What is Wide Span Shelving?

Wide span shelving is designed for medium to heavy loads that are manually loaded, positioning it between conventional shelving and pallet rack systems. This versatile shelving solution accommodates a wide range of product types, including high, wide, or bulky items.

Similar to pallet racks, wide span shelving consists of frames and beams. Frames are composed of two uprights with bracing and footplates, while beams support the shelves. Various models and gauges of uprights enable adaptation to different inventory needs.

Shelving options for wide span include metal shelves that fit into the beams, wire deck shelves, and particle board shelves, each suited to specific storage requirements. Different types of wide span beams complement these shelving surfaces.

Assembly of wide span shelving is straightforward due to its minimal parts, making it easy to configure. Its ability to store diverse loads makes it highly versatile for various applications in retail or industrial settings. The system’s adaptability is further enhanced by a wide array of available components.

Compared to other shelving types, wide span shelving is sturdier and can reach greater heights—some standard sizes extend up to 26 feet tall. Additionally, wide span beams with endplates can be attached to standard pallet rack uprights, facilitating integrated storage of both hand-stacked items and palletized goods within the same facility.

FAQ’s

What types of loads are suitable for wide span shelving?

Wide span shelving is designed for medium to heavy loads that are manually loaded. It can accommodate a variety of product types, including high, wide, or bulky items.

How is wide span shelving different from conventional shelving and pallet racks?

Wide span shelving bridges the gap between conventional shelving, which is lighter duty, and pallet racks, which are used for palletized goods. It offers greater versatility and strength compared to conventional shelving while not requiring the infrastructure of full pallet racks.

What are the components of wide span shelving?

Wide span shelving consists of frames and beams. Frames are typically made up of two uprights with bracing and footplates, while beams support the shelves. This modular design allows for easy customization and adjustment to different storage needs.

What shelving options are available for wide span shelving?

Wide span shelving offers several shelving options, such as metal shelves that fit into the beams, wire deck shelves for enhanced ventilation and visibility, and particle board shelves for varying load capacities. Each option caters to specific storage requirements.

How easy is it to assemble wide span shelving?

Assembly of wide span shelving is straightforward due to its minimal parts and modular design. It typically requires basic tools and can be set up relatively quickly, making it ideal for both initial installation and reconfiguration as storage needs change.

In what environments is wide span shelving most commonly used?

Wide span shelving is highly versatile and finds applications in both retail and industrial settings. It is suitable for warehouses, storerooms, retail backrooms, and other spaces where efficient storage of medium to heavy items is needed.

What are the height limitations of wide span shelving?

Standard wide span shelving units can reach heights of up to 26 feet, making them suitable for facilities requiring tall storage solutions without the full infrastructure of pallet racks.

Can wide span shelving integrate with pallet rack systems?

Yes, wide span beams with endplates can be attached to standard pallet rack uprights, allowing facilities to combine storage of hand-stacked items on wide span shelves with palletized goods stored above on pallet racks, optimizing space and efficiency.

Conclusion

Wide span shelving combines the strength of pallet racks with the versatility of conventional shelving. It’s designed for medium to heavy loads, accommodating a wide variety of products, including bulky and wide items. With robust frames and customizable shelving options like metal, wire deck, and particle board, it’s flexible for retail and industrial settings. Easy assembly, heights up to 26 feet, and integration with pallet rack systems make it an efficient choice for optimizing storage across different environments.