Warehouse managers frequently use industrial shelving with pallet racking and other storage solutions to optimize their floor space and maximize their facility’s storage capacity. If you have limited floor space available, industrial shelving is a cost-effective solution to maximize storage. Explore our range of industrial shelving at Shelving + Rack Systems, Inc., to discover the best high-density storage solution for your warehouse.
Static Industrial Shelving
Standard industrial shelving typically features 48” wide shelves, with a depth ranging between 12” and 24”. With a 20-gauge steel construction and a maximum load capacity of 600 lbs. per shelf, these shelving units are ideal for high-density, light- or medium-duty storage.
Industrial shelving is available in either open or closed configuration. Closed shelves have a back wall, preventing items from slipping or falling to the other side, whereas open shelves are accessible from both ends.
Although closed shelving has many applications, open shelving is more common; you can place two of them back to back alongside two open aisles, effectively increasing the depth of each shelf. For example, two 18” deep open static shelves placed back to back provide a total depth of 36” per level.
This type of industrial shelving is also modular, allowing you to increase the available storage space by installing additional shelves as add-on units. In addition, it is also cost-effective; standard static industrial shelves are among the least expensive high-density storage solutions available on the market.
Heavy-Duty Industrial Shelving
Heavy-duty storage systems employ thicker, heavy-gauge steel than their standard counterparts, such as 18-gauge. This construction grants them extra strength, increasing their maximum load capacity.
Heavy-duty industrial shelves are structurally the same as standard models. They are available in the same range of dimensions, open or closed configurations, and feature the same level of modularity.
Mobile Shelving Units
High-density mobile storage systems employ casters, ranging from 2” to 5” in diameter, allowing personnel to move them as needed. Each unit has an overall load capacity of about 1,200 lbs. with even distribution. Some specialized shelving units, such as archive storage systems, may be mounted on rails and feature mechanical assists for safe operation.
Standard high-density mobile shelving units are typically available in one of two configurations: an open-ended cart with wire mesh decks accessible from all sides, or a 3-sided wire mesh cart, accessible from one side only.
The zinc-plated stainless steel construction and the use of wire mesh decking make these shelving units naturally resistant to fire, water, moisture, or exposure to most chemicals, making them ideal for high-density, light-duty storage in many applications: food industry, cleaning products, chemical compounds, and more.
These high-density mobile systems are also suitable for general-purpose storage of boxed, packaged, and small crated goods.
Industrial Storage Cabinets
Industrial storage cabinets are effectively static, closed storage systems featuring doors and padlock hasps.
They are ideal for combining the benefits of high-density storage with basic security and protection against the elements. Their heavy, all-welded, 14-gauge steel construction grants them high durability and high payload capacity (up to 1,450 lbs).
Industrial storage cabinets are highly versatile and configurable. They are available in various dimensions and can be outfitted with any number of shelves, columns, and accessories such as coat rods or bins.
For example, the same 36” x 21” x 82” combination shelf and removable bin cabinet can be configured in any of the following ways:
- 1 full-width shelf, 3 half-width shelves, 50 small bins, and 14 large bins: Ideal for storing toolboxes, packaged goods, and various sets of small and medium loose parts.
- 100 small bins mounted to the doors, 36 large bins inside the unit: The perfect solution for sorting extensive collections of small and medium parts in many different SKUs.
- 4 full-width shelves, 16 large removable bins inside the unit, 24 removable tilt bins in the doors (12 per door): This configuration is highly versatile and can fit large quantities of loose and boxed items.
These examples are only three of the many configurations available for industrial storage cabinets.
Additional Considerations
Regardless of the types employed, industrial shelving systems are not just excellent high-density storage solutions; they also provide your business with numerous benefits.
The most important benefit is increased safety. Keeping your inventory organized, and your warehouse clean and free of clutter is essential for workplace safety.
Not only are industrial shelving units easy to maintain, but they also retain their value and capacity for many years. Well-maintained industrial shelves can last up to 10 years before they need to be updated.
If your shelving sustains significant wear and tear, repairs and replacements are also relatively inexpensive, especially compared to larger storage systems, such as pallet racks or cantilevers. This makes industrial shelving cost-effective and budget-friendly.
Equip Your Facility With the Best Industrial Shelving Systems
Shelving + Rack Systems, Inc. has over 40 years of experience providing new and used industrial shelving systems. Take advantage of our warehousing and materials handling expertise and outfit your facility with the best equipment today.
