Warehouse racking systems are an essential part to any company storing products internally or externally, it keeps products nicely organised and the warehouse tidy. When it comes to warehouse design, your racking system is one of the most important decisions you will make. The right racking system can maximise space, speed up operations, and improve safety. The wrong choice can lead to inefficiency, wasted space, and costly retrofits. With so many storage options available, it is important to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each type before making your decision.
What Are The Most Common Types of Warehouse Racking Systems
Pallet Racking
Pallet Racking has to be one of the most common options when selection warehouse racking.
Designed for palletised goods, it is highly versatile and scalable, making it the ideal solution for warehouses that deal with fast moving stock.
Cantilever Racking
Cantilever Racking is the perfect racking system for companies that store long and bulky products such as timber, metal pipes, sheet panels etc.
Its open front design allows forklifts to load and unload materials without obstruction, allowing for the operation to be handled smoothly.
Vertical Storage Racking
Vertical Storage stores long products upright, resulting in floor space being saved and improving accessibility.
A great option for builders’ merchants, workshops and warehouses that have a smaller storage area.
Widespan Shelving
Widespan shelving is designed for cartons, boxes and hand-picked items. It works well within the e-commerce, retail and light industrial sectors.
What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing Racking For Your Warehouse
- Product Type: Are you storing pallets, long goods, or mixed items?
- Weight & Load Capacity: Heavy products need reinforced systems.
- Space & Layout: Narrow aisles or high ceilings may call for specific systems.
- Stock Rotation: Fast-moving goods benefit from pallet racking, while bulk storage works best with drive-in systems.
- Scalability: Consider future growth, will your system expand easily?
- Budget: Initial cost vs long-term efficiency.
What Are The Common Mistakes To Avoid When Choosing Racking For Your Warehouse
- Choosing pallet racking for long products instead of cantilever.
- Ignoring forklift turning space and aisle width requirements.
- Overloading racks beyond their designed capacity.
- Failing to plan for future growth and seasonal demand.
FAQs About Choosing The Right Racking System
Can I combine different racking systems in one warehouse?
What is the most cost-effective racking solution?
How long does installation of a raking system take?
S.E.M.CO are full members of SEMA (Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association), with our installation and inspection teams fully SARI (SEMA Approved Rack Inspector), and SEIRS (Storage Equipment Installers Registration Scheme) registered.
Need Help Choosing The Right Racking System? Speak to S.E.M.CO Today!
At S.E.M.CO, we design and install bespoke racking systems tailored to your warehouse needs. Whether you need pallet racking, cantilever systems, or a full layout design, we will help you maximise space and efficiency.