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Across the UK, the number of warehouses has risen significantly in recent years, driven largely by the growth of e-commerce and the increasing demand for distribution centres. However, how goods are stored is a crucial consideration, not only for maximising capacity but also for ensuring that items remain secure, undamaged, and easily accessible.
A key question when selecting warehouse shelving is whether to opt for pallet racking or longspan shelving. The right choice depends on factors such as the size, weight, and nature of the items being stored.
The Benefits of Longspan Shelving
Longspan shelving is ideal for organised, efficient storage. It allows for quick and easy access to items, making it particularly useful for warehouses where swift distribution is essential.
In many ways, longspan shelving functions as a smaller-scale version of pallet racking, often used for storing heavy items while accommodating a variety of goods, including fragile stock. This versatility ensures that different types of inventory can be accessed conveniently without the need for specialist equipment such as forklifts.
When to Use Pallet Racking
While longspan shelving is a great solution for many warehouses, some goods are simply too large, bulky, or heavy to be stored efficiently using this method. In such cases, pallet racking provides a better alternative.
There are different types of pallet racking systems, each with distinct advantages depending on the warehouse’s requirements:
- Selective Pallet Racking – Offers easy access to stored items, but is not the most efficient use of space.
- Double-Deep Pallet Racking – Optimises space usage by storing pallets two-deep, but reduces accessibility.
- Cantilever Racking – Ideal for storing long items such as pipes, timber, and metal sheets, but requires careful weight distribution and is unsuitable for standard pallets.
- Adjustable Pallet Racking – Provides flexibility for varied sizes and weights, but needs regular maintenance and careful organisation to prevent inefficient space usage.
Each of these systems comes with its own pros and cons, with some designed specifically for certain types of inventory.
Comparing Pallet Racking and Longspan Shelving
Both pallet racking and longspan shelving serve the same overarching purpose—maximising warehouse space while keeping stock well-organised and accessible. However, longspan shelving operates on a smaller scale, catering to different warehouse needs and stock types.
Choosing the Right Shelving for Your Warehouse
Deciding between pallet racking and longspan shelving is not always straightforward. In many cases, a combination of both may be the best solution, with different sections of the warehouse benefiting from different storage systems.
By carefully assessing your storage requirements—including the type of inventory, available space, and operational needs—you can determine whether longspan shelving, pallet racking, or a combination of both will provide the most efficient and effective storage solution for your warehouse.
For more information on When Is Longspan Shelving The Best Storage Option? talk to UK Shelving Ltd