Roll-Out, Horizontal, or Vertical Sheet Metal Racks: Which Storage Type Suits You Best?

Sheet metal needs to be stored correctly, and there are several ways to go about it. Roll-out systems slide sheets forward for quick picking, and horizontal racks stack material flat. Vertical racks stand sheets on end.

We’ll break down the differences between roll-out sheet metal racks, horizontal sheet metal racks, and vertical sheet metal racks for you. You can use our sheet metal storage comparison to match the right style to the unique constraints of your warehouse.

Overview of Sheet Metal Storage Racks

If you go about sheet metal storage the wrong way, your operations will get backed up, and you’ll have an unsafe work floor. You need to know which rack style is best for your situation:

• Roll-out racks use drawer-style trays on ball-bearing slides that extend into the aisle so you can grab material without climbing. They’re popular in shops with mixed gauges.
• Horizontal racks hold sheets flat on stacked shelves or cantilever arms and load from above or from the side. Great if you store large quantities of similar stock.
• Vertical racks stand material upright in individual slots, and sheets lean against dividers and slide out from the front. They take up less floor space.

SRS designs all three types with heavy-duty steel frames rated for loads up to several thousand pounds per shelf.

Pros and Cons: Roll-Out, Horizontal, and Vertical Racks

Take a look at the trade-offs in this sheet metal storage comparison to avoid making costly mistakes.

Roll-Out Sheet Metal Racks

Pros:
Roll-out sheet metal racks deliver visibility and ergonomics.

• Faster picking than stacked systems
• Edge protection in individual trays
• No ladders or equipment needed

Cons:
They take up more floor space since each tray needs clearance to extend. Roll-out sheet metal rack systems also have weight limits per tray.

Horizontal Sheet Metal Racks

Pros:
Horizontal sheet metal racks maximize vertical storage.

• Simple, durable design
• Lower cost per position
• Easy forklift loading

Cons:
Bottom sheets are easy, but top sheets require equipment and time. You also run the risk of damaging edges during handling.

Vertical Sheet Metal Racks

Pros:
Vertical sheet metal racks save the greatest amount of floor space.

• Visible inventory at a glance
• Perfect for high SKU counts
• Minimal aisle footprint

Cons:
Handling large sheets can be awkward. SRS designs our systems with adjustable dividers and base bracing to prevent tip hazards.

Sheet Metal Storage Comparison Table

Choosing the Right Rack Based on Warehouse Needs

Here’s how to pick the right design according to your needs and avoid problems down the road:

Space Constraints and Volume Considerations

If you’re working in a shop with high ceilings, it makes sense to choose horizontal racks. You can stack high and use forklifts for retrieval.

If your floor space is limited, go vertical. Choose the right racks according to your actual constraints for warehouse space optimization.

Frequency of Use and Accessibility

How often do you touch your material? If you’re pulling sheets multiple times per shift, roll-out racks will save you from a lot of wasted motion.

Horizontal racks work for dedicated production lines. Load a week’s worth and use a crane to pull when needed. Rack accessibility matters, as OSHA data states that minimizing manual sheet handling reduces back strain incidents by 35%.

Safety & Ergonomics

Sheet metal is heavy and sharp. We build safety into every metal storage system, but the type of rack you use makes a difference.

• Roll-out racks keep materials at waist height, so no reaching or bending. The National Safety Council reports that proper material storage reduces workplace injuries by up to 40%.
• Vertical racks need floor-level access and clear labeling. Switching to organized vertical storage can drastically cut injury rates.
• Horizontal racks require equipment protocols. Never pull sheets from upper shelves by hand. SRS specifies load ratings conservatively, and we include safety signage with every system.

Make the Right Call for Your Operation

To sum things up, here’s a quick sheet metal storage comparison:

• Roll-out systems win on speed and safety.
• Horizontal racks deliver bulk capacity.
• Vertical racks maximize tight spaces.

We’ve been designing these systems since 1978. Whether you’re storing automotive parts or running a metal service center, the right storage efficiency setup transforms how fast your operation moves.

With SRS, you’ll find custom solutions that fit your workflow. Our pallet racking and sheet metal storage systems are built to last for decades.

Need a smarter way to store sheet metal? Contact us for a free layout consultation.