Pallet racking storage is common and specific type of shelving system used in warehouses and factories around the world. But you may not realise that there are several different types of pallet racking available to use in your warehouse.

We look at 4 different types pallet racking, and explore the advantages and disadvantages of each, to help you make the best storage decisions to manage your warehouse needs.

Pallet Racking Explained

Pallet racking is mainly used in warehouses and factories for storing pallets to carry large, heavy or bulkier items. The construction is simple: a pallet racking system consists of a basic shelving system/structure.

However, instead of using flat shelves for the pallets to rest on, the racking system is constructed with flat horizontal steel bars. The advantage of this is that each individual warehouse and business can arrange to utilise pallet racking in any way that is suited to them. Whichever arranging method is fit or appropriate must take into account the overall floor space available, the height of the storage facility and the need for stock accessibility.

As a result, pallet racking systems are probably the most versatile and cost-effective storage system available for warehouse stock management and will serve the majority of businesses well.

Here are four different pallet racking system arrangements that are generally available and used in businesses today and the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

1. Double Deep Pallet Racking.

Double deep racking is a warehouse pallet racking systems in which the shelves or bars are doubled up. The effect of doubling up makes each shelf or set of bars two pallets deep.

The great advantage of this storage system is that it provides condensed storage opportunities. This gives warehouse managers a greater ability to store more pallets and more goods on the pallets.

However, accessibility remains an important issue with Double Deep Pallet Racking. It is not necessarily suitable for all warehouses and particularly those that store perishable goods as the doubling up process means the storage is organised on a FILO, or first-in-last-out basis. Double deep racking also has manoeuvrability implications as any forklifts trucks used will need to be equipped with extra-long forks.

2. Selective Pallet Racking.

This is the standard and most common method of arranging shelving in warehouses. It consists of one pallet rack running along the length of each warehouse wall and paired racks running back-to-back through the middle of the storage facility like book shelves.

The great advantage of this system is that it allows full access to all stock at any time.

It is ideal for those businesses with perishable stock, or stock that only has a short shelf life or those businesses who usually only stock one pallet per item.

Some businesses operate a variation of this, what is known as a narrow aisle pallet racking system. Though to use this method, a special forklift with a rotating fork to take pallets out from either side of the aisle will be required.

3. Drive-In and Drive-Through Pallet Racks.

Drive-in and drive-through pallet racks let a forklift driver drive into a block of pallet rack shelving and rest the pallet down on rails that run along the shelves.

The advantage of this system, is that it allows the storage of pallets with no aisles.

However, this is only suitable so long as good access to the pallets in the middle of the block is not important.

4. Push Back Pallet Racks.

One of the cleverest and most-innovative forms of racking system, a Push Back Pallet Racking system utilises a row of shelving, back to back, with the shelves on a slight decline.

Pallets are then placed at the higher end and are pushed down so the next pallet can be loaded.

This provides a first-in first-out (FIFO) system and is commonly used in fresh produce warehouses.

General Racking Issues.

There are many types of pallet racking available, so it is important to choose the right system for your warehouse and to try to keep it the racking system as simple as possible and ensure that it delivers what is required.

Your Pallet Racking Supplier should be able to help you design the layout of your new pallet racking system in a way that is best suited for the business.

At Monarch Shelving, we can help you find the best solution for your needs, and we will also give you the option of buying used pallet racking materials which can save you a considerable amount of money.

For more information or to obtain a free quotation, talk to us today.