Types of Industrial Racks for Warehouses

Warehousing is an essential part of the supply chain process, and involves storing products in a warehouse until they are ready to be distributed. Industrial racks play a crucial role in organising and managing warehouse space effectively.

They provide storage solutions for various types of products, allowing warehouses to optimise their space and increase their efficiency.

 

Selecting the Right Industrial Rack for Your Warehouse

When choosing industrial racks for your warehouse, there are several factors to consider. These include the type of product being stored, the size and weight of the product, the space in the warehouse, and the accessibility needed for retrieving products. Let’s look at some common types of industrial racks used in warehouses.

 

Pallet Rack Systems

Pallet rack systems are the most commonly used industrial racks in warehouses. They consist of upright frames and horizontal beams that create levels for storing pallets of products. These racks come in various sizes and can hold heavy loads, making them ideal for storing bulky products.

Some common types of pallet rack systems include:

• Selective pallet racks: These allow easy access to all stored products and are suitable for warehouses with high turnover rates.
• Drive-in/drive-thru racks: These racks allow forklifts to enter the system to retrieve or store products, making them suitable for warehouses with limited space.
• Push-back racks: These use a gravity feed system, where products are pushed back on inclined shelves, allowing easy and efficient retrieval.

 

Cantilever Racks

Cantilever racks are ideal for storing long or bulky items, such as lumber, pipes, and furniture. They consist of vertical columns with horizontal arms that extend outwards to hold the products. These racks can be customised to fit specific product sizes and weights.

Cantilever racks also come in different types:

• Single-sided: These have arms on one side only and are suitable for warehouses with limited space.
• Double-sided: These have arms on both sides, allowing for more storage capacity.

 

Mezzanine Racking Systems

Mezzanine racking systems involve creating a platform or raised level within the warehouse to utilise vertical space. These systems are suitable for warehouses with high ceilings and can double the storage capacity without additional floor space.

There are different types of mezzanine racking systems, including:

• Structural: These use heavy-duty materials, such as steel beams and columns, to create a durable platform.
• Rack-supported: These use pallet racks as the base for the platform, making them ideal for warehouses with pallet rack systems.

 

Wire Mesh Decks

Wire mesh decks are often used in conjunction with industrial racks to provide a stable surface for storing products.

They are made of wire mesh panels that sit on top of horizontal beams and prevent products from falling through the racks. These decks are ideal for storing smaller items that may not fit on pallets.

 

Takeaway

Choosing the right industrial rack for your warehouse is crucial in optimising space and increasing efficiency.

By considering factors such as product type, size and weight, space availability, and accessibility needs, you can select the most suitable rack system for your warehouse.

Whether it’s pallet racks, cantilever racks, mezzanine systems, or wire mesh decks, each type of industrial rack offers unique benefits that can help improve your warehouse operations. So take some time to assess your warehouse needs and invest in the right industrial rack to maximise your storage space and streamline your supply chain process.

 

Get Boltless Rack at ZEssentials

At ZEssentials, we offer high-quality boltless racks that are versatile and easy to install. Our racks are suitable for various types of products and can be customised to fit your specific needs.

Contact us today to learn more about our industrial rack solutions and take your warehouse storage to the next level.