. Finding shelves that can be easily installed and offer flexibility and durability should be an effortless task. We can assist you with finding the right shelving to suit your warehouse’s overall needs so that you can focus more on running your business.
It can be a difficult task to find industrial warehouse shelving because there are so many different makes, styles, and designs to choose from, but don’t worry. There are several industry-standard options available. Today, we’re going to discuss five of the most popular types of industrial warehouse shelving that are also currently used in retail settings.
Shelving Types
1. Steel Warehouse Shelving
One of the most popular types of industrial shelving used in retail or warehouse facilities is steel shelving because the material is inexpensive, extremely durable, and can be purchased used, or new as it can organize and store items without collapsing or bending. This type of shelving can take a lot of wear and tear and lasts for many years.
Steel shelves are the most common types of shelving for small products or carton storage primarily because they can be organized as high-rise shelving systems for larger warehouses or as normal floor units for smaller facilities. Steel shelving is also versatile and easily adjustable.
When you’re choosing steel shelves for your warehouse, you should consider whether you would prefer the outdated nut-and-bolt setup or the clip style. Nuts and bolts require tools to adjust them, whereas clips can offer a sturdy foundation for heavy materials as they are height adjustable and much easier to manipulate.
2. Rivet Shelves
Rivet shelving is the second most versatile and durable system next to steel shelving. There are no bolts or clips, and the shelves can easily be assembled efficiently and quickly for large warehouses. These types of shelves are best for warehouses that store heavier items depending on the type of rivet shelving the facility decides to use.
Warehouses offer two options: wire or particle board shelving. Wire can tolerate all types of weather and temperatures, thus making it a better option. Also, unlike steel shelving, rivet shelving offers additional adjustments for as many units as you need to fit on your facility’s floor.
3. Wire Shelves
If you need air circulation through different shelving units or improved visibility, wire shelving may be a wise choice for your facility. Bear in mind that wire shelving isn’t as strong or durable as rivet or steel shelving, but can still withstand a lot of normal depreciation before it becomes unusable.
Despite the aforementioned information above, wire shelving is another common type of industrial shelving warehouses can use if they want less dust collection from the units or increased product visibility. They’re also very easy and relatively quick to assemble for large or small warehouses.
4. Bulk Rack Shelves
Bulk racks aren’t bulky, despite their name. They are light-duty shelves that easily fit into smaller spaces. They are both boltless and durable, which makes the racks simple to assemble and disassemble for one-time use. It’s a good option for hand-stacking items and can go mobile on bulk racks that come equipped with casters.
5. Clipless Shelves
Clipless shelves are slowly gaining traction. They are constructed with particle board and steel bracing which makes the shelving extremely versatile and simple to install. They are easy to maintain and lightweight. Additionally, depending on the base shelving unit, the shelves can hold between 500 to 700 lbs. – a rather impressive amount of weight!
Regardless of what industrial warehouse shelving system you decide to use, purchasing shelving shouldn’t be a lengthy process where you’re spending weeks searching for the right price and fit.
Stein Service & Supply makes it easy to stay organized so that your warehouse environment will be cleaner and safer for you and your staff.
