Racking is one of the best ways to organise, store, and access tools, stock, and materials, especially in busy commercial or industrial spaces. Whether you’re running a warehouse, fitting out a workshop, or trying to make the most of a storeroom, having the right racking system can improve efficiency, safety, and productivity.
But what exactly is racking? How is it different from shelving? And how do you choose the right type for your needs? In this guide, we’ll break it all down for you.
What is Racking?
Racking is a structural storage system designed to hold shelving tiers at set heights using frames, beams, and other supports. These systems are typically made from steel and are built to carry substantial weight, making them ideal for industrial use.
While racking and shelving are often mentioned in the same breath, racking is generally used for more demanding environments due to its strength and adaptability.
Where is Racking Used?
Racking units are used in a wide range of environments, including:
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Warehouses: For storing palletised stock, organising inventory, and improving picking speed. Pallet racking and long span racking are commonly used here. Read our blog, ‘A Beginner’s Guide to Warehouse Racking’, for more information.
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Workshops and Factories: Heavy duty racking is used to store machinery parts, raw materials, and tools in an accessible layout.
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Retail Stockrooms: Chrome wire racking helps keep stock tidy and easy to find in busy back-of-house areas.
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Medical Settings: Medical storage racking systems are hygienic and easy to clean, ideal for clinics, pharmacies, or hospitals. Castor wheels can also be added to allow the racking unit to be easily moved.
Technical Specifications
At Racking Solutions, we manufacture our racking systems with strength, simplicity, and flexibility in mind. Here are some of the core specifications available across our ranges:
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Heights: From 1500mm to 2200mm, allowing you to choose a size that suits your space and storage needs.
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Widths: Ranging from 750mm to 2400mm, including both wide span and long span systems.
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Depths: From 300mm to 900mm to accommodate various item sizes.
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Shelf Materials: Choose from chipboard, MDF, steel, or wire mesh, with each offering unique benefits depending on the environment.
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Weight Capacity: All our racking is engineered to handle up to 800kg per shelf, making it suitable for heavy industrial use.
Our racking systems are easy to assemble and adjust, ensuring they can grow with your business or be adapted to changing layouts.
Types of Racking Available
We offer a wide range of racking to suit different needs and budgets. Here’s a breakdown of each type and what it’s best for:
Industrial Racking
Strong and reliable industrial racking, such as tyre racking and medium industrial racking, is a great all-rounder. It’s used in warehouses, factories, and workshops to store stock, tools, or spare parts. If you need sturdy, no-fuss storage for everyday commercial use, industrial racking is a great choice.
Heavy Duty Racking
Designed to carry the heaviest loads, heavy duty racking, including blue racking and steel racking, is reinforced for added strength and safety. It’s ideal for storing large tools, heavy equipment, or bulky items that other shelving might struggle to support.
Melamine Racking
Melamine racking has a smooth, wipe-clean surface that’s easy to maintain. This type is ideal for clean environments like retail backrooms or food prep areas where hygiene matters. For more information read our blog, ‘The Uses and Advantages of Melamine Racking’.
Economy Racking
If you’re after affordable storage for lighter items, economy racking is a good option. It’s still strong and flexible but more cost-effective, making it great for small businesses or areas with lower weight demands.
Pallet Racking
Perfect for high-volume warehouses and distribution centres, pallet racking is made for storing palletised goods. It allows forklift access and makes it easy to handle large stock movements efficiently. At Racking Solutions, we can design and install personalised pallet racking systems for your factory or warehouse.
Medical Storage Racking
This racking is built for sterile environments. With wire mesh shelves or smooth surfaces, medical storage racking is easy to disinfect and can be customised for medical or pharmaceutical use. Castor wheels can also be added to some units for easy relocation.
Narrow and Deep Racking
Ideal for confined areas or where deep storage bays are required, narrow and deep racking makes the most of limited floor space without sacrificing access or visibility.
Racking with Storage Boxes
Paired with tote boxes or plastic storage boxes, racking with storage boxes makes it easy to organise smaller parts, components, or consumables. Everything has a place, reducing clutter and improving workflow.
Long Span Racking
When you’re storing long or awkward items, such as timber or piping, long span racking gives you the extended width and support you need. Our blog, ‘What is Longspan and Widespan Racking’, has more information.
Racking vs. Shelving: What’s the Difference?
Although racking and shelving are often used interchangeably, they’re quite different in terms of strength and suitability. Shelving is typically used for lighter storage and is made for domestic or light commercial use. Racking, on the other hand, is built for heavy-duty environments. It features reinforced frames and support beams designed to support much greater loads. Racking units are suited to industrial or commercial settings.
Choosing the Right Racking System
Choosing the right racking depends on what you’re storing, how much space you have, and how frequently you’ll need access to the items. A few things to consider:
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Load Type: Are you storing pallets, parts, tools, or boxed goods?
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Weight Requirements: Make sure your chosen racking can safely support your heaviest items.
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Accessibility: Will staff need quick access to stock, or is it longer-term storage?
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Environment: Think about hygiene, visibility, ventilation, and ease of cleaning if applicable.
Final Thoughts
Racking is much more than just a place to put things; it’s the backbone of an organised, efficient workspace. Whether you’re managing warehouse logistics, streamlining a workshop, or fitting out a commercial facility, choosing the right racking system is key to safety and productivity.
With heights from 1500mm to 2200mm, widths up to 2400mm, and weight loads of up to 800kg per shelf, at Racking Solutions, we have a wide range of racking to suit every setup. Explore our full range of racking now, or get in touch with our team for expert advice or to plan a bespoke installation.
