Shelving
Industrial shelving offers a sturdy, reliable, and versatile solution that maximizes usable space while improving organization. Outfitting your facility with a custom purpose-built system from East Coast Storage Equipment is painless thanks to our expert team and wide variety of shelving styles.
Industrial Metal Shelving Types and Accessories
Industrial metal shelving is as economical as it is heavy-duty. That’s true of all shelving styles we curate, including rivet, boltless, clip, and wide-span.
Shelving Types
Rivet shelving is made from solid steel. It can easily handle storage environments with heavy and large items.
Shelving is also highly versatile. Take steel shelving. It’s perfect for warehouses, offices, tool cribs, and more. It’s often a key part of high-density storage applications, like underneath a mezzanine for part storage. Steel shelving comes in open- and closed-back styles. And it can adjust on the fly to adapt to various storage needs.
Bulk rack shelving, also known as wide-span shelving, is a great, high-capacity choice for a step between shelving and pallet racking. It’s ideal for hand-loaded, medium-to-heavy loads. A common use case is storing small stocks of different product types in a person-to-goods picking environment.
Wire shelving is a lightweight, ventilated storage option made from metal wire grids. It’s ideal for hand-loaded items in environments where airflow and visibility are a big concern. Commonly used in warehouses, retail backrooms, and cold storage, wire shelving is resistant to dust buildup and moisture. That makes it great for food, medical supplies, and similar items.
While many types of shelving exist, they often fit into similar form factors and can come equipped with similar features.
Particle Board
Particle board is often the recommended minimum for decking. Be sure to learn about the load capacity you need and the capacity of the particle board you are considering purchasing. Particle board can be the weakest in terms of load limits, but it’s often sufficient for lighter loads.
Wire Decking
Wire decking is made from durable steel and can prevent dust buildup while promoting airflow. It’s also the best choice for fire safety.
Steel Decks
Backing
Consider what type of backing you need. Open shelving is excellent for higher-volume environments where items demand quick access. On the other hand, closed shelving offers better protection for sensitive items.
There are, of course, other configurations like bin shelving, where plastic or metal bins and adjustable dividers help with enhanced organization.
The proper shelving system will depend on your needs. Contact the East Coast Storage Equipment team to learn more about your options.
What to Know About Shelving Safety and Maintenance
Industrial shelving systems are relatively simple pieces of equipment, but there is still a lot to understand to master maintenance and ensure your equipment is ready and reliable for years.
First, consider that the primary safety feature of shelving is its structural integrity. Never push units past recommended capacity limits. Exceeding these limits can be dangerous — structural failure and even injuries are common in facilities that ignore the capacity limits of their shelving.
You’ll also need to use your shelves only according to manufacturer recommendations. For example, poor loading and unloading techniques could cause tipping or product spillage. And this should be obvious, but you might be surprised:Shelves are designed for storage; don’t climb them.
For all types of industrial shelving, regular inspections are a must. During this process, do the following:
- Check for deformed shelves, beams, or uprights.
- Tighten any loose bolts, nuts, or fasteners.
- Remove accumulated dust, debris, or spills that could impede functionality or hide potential issues.
- Inspect for signs of rust, flaking paint, or other deterioration of the shelving materials.
If repairs are necessary, unload the shelving unit. Isolate the issue and flag it for repair. If you have an industrial shelving system that you rely on, it’s a good idea to keep everyday parts and components on hand for a quick replacement.
A regular cleaning schedule is also a good idea. Remove dust and debris buildup, particularly for shelving used in dusty or dirty environments. Use appropriate cleaning solutions based on the shelving material. Remember that the wrong cleaning agent could negatively affect materials, leading to damage or discoloration.
Additional Considerations
To make the most of your shelving purchase, you should be fully aware of all the things that can cause damage, disrupt regular operation, or affect your equipment. Here are a few key factors to consider.
- Rust and corrosion. If rust or corrosion are a potential concern, consider applying protective coatings from time to time. Just make sure the coating in question is compatible with the material type to prevent any damage or other issues.
- Harsh chemicals. Harsh chemicals nearby can also be a concern. Again, the right coating can make a huge difference here.
- Environmental concerns. Environmental concerns can also impact your shelving. For example, if the shelving will be in an environment with moisture or chemicals, you’ll need to choose specific shelving materials, styles, and finishes that are resistant to those factors.
- Load distribution. Always consider your intended load and the even weight distribution on shelves to avoid overloading specific points.
Shelving Installation
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for shelving installation. Most manufacturers will recommend that you anchor industrial shelving uprights to the floor, taking into account the flooring material, to maintain structural integrity and prevent tipping. Always pay close attention to specified vertical alignment and spacing tolerances.
Keep in mind that improper assembly can make your shelving unstable. Install shelving on a level floor for solid weight distribution. And consider using shims if necessary. Maintain adequate clearances around the shelving unit to make sure your other equipment and team members remain safe from collisions, falls, and more.
Shelving Layout Design
As you design your shelving layout, prioritize efficiency and safety. Consider the size and types of items you’ll need to store, as well as how frequently you’ll need to access each product type. This will help you determine the number of units you need, their configuration, and how to arrange the shelves.
Straight rows of shelving are ideal for maximizing storage density, while L-shaped and U-shaped configurations can help you make better use of corners in your facility.
Make sure your aisles are wide enough for comfortable movement and any necessary equipment, like carts or ladders.
Adjust shelf heights to accommodate different item sizes. This helps you use more vertical space. Put items you need to access frequently at a comfortable reaching height. This reduces strain and improves ergonomics. And, importantly, it can increase picking efficiency.
Shelving Installation from the Experts
Whether you need help with equipment layout and design or installation, East Coast Storage Equipment delivers turnkey solutions to your warehouse floor. Get in touch with our highly qualified team of storage and material handling experts today to learn more about how we can help you install your warehouse shelves.
Source the Right Shelving for Your Facility
A solid shelving system is the foundation for organizational success and optimized floor space. With so many styles and configurations to choose from, you can build a custom solution that perfectly complements your everyday operations and workflow.
At East Coast Storage Equipment, we carry a wide selection of industrial shelving systems and can help you with the design and installation process. Our experts are on standby to help you with every step. Contact us today to learn more.