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Shelving and racking: How to choose from different types of warehouse storage
How much weight does your shelving need to support?
The first step is understanding load requirements. Shelving that matches the weight of your goods ensures durability and a safer working environment.
If you're storing lighter items such as books, binders and archive boxes, a shelf with a maximum load of 150 kg per shelf is sufficient. For small components, fittings or hand tools, dedicated storage systems provide better organisation and easier access. Simpler sheet metal shelves are both flexible and durable and work well in both the office and the warehouse. For example, we recommend the FIRST, IDEAL and MIX shelving.
Types of storage systems for medium loads
For heavier stock such as boxed goods, tools or bulk supplies, shelving with a load capacity of around 170-190 kg per shelf is a good choice. Medium-duty shelving is designed for general warehouse storage, offering stronger frames and adjustable shelves to support everyday operational demands without moving into heavy industrial systems. This type of shelving works well in picking areas, stockrooms and back-of-house storage where goods are handled regularly but don’t require pallet racking. In this weight class we recommend our POWER and TRANSFORM.
Types of storage systems for heavy loads
For demanding environments such as workshops, production areas and industrial storage zones, heavy-duty shelving needs to handle larger loads of up to 700 kg per shelf. For added stability and a safer work environment, opt for a model with a foot designed to be bolted into the floor. Here we recommend TOUGH and COMBO.
Where will your shelving be placed?
Should the shelf stand free or against a wall?If you need to access the shelf from two sides, you need stable construction that does not require a back cross. Back plates can be used to separate shelves that stand back to back or to protect visibility.
What are the dimensions of the space for the shelves?
Always make sure you have the best use of the space. Most shelving systems have a large selection of height, width and shelf depth. With careful planning, it's possible to make full use of the surfaces. Are you happy with high shelves that reach the ceiling or do you need to reach the top shelf level without the aid of a stool or ladder?
Do the shelves need to be moved often?
If you need flexibility, it might be a good idea to check the assembly instructions before buying. For example, choose a shelf with pre-assembled ends where the only thing you need to do is hook the shelves you choose at any height.
Find the ideal shelf for your warehouse
Adapted shelves for a safe working environment
With our flexible shelving systems, there are solutions for most storage needs. With metal warehouse shelves adapted for the right weight and area of use, the work environment becomes both safer and easier to work in. When the goods are in order, both picking and packing run smoothly and this in turn increases the efficiency of the warehouse.Maximize storage capacity with the right type of shelves and good planning. Keep the warehouse well organised with good workflows and ergonomics in mind. A warehouse needs to be functional and easy to handle, which leads to a good and safe working environment.
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What needs to be stored?
If you are storing small parts like screws, tools ore fittings, picking trays and plastic bins are a smart solution. They provide a good overview of the range and stop items from getting mixed up. With trays that are sized for the shelf system, storage is both efficient and compact. Plastic trays are available for both small parts and slightly larger items.
Hidden storage
Shelves with end plate and back plate offer partially hidden storage and separate the shelf sections from each other. Complete with pull-out drawers and doors to prevent visibility. Choose a door with a lock to protect sensitive goods.
Shelves for specific purposes
Some items need custom storage. Examples of this are tyre racks, pallet racks and chemical shelves. Feel free to ask a salesperson for advice if you are not sure which type of shelf is best for your purposes.
Need to know more about pallet racking?
TIP! Modular storage systems
The Combo shelving system allows you to build your own combination of shelves. Complete with back rails, tool panels and workbench to get a smart workstation.- Suitable as a storage shelf for workshops and industry
- Mounted without bolts and screws
- Extra smart accessories available
- Shelves can handle up to 700 kg
Need different types of shelves?
In our wide range of different shelves we have systems that are better suited for use in offices, archives, or retail.
Archive or filing shelves are available in many different variations and designs. If the shelf is intended for storage of lighter files and folders, a simple archive shelf will suffice. An archive shelf can be suitable in many environments - the important thing is that the capacity and construction match what is to be stored.
Lighter office shelves may need to be anchored to the wall, while stronger units can stand freely and allow access from both sides. There are also shelving options that can be assembled completely without screws.
Wall-mounted shelf systems are an excellent choice for storing lighter items such as folders. A support strip is screwed onto the chosen wall surface and hanging rails are mounted on the strip. The shelves can be placed at any distance and height. There are wall systems with or without shelf gables. Practical and space-saving storage that can be used advantageously in storage rooms.
Retail shelves are for displaying and storing goods in stores. But store shelves can also be suitable for use in other environments, such as warehouse spaces, workshops, and garages.
Food or kitchen shelving is adapted for storage of food in store or warehouse environments that have higher requirements. The shelves are available in different designs adapted for cooling or freezer rooms. The shelf panels are usually food-approved and are an optimal choice in spaces where hygiene is important. They are easy to clean and designed to collect minimal dust.
Do you want tips on which shelf series to choose? We list the best warehouse shelves for 2026!
Our robust bestseller TOUGH can withstand up to 1000 kg in maximum load.
- Gables and support beams are made of powder-coated sheet metal for extra hard and durable finish
- For bulky goods in demanding environments
- Moveable shelves that can easily be hooked on and off
MIX is our most adaptable series and gives you a lot of shelf for your money!
- Large selection of accessories
- Moveable shelves that can easily be hooked on and off
- Choose between open, concealed or semi-open storage
FIRST is an easy-to-assemble shelving series suitable for lighter-duty storage in warehouses.
- The shelves can be adjusted in height at 40 mm intervals
- Assembles completely without screws or bolts
- Fitted with protective feet to prevent floor scratches
Ask us about warehouse shelves!
Find the shelves you're looking for..
FAQ
- Start by considering the volume you will be storing. Depending on the weight and quantity, it is important that the capacity of the shelves is adapted to the weight. Will the storage need to be expanded in the future? Make sure to choose a storage shelf that is buildable.
- All of our storage shelves are made of metal, but you can choose models with other materials on the shelves. Which storage shelf you choose should depend on what you will store on the shelves. For example, if there is a risk of leakage of liquids, you should have shelves made of metal.
- Our Galvanised food shelving TRANSFORM is designed specifically to withstand freezing temperatures down to -30˚C.
- Bolting warehouse shelves to the floor is an easy way to improve both safety and stability. Many of our shelves come prepared for bolting to the floor.
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