%202.avif){kind=logo}
Choosing the right pallet racking for your warehouse can feel more complicated than it should. With so many styles, sizes, and confusing terms, it’s easy to get lost when figuring out which setup fits your needs. That’s where we at Mid-America Store Fixtures come in. We’ve put together this comprehensive guide to make pallet racking simple—helping you find an efficient and cost-effective system that keeps your products organized and your warehouse running smoothly.
Pallet racking is a warehouse storage system designed to hold pallets of goods in organized rows across multiple levels. Unlike some traditional shelving systems, it makes full use of vertical space to store more products in less square footage. This design allows forklifts to access items easily and helps facilities make the most of every inch of available space. In short, think of it as building upward instead of outward.
A standard pallet racking system consists of upright frames and horizontal beams. The uprights are the vertical columns that run from the floor to the top shelf. Each one has evenly spaced holes that allow the horizontal beams to lock in at various heights, creating adjustable shelves that support each pallet. Together, they form a sturdy, flexible system that can be customized to fit a wide range of products and warehouse layouts.
Many pallet racking systems include accessories that improve both safety and performance. Wire decking, which looks like a metal grid placed between beams, adds a sturdy surface beneath pallets and prevents products from falling through gaps. Post protectors are small steel guards that wrap around the base of each upright to absorb forklift impact and prevent structural damage. Safety panels and straps create barriers along the back or sides of racks to keep boxes and materials from sliding off. Finally, row spacers and wall ties are metal connectors that hold racks straight and secure, preventing them from shifting or tipping over. Together, these add-ons make pallet racking stronger, safer, and longer-lasting.
Pallet racking systems come in various types, intended to help you get the most out of your warehouse space both vertically and horizontally. The type of product you're housing, as well as which system you use (first-in, first-out or last-in, first-out), will be important in choosing the right system for your needs.
The most common and versatile option, selective pallet racking allows direct access to every pallet, making it ideal for operations with many SKUs and frequent product turnover. It’s often used in first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory systems and is typically built in a teardrop style, where teardrop-shaped holes let the beams lock securely into place for quick assembly and reliable support.
Drive-in pallet racking is designed for high-density storage, allowing forklifts to drive directly into the rack structure to place or retrieve pallets. Because pallets are stored several positions deep, it operates on a last-in, first-out (LIFO) system. This setup is perfect for warehouses storing large quantities of similar products with limited product variety.
Pushback pallet racking uses carts that sit on inclined rails, allowing pallets to slide backward when loaded and roll forward when one is removed. This design maximizes storage density while keeping aisles clear, making it ideal for warehouses with limited space and medium-to-high inventory turnover operating on a last-in, first-out system.
Pallet flow racking uses gravity-fed rollers to move pallets from the loading side to the picking side automatically. As one pallet is removed, the next rolls forward to take its place. This first-in, first-out system is ideal for high-volume operations that require constant product rotation and efficient, hands-off inventory movement.
Carton flow racking works like pallet flow systems but is built for smaller boxes and individual items instead of full pallets. Using lightweight roller tracks, cartons move forward automatically as each one is picked. This setup is perfect for order fulfillment centers and distribution facilities that need fast, organized access to frequently picked products.
Cantilever racking is designed for storing long, bulky, or irregularly shaped items such as lumber, piping, or carpet rolls. It features horizontal arms that extend from a central column, creating an open front with no vertical obstructions. Adjustable arm heights make it easy to load and unload materials of varying lengths with a forklift or crane.
We know that’s a lot to take in—each system has its own strengths, and figuring out which one best fits your operation can be tricky, because every warehouse is different and has its own set of needs. The good news is that you don’t have to figure it out alone. We at MASF will work with you to find the system that best fits your inventory, workflow, and budget. So, if you’re looking for guidance, give us a call!
Choosing the right pallet racking system is only half the equation—how you use it matters just as much. Maximizing your warehouse space means thinking beyond the floor and taking advantage of the vertical “air space” above it. With the right layout, you can often double your capacity without expanding your footprint. Details like aisle width, rack height, and forklift access all play a major role in how efficiently your warehouse operates. That’s why we at MASF offer one-on-one consultations to help design a layout that’s safe, practical, and perfectly suited to your space. With careful planning, your warehouse can store more, flow better, and work smarter.
Once you’ve mapped out the most efficient layout for your warehouse, the next step is outfitting it with the right equipment—and that doesn’t always mean buying new. Used pallet racking can offer the same strength and reliability at a fraction of the cost. It’s an excellent option for businesses that want to expand storage quickly and affordably.
When dealing with reused equipment, safety is often a concern. That’s why at MASF, we only sell used pallet racking that meets our high standards for strength and reliability. When properly maintained and carefully evaluated, refurbished racks perform just as well as new ones—helping you save money without sacrificing safety or quality.
Buying used pallet racking offers more than just cost savings; it also supports sustainability. Reusing existing steel helps reduce waste and lowers the carbon footprint created by producing new materials. It’s a practical way to save money while choosing a sustainable, eco-friendly warehouse solution that benefits both your business and the environment.
From choosing the right system to using your vertical “air” space effectively, our goal is to help you store smarter, safer, and more efficiently. If you’re exploring pallet racking options, our team can provide a consultation to match the right solution to your warehouse. Contact MASF’s pallet racking experts today to discuss warehouse storage solutions that best fit your space and budget.
