What are structural pallet racks and where can I buy them near me? Structural pallet racks are another very popular style of warehouse racking commonly used in seismic locations. They're often available in much heavier weight capacities using the same dimensions of traditional roll-formed pallet rack. Structural pallet racking is usually assembled with nuts and bolts and should be assembled by professional installation teams.
There are no particular colors associated with structural racking, as it is considered a style (like teardrop) and not a brand. Structural rack brands SJF stocks include: Meco – Frazier – Ridg-U-Rak – Steel King – Advance Storage Products – Elite Storage Solutions – Unarco & more.
Structural push back racking has the strength of structural racking combined with the functionability of FIFO (first in/first out) push back pallet racking.
What is the Difference Between Structural Pallet Racking and Roll-Form Pallet Racking?
Structural pallet racking is made from hot rolled c-channel structural steel. Structural steel provides a heavier duty pallet rack solution with added strength for higher weighted loads.
Structural rack uses thicker gauge steel construction and is specifically designed to prevent damage from forklift abuse. Structural pallet racks are heavier than roll form pallet racks of the same size and dimension. Structural pallet rack is often the preferred solution for higher density applications like pushback, drive-in and pallet flow applications. It also offers improved resistance to impact. Structural racks are easier to clean and are often used in freezer applications that require the rack to be washed down.
Because they are more heavy duty than roll-formed pallet rack, structural racking tends to be both heavier and more expensive to transport.
Types of Structural Racking Most Commonly Used for Warehouse Storage
Selective Racking - The most common of all racking systems, selective racking permits one-unit-deep pallet loads to be stored in interconnected rack section or bays
Roll-form pallet rack is usually associated with selective pallet rack storage. It is the preferred storage rack for light (500 lbs. per shelf) to heavy (7,500 lbs. per shelf) pallet storage.
Structural pallet rack is made from hot rolled c-channel structural steel. While it can be used to store lighter loads, it's structural design can also be best utilized when storing heavier loads of 5,000 lbs. per shelf and more. It uses additional hardware (nuts and bolts) for assembly. It is inherently heavier, stronger and can hold heavier loads than roll-form rack. It is more impact resistant than roll-form rack.
While roll-form rack is the rack of choice for selective pallet storage, structural rack is often the preferred solution for higher density applications like pushback, drive-in and pallet flow applications. Structural racks are thicker and the heavier construction offers improved resistance to impact from forklifts entering and exiting the racks.
Structural racks typically cost more per pallet position to buy, ship and install than roll-form racks. Structural racks may offer more rust resistance and hold capacity than roll-form racks.
You would consider using roll-form pallet racks:
When you are storing light to heavy weight loads, usually 7,500 lbs. or less per shelf.
When transportation costs are a concern. Because of its lighter weight, more roll form rack can be put on a flat bed when transporting racks to the job site for installation.
When easy handling and quick assembly without the need for hardware is desired.
Due to its heavier weight, structural rack costs more to ship than roll-form. Roll-form rack is less costly to ship because it’s lighter than structural racks with the same dimensions.
Due to its heavier weight and nut and bolt connections, structural racking can take longer and cost more to handle and install. Tools are required to attach and tighten the nuts & bolts used to connect the shelf beams to the upright frames. Roll form racks traditionally install faster due to its bolt-less connection design, which allows for a fast and easy connection of the beams to the uprights.
You would consider using structural cantilever rack instead of roll-form rack:
Due to its impact resistance and it's ability to hold heavier weight. Structural racks are often the preferred pallet storage system choice of warehouse managers for push-back, drive-in and drive-thru racks.
When bigger capacities are needed for heavier loads.
When items need to be washed down. Structural rack is easier to get access to all surface areas.
When storing heavy items like tool & die equipment and steel coils.
Due to its ability to hold heavier weights and its nut and bolt connections, structural racks are the preferred choice for most warehouse managers for pushback racks, drive-thru and drive-in racks. Roll-form racks traditionally install faster due to its bolt-less connection design, however roll-form racks are more susceptible to forklift impact damage.
When selecting a pallet rack storage system, it is best to understand the full range of pallet storage systems available, while paying attention to each of the features and benefits. Call or email one of our solutions specialists for help - they are familiar with all the different solutions available and will be happy to review your project and provide you the most efficient and cost-effective solutions available.
Here is a sampling of different racking brands that SJF carries. If you are in need of a different brand, please call our sales professionals, as we often carry other brands or can find them for you.
