Pallet Rack Backing — Stein Service & Supply

Pallet Rack Backing Services

Backing sets the position where each pallet stops, and it catches product that moves past that position. On back-to-back rows, it keeps loads out of the flue space, the open gap between the loads of the two rows. On rack that we permit, we also install the backing that the inspector requires.

Most of our work is in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia, and in 2025 we completed projects in 24 other states.

Rack safety straps and steel pallet stops for back-to-back rows
Backstop beams for oversized boxes and top-heavy loads
Pallet rack netting for single rows, high-density rack, flue spaces, mezzanines, and conveyors
Wire mesh backing in custom sizes
Backing installed to the inspector’s requirements on rack that we permit

Rack Safety Straps This strap increases the level of safety to your warehouse racking by keeping large, palletized or shrink-wrapped items from pushing through into the… Learn More

Pallet Stops Pallet stops are safety devices designed to prevent pallets or loads from protruding beyond the designated storage space on pallet racks. They serve… Learn More

Pallet Rack Netting Pallet rack netting is strong netting used in single pallet rack systems. It ensures safety during loading or unloading and in horizontal pallet flow… Learn More

Pallet Rack Backstop Beams Steel beams that bolt to the uprights and stop pallets from being pushed off the rear of the rack. Learn More

Wire Mesh Backing Woven wire mesh backing have become the new staple for keeping inventory on pallet racks secured. It’s practically limitless in size, easy to… Learn More

Back-to-Back Rows and the Flue Space

On back-to-back rack, the fire code requires a flue space between the rows, and a pallet that is pushed in too far closes this space or contacts the load in the next row. Fire code rules for flue space

Pallet stops and safety straps prevent this by holding the pallet at the back of its bay. Insurance companies often require them on back-to-back rack.

Space Between Loads

6in

With a 12-inch row spacer and a 3-inch overhang on each side

The row spacers set the distance between the frames, but the 6-inch space between the loads stays open only when every pallet stops in the correct position.

Steel Pallet Stops

5in

Height of the stop on the rear beam

A stop has 4 pre-punched mounting holes on each side and maintains 6 inches or more between pallets. Slots on both sides clear wire decking up to 2 gauge.

Single Rows and Other Open Sides

A single row needs backing for a different reason. With a walkway or workstation behind it, the row has no barrier at the rear, so product that a forklift moves or pushes during loading can fall off the back. Backing closes the rear of the row. Netting is also used under high-density rack, in the flue space, and on mezzanines and conveyors.

Single Rows

Netting or wire mesh across the rear of the rack catches cartons and loose product. For oversized boxes and top-heavy loads, a steel backstop beam bolted to the uprights stops the pallet.

Under High-Density Rack

Horizontal netting under drive-in, push back, and pallet flow rack catches cartons, or a person, that fall from the levels above.

Inside the Flue

Netting in the flue space between back-to-back rows catches cartons that fall off the rear of a load and holds them until they can be retrieved.

Mezzanines and Conveyors

On a mezzanine, netting closes the gap between the top rail and the kick plate. On a conveyor, netting is installed below the line to catch falling items, or on the sides to keep items on the line.

Backing Options Compared

Safety straps and pallet stops set the position where a pallet stops. Backstop beams, netting, and wire mesh catch a load that moves past that position.

Option	Function	Mounting	Notes
Rack safety straps	Prevents pallets from being pushed into the flue space. It does not catch a falling pallet.	Snaps into the upright at each end with no welding, so it can be removed and relocated when the layout changes.	Lower cost than steel pallet stops. Bright yellow for visibility to forklift operators. More than one strap can be used in each bay.
Pallet stops	Sets the stop position of the pallet, so that it does not contact the load behind it or close the flue space.	Two brackets on the uprights with a beam between them, which requires separate installation, or a stop built into the rack beam, which requires no additional installation.	Gray powder coat is standard, and custom colors and sizes are available. A stop clipped into wire decking is a positioning guide only and does not hold a pallet back.
Backstop beams	Prevents pallets from being pushed off the rear of the rack.	Bolts to the rack uprights.	Steel lasts longer than netting panels and requires less replacement. Suited to large inventories, oversized boxes, and top-heavy loads.
Pallet rack netting	Catches cartons and loose product before they reach the floor.	Across the rear of the rack, in the flue space, or under high-density rack.	Sized for the stored product and its weight, the rack type, the number of bays, and the length and width of the system.
Wire mesh backing	Keeps cartons and smaller inventory in the bay.	Woven wire panels in custom sizes.	Manufactured by WireCrafters. The most common mesh is 2 by 1 inch in 10-gauge wire. Mesh is also available 2 inches square in 6-gauge wire and 1/2 inch square in 12-gauge wire. Ships 1 to 2 days after the order.

Backstop protection is a common item at the inspections that close out a permit for new rack. On rack that we permit, we install the backing that the inspector requires. Permitting

Ross UllmanPresident, Stein Service & Supply

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Discuss a Pallet Rack Backing Project

Contact us with the rack layout and a description of the area behind each row.

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