When designing your warehouse’s storage, choosing whether to purchase warehouse shelving or pallet racking is an important decision that is crucial for making the most out of your space. We have written this blog to help you decide between pallet racking and shelving, and help you decide which type of shelving & pallet racking to choose.
Warehouse shelving vs. Pallet racking
Although often used interchangeably, pallet racking, and warehouse shelving are different and offer different benefits for different storage needs. Pallet racking is often used for heavier items, bulk storage and is used to store products vertically so can be very tall. Shelving is often used for lighter items that need to be easily accessible.
Warehouse shelving
Warehouse shelving is ideal for storing smaller, lighter items that need to be accessed frequently. These systems are often designed to be more accessible and easier to adjust, making them perfect for environments where inventory changes regularly. They are commonly used in retail, offices, and workshops where quick access and organisation are essential. Shelving units are typically not as tall as pallet racking systems and can be moved or reconfigured with relative ease.
Pallet racking
Pallet racking systems are built to handle heavier loads and bulkier items, utilising vertical space efficiently to store more in a smaller footprint. These systems are often used in larger warehouses and industrial environments where maximising space and handling significant weight are critical. Pallet racking systems can be integrated with forklifts and other heavy machinery for easy loading and unloading, making them suitable for palletised goods and other heavy materials. They provide a robust and scalable solution for high-density storage, often reaching heights that shelving systems cannot.
Why is pallet racking important in a warehouse?
Pallet racking is important in a warehouse for many reasons:
- Maximises Storage Space: Pallet racking systems efficiently utilise vertical space, allowing warehouses to store more items within the same footprint. This is especially important in warehouses with limited floor space.
- Enhances Organisation: By categorising and arranging products systematically, pallet racking helps maintain an organised inventory, making it easier to locate and retrieve items quickly
- Improves Safety: Properly designed and installed pallet racking systems ensure that heavy and bulky items are stored securely, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries in the warehouse.
- Boosts Productivity: With an organised and easily accessible inventory, warehouse staff can work more efficiently, reducing the time spent searching for items and increasing overall productivity.
- Supports Inventory Management: Pallet racking facilitates better inventory control and management by allowing clear visibility and easy access to all stored items, making stocktaking and inventory checks more straightforward.
- Scalability and Flexibility: Pallet racking systems are often modular and can be adjusted or expanded as storage needs change, providing a flexible solution that grows with the business.
How to pick the right pallet racking for your warehouse
Choosing the right pallet racking system for your warehouse is important for improving your storage efficiency, safety, and workflow. Here are key factors to consider when selecting which pallet racking to choose for your warehouse:
- Space Utilisation: Evaluate the dimensions and layout of your warehouse, including ceiling height, to maximise vertical space. At Racking Solutions, we offer wide & high racking in a range of heights and widths, including 2200mm H bulk buy racking and 2400mm W bulk buy racking. We also stock industrial racking in a range of sizes including 1800mm H industrial racking and 2000mm W industrial racking. With all this choice, we’re confident you’ll find the right pallet racking for your warehouse.
- Load Capacity: Ensure the pallet racking system can handle the weight of your heaviest items. Check the load capacity ratings and ensure they meet your requirements. Our heavy duty racking can hold up to 500kg per shelf and our pallet racking can hold up to 3 tonnes per pair of beams, giving you plenty of options when planning how to organise your space.
- Accessibility and Retrieval: Determine how frequently items will be accessed. For high-turnover items, consider pallet racking systems that offer easy accessibility.
- Flexibility and Scalability: Choose a modular racking system that can be easily reconfigured or expanded as your storage needs change. At Racking Solutions, all our racking work well together, allowing for easy expansion.
- Cost Considerations: It’s important to consider how much your business can afford to spend on pallet racking. At Racking Solutions, we can cater to all budgets.
Ready to transform your warehouse with the perfect storage solution? Shop our range of pallet racking now or contact Racking Solutions today for expert advice and pallet racking systems that meet your unique requirements.
