Whether fitting out a warehouse from scratch or updating your existing facilities, it’s important to choose the right types of racking and shelving to suit your purpose.
There are many different types available on the market. In this guide we’ll talk you through some of the most common.

Types of warehouse racking systems

Cantilever racking

Cantilever racking is best for storing long, heavy materials such as timber, steel or metal tubing. This is a heavy-duty solution for mixed sizes and weights, and can be accessed with or without a forklift.

You can also add arms and braces to extend the frame. So cantilever racking offers plenty of versatility.

Archive shelving

Archive shelving is often used in offices. Largely a light-duty solution, this is best for storing folders, ring binders, legal files, medical records and other important documents that can’t be thrown away.

Installing archive shelving is a great way to keep organised. And an efficient labelling and filing system will ensure you can always find the documents you’re looking for at a moment’s notice.

Heavy-duty shelving

If you need to store a lot of heavy items, then heavy-duty shelving is probably the right solution for you. With a higher load capacity than normal, it’s great for storing heavy boxes and other items.

It’s important to understand the typical load that you’ll need it to carry. That way, you can be sure that your heavy-duty shelving system is strong enough to manage the weight safely.

Pallet racking

If you need to store palletised goods, then pallet racking is a great solution. With the use of a forklift (or a stacker if your warehouse is smaller) you can easily load items onto and off of the pallet racking.

The pallets themselves rest across the beams. That means no shelves are required within the system, just end frames and beams.

Live pallet racking

Most warehouse pallet racking systems use forklifts, stackers or cranes to move stock. But if you store lighter materials, a live pallet racking system might suit you better.

This is a type of compact storage system that uses gravity and gentle pushing to optimise your pallet storage. It comes in two varieties:

• First in, first out (FIFO): The pallet racking features roller beds at a slight incline on each level to allow the pallets to slide easily. The loading area is at the opposite end to the unloading area, letting pallets stored earlier be removed first. FIFO live pallet racking is a great choice for warehouses that require perfect stock rotation
• Last in, first out (LIFO): This live system is very similar to FIFO. But it only has one loading and unloading area at the front of the system. That way, you can only remove the last item stored, which is closest to the front.
  
  

Mobile racking

Pallet racking, cantilever racking and many types of shelving can be transformed into mobile racking with custom storage solution design.

In mobile racking, the storage structure is mounted on a moveable base that’s guided along the floor on rails. While smaller, lighter racks can be moved by hand, heavier racks use electric motors and remote traction elements.

With this movement, only one working aisle is open for work access at any time. But by eliminating most of the space between racks, you can massively increase your storage and trading capacity for maximum profitability.

Mobile racking is also ideal for cold stores, as it reduces that total volume that needs to be cooled. This reduces energy costs, making your operation more efficient.

Small parts shelving

Small elements and parts need to be organised in boxes for easy access and storage. This is great for mechanics or builder’s merchants who want to store lots of small components.

With small parts shelving, it’s useful to add a lip at the front of the shelf. This prevents boxes of bits and pieces from falling off and getting scattered all over the warehouse!

Custom storage solutions in Northern Ireland and the UK

For certain items, such as car tyres, it’s best to go for a bespoke system that’s custom-built to suit the intended purpose. No matter what your racking and shelving requirements are, give our friendly team a call today. We can talk you through your options and advise you on the best solution to suit your particular needs.