What’s the Difference Between Pallet Racking & Warehouse Shelving?

It’s a common misconception that warehouse shelving and pallet racking are one in the same, but this isn’t actually the case. Surprisingly, there are several major differences between the two that every warehouse owner should be made aware of, with one being better for standard stock and another being ideal for palletised goods (can you guess which one?). In this article, we’ll be explaining what each one is and how it can benefit you.

What is warehouse shelving?

Warehouse shelving is just what you’d expect; a shelf that’s located in a warehouse to store inventory. Warehouse shelving comes in a variety of shapes and sizes to accommodate for an extensive range of industries and stock types.

They’re purpose-built for use in a warehouse or distribution setting and, often, order pickers, reach trucks and forklifts might be needed to access items that are stored on warehouse shelves, for the safety of your employees.

What are the different types of warehouse shelving?

Warehouse shelving comes in a variety of different types in order to accommodate a wide range of stock and inventory. The warehouse shelving available includes:

• Steel shelving – this shelving is strong and affordable, making it one of the most popular types of warehouse racking on the market
• Wire shelving – used in commercial and industrial settings, this shelving collects minimal dust and is more easy on the eye
• Rivet shelving – as a durable and cost-effective solution, rivet shelving is easy to assemble and doesn’t require lots of small parts and components
• Wide span shelving – these bridge the gap between shelving and racking solutions. Wide span shelving is broader and more sturdy than its counterparts

What is pallet racking?

Pallet racking is a specialised storage solution that’s capable of handling loads that are, as the name would suggest, palletised. Pallet racking is a far safer option for those looking to store pallets rather than just stock or inventory that isn’t palletised – this is where pallet racking and warehouse shelving differ.

Where warehouse shelving can be used to house trays, boxes and other storage devices, pallet racking should only be used to accommodate pallets. Pallet racking should be accessed using reach trucks and forklifts.

What are the different types of pallet racking?

Pallet racking, much like warehouse shelving, come in a variety of different models, with each one being ideal for a range of applications, so you’ll always be provided with a solid, reliable storage solution for your warehouse, no matter the industry you work in. The types of pallet racking available includes:

• Selective racking – consisting of two vertical frames, selective racking also comes with shelf beams that sit between the frames. This allows an employee to stack inventory one pallet deep. This racking is easily accessible, also
• Double-deep racking – this involves two rows of selective racks that are naturally situated one behind the other. As a form of high-density storage, the taller the racking is, the better your warehouse storage space can be optimised
• Drive-in or drive-through racking – a high-density racking, rails are employed in order to extend to the full length of the rack itself. Drive-in or drive-through racking is also exceptionally robust in comparison to its counterparts
• Pushback racking – this is a complex storage system with more moving parts than the average pallet racking solution. Pushback racking is often used is you have a lot of different SKUs or if you have five or more pallets to store
• Flow racking – also known as gravity flow racking, this is ideal for first-in, first-out processes and storage systems and in addition to that, you don’t always need a forklift to be able to use the shelving to its full potential