How to Maximize Storage Space with Wire Shelving

Wire shelving system

High Rack Shelving System in Distribution Warehouse

Wire shelving is the perfect way to maximize storage space for any business. Wire shelving is sturdy, tough, and some can hold almost as much weight as a solid metal shelf. The solid, once piece shelving units stay in place easier. The smaller gage of the wire as compared with the depth of a wooden or metal shelf can also add more usable space to your facility.

Different types of wire shelves

Every kind of wire shelving has unique properties that can help maximize storage space.  

  • Pol-Z-Brite

  Poly-Z-Brite wire shelving is first baked with a coat of epoxy and then finished with a zinc- chromate electroplating. The zinc-chromate guarantees the wire shelves will remain rust-resistant for up to 10 years or more. The Pol-Z-Brite shelves can hold up to 800 lbs. of product per shelf.  

  • Chrome

  Many warehouse owners opt for chrome wire shelving due to its versatility and easily seen, reflective finish. Chrome shelves resist scratching and helps maintain a cleaner look to your overall operations. One downside of chrome is its susceptibility to rust. Chrome works best in climate controlled facilities.  

  • Nexelon

  Nexelon has qualities that are like stainless steel but without the extra weight or expense. These shelves are bright blue and come with a lifetime guarantee against rust or corrosion. Nexelon shelves are perfect for use in humid climates or in commercial establishments with walk-in freezers. One Nexelon wire shelf can hold up to 800 lbs.  

  • Stainless Steel

  Stainless steel wire shelving has similar characteristics to chrome shelves. The metallic sheen provides a nice, clean look to your storage area. Like Nexelon or Pol-Z-Brite, stainless steel lets you store up to 800 lbs. per shelf safely. One advantage stainless steel has over chrome is stainless steel is rust proof. Stainless steel works well for outdoor, non-climate controlled facilities.  

  • Epoxy-Coated

  Epoxy-coated wire shelves come in green, white, or black. The finish is baked onto the steel which allows it to resist rust for up to 7 years. These shelves work well in just about any type of climate, indoors or outdoors. Epoxy-coated shelves are rated up to 300 lbs. per shelf.

Wire shelving accessories

Wire shelving accessories
Movable Metal Shelving Units in Storage Room Archive

Security S-Hooks can connect two shelving units securely. This eliminates any need for extra posts and makes customizing wire shelving easier. Some S-Hooks can bolt and screw to make sure the shelves remain together and secure, and they can support a shelf weight up to 800 lbs. You can also use S-Hooks to create an “L” shape depending on where and how you have your storage center organized. There are also attachments for baskets and document holders. These extra baskets can add storage space and make everything easier to organize. Footplates are another optional accessory that can provide stability to a free-standing shelving unit. Triangle footplates can also be anchored to the floor to help create very stable free- standing units. Using triangular footplates works will with tall shelving or in places where shelves are at risk of being bumped or knocked by loading equipment or warehouse employees.

Conclusion

Although there are many different types of shelving available, the space saving and other characteristics mentioned make wire shelving one of the most popular choices for many different types of businesses. Wire shelving is considered ideal by many for saving space in food storage warehouses and in commercial establishments. This shelving complies with NSF certification requirements too. Contact us today and let us help you determine the most efficient and effective systems to improve the overall productivity of your warehouse, distribution or commercial operation.