An Essential Upgrade for Pallet Rack Safety
Wire decking is a critical accessory for any pallet rack system, providing a strong, reliable shelf surface that enhances both safety and operational efficiency. Made from heavy-gauge galvanized steel wire welded into a mesh grid, these decks sit on your existing beams to create a continuous platform. This design securely holds loads, prevents cartons or individual items from falling through the beams, and is a key requirement for meeting warehouse fire safety codes.
Benefits of Wire Mesh Decking
- Enhanced Safety: Prevents products and cartons from falling through open beams, protecting both inventory and personnel from accidents.
- Fire Code Compliance: The open mesh design allows water from sprinklers to pass through to lower levels, meeting NFPA 13 fire safety standards.
- Increased Versatility: Allows you to store split cases, individual boxes, and non-palletized items directly on your pallet racks with a stable surface.
- Improved Visibility: Increases overhead lighting and allows operators to better see inventory on upper levels, creating a brighter, safer workspace.
- Ease of Use: Drops into place on your beams without any tools or hardware, making installation and reconfiguration fast and effortless.
Learn more about our pallet rack accessories to complement your wire decking.
Types of Wire Decking
Choosing the right type of wire decking depends on your beam design and operational needs. The primary styles are defined by how they attach to the beams and the design of their support channels.Check our Wire Deck Buying Guide for detailed advice.
Waterfall Decking
The industry standard. The mesh "waterfalls" over the front and back of the beams for a secure lock that prevents accidental dislodgement.
Drop-In / Flush Decking
Sits flush between the beams for a completely flat surface. It's ideal for hand-stacking and makes applying barcode labels to beams easier.
Flared Channel Decking
Features flared support channels, giving it a universal fit that works on box, structural, or step beams for maximum versatility.
Common Industry Applications
Wire decking's combination of strength, safety, and versatility makes it a valuable asset in nearly any industry that relies on pallet racking for storage and distribution.
- Food & Beverage: Decks that comply with FDA regulations can safely store food products without retaining bacteria or contaminants.
- Manufacturing & Warehousing: Industrial-grade decking can hold over a ton of raw materials, components, and finished goods.
- Retail & E-commerce: Ideal for storing and displaying a wide range of inventory, from heavy items to individual boxes in fulfillment centers.
Frequently Asked Questions
🏋️ What is the weight capacity of wire decking?
Standard wire decks typically support up to 2,500 lbs per level, assuming a Uniformly Distributed Load (UDL). Capacity depends on the number of support channels and wire gauge, so always confirm the rating meets your specific needs.
🧩 Is wire decking compatible with all pallet racks?
No. Compatibility depends on your beam type. Waterfall and Flush decks are for step-beams, while Flared Channel decks offer a universal fit for step, box, and structural beams. It is essential to match the deck type to your rack.
📏 How do I choose the right size wire decking?
Measure the depth of your upright frame (e.g., 42", 48") and the length of your beams (e.g., 96", 108"). For a 96" beam, you would need two 46" wide decks. Our team can help you confirm the exact measurements required.
🛡️ Is wire decking required by OSHA?
While not explicitly mandated, OSHA requires systems to be stable and prevent fall-through hazards. Wire decking is the industry best practice to meet this requirement and is often required to comply with local fire codes.
Upgrade Your Racking with Wire Decking
Protect your inventory, ensure compliance, and improve warehouse efficiency. Contact our experts today to get a fast, free quote on the right wire decking for your system.
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