What Type Of Pallet Rack Do You Need?

To put it simply, it depends! Lots of factors come into play when deciding what type of pallet rack best suits your operation.

1. Cost
2. Size of the facility
3. The clearance height of the facility’s ceiling
4. What type of product is stored
5. Size of pallets used
6. What is the product turn around
7. What kind of forklift truck used

Knowing this information can help you determine what solution will work best in your facility. 

Pallet Rack 101:

Roll Formed and Structural

A roll-formed pallet rack is the most common construction of racking. It is usually manufactured in the “teardrop” style; teardrop referring to the teardrop-shaped holes on the uprights column. It is cold rolled and typically has a rivet connection. There are few circumstances when roll-formed has a bolted connection. This type of pallet rack also tends to be less expensive because it is comprised of less steel than structural. Roll-formed uses mounting clips that can easily be adjusted to different heights according to load size, which is beneficial for warehouses that store a wide variety of product sizes.

Structural pallet rack is hot-rolled. Its components are almost always bolted together, which can easily spot structural versus roll-formed pallet rack. The horizontal load beams connect to the uprights with bolts, which increases the rack’s weight-bearing capacity. The structural pallet rack is made of thicker steel c-channels, making it the more expensive but durable pallet rack option. It is most commonly used in warehouses where inventory has a quick turnover because durability is a huge factor when accommodating heavy forklift traffic.

Uprights

• Vertical bracing columns
• Depth determined by product size
• Height determined by clear height in building and forklift capabilities
• Column size determined by capacity needed
• The capacity of uprights determined by the spacing of beams – spacing beams far apart can create bends in the uprights, closer together makes it stronger
• Gauge determined by capacity needed

Beams 

• Horizontal load supports
• Length determined by product size
• Height determined by capacity needed
• Gauge determined by capacity needed – lower gauge means thicker steel and higher capacity
• Deflection in beams is how much the beam is designed to bend – deflection is typical!

Row Spacers

• Flue space connector
• Layout determines the length of the row spacer
• Length determined by flue space dimensions
• Type determined by upright to be connected to
• Some row spacers are not interchangeable, so be aware when selling used equipment

Pallet Supports

• Load supports connecting front and back beams
• Length determined by the depth of upright
• Style and gauge determined by capacity needed

Wire Decking

Wire decking is used in pallet racks and other types of storage racks. Made from steel wire, wire decking gives you the flexibility to store a variety of pallet sizes. It provides a stable surface while also maintaining an open surface, which improves fire safety by enhancing your overhead sprinkler system’s performance. Wire decking is easy to install and is virtually maintenance-free.

If you have additional questions, give us a call at 866.474.2001 or contact your sales representative!