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Understand the Key Differences Between Warehouse Shelving and Racking

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ShelvingMate

On November 8, 2024

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Warehouse Shelving vs. Racking: Key Differences and Choosing the Right Solution

Warehouse storage is critical to efficient operations, and choosing the right storage system can make a big difference in accessibility, organization, and space utilization. Two common storage options—warehouse shelving and warehouse racking—are designed for different needs and uses. Here, we’ll explore the key differences between shelving and racking to help you select the best option for your warehouse.

What is Warehouse Shelving?

Warehouse shelving is a lighter, more flexible storage solution for goods that don’t require heavy-duty support. Shelving is ideal for medium-duty items, such as small boxes, tools, or supplies that employees can access manually without machinery.

At ShelvingMate, our shelving options include:

Long Span Shelving: For medium-duty goods, providing stability without the cost of racking.
Bolted Shelving (Unirack): Strong, secure shelving with bolted connections.
Boltless Shelving (Super 123): Easy to assemble and adjust without tools.
Mobile Shelving: Ideal for tight space and reduces required floor space by up to half.
Stainless Steel Shelving (Inox): Ideal for high-hygiene settings or areas with moisture exposure.
Gondola Shelving: Common in retail, perfect for displaying goods to customers.

What is Warehouse Racking?

Warehouse racking is designed for heavy-duty or high-volume storage. Racking systems are built to hold large quantities and heavier items, often using pallets or bulk items that require forklifts or other machinery for access. This makes racking more suitable for warehouses with heavy goods and a high turnover of products.

Our racking options include:

Pallet Racking: Optimized for pallets and heavy loads.
Push Back Racking: Allows high-density storage with multiple pallets deep, loaded from the front.
Drive-In Racking: Enables high-density storage by allowing forklifts to drive into the racking structure.
Cantilever Racking: Ideal for long, bulky items like pipes and lumber.
Mobile Racking: Movable racks that maximize space by compacting rows when not in use.

Choosing Between Shelving and Racking

Choosing between shelving and racking depends on your storage needs:

For lightweight to medium-weight storage: Shelving is a cost-effective solution that provides easy access for hand-picking items.
For heavy-duty storage and large quantities: Racking is ideal, especially if you store pallets or need forklift access.
When space optimization is critical: Racking systems like push-back or drive-in can offer higher-density storage, whereas shelving systems like long span or boltless shelving provide flexible, organized access.

Why ShelvingMate’s Shelving and Racking Solutions Are a Great Choice

ShelvingMate offers a wide range of storage solutions, including pallet racking, mezzanine systems, catwalks, different types of shelving, lifts, and other automation options. Whether you’re looking to optimize warehouse space or improve organization in your facility, we have the perfect system for your needs. Visit our website to learn more!

For more information on our storage solutions, including supply and installation services, contact us today!