One of the main types of shelving warehouses use in their pallet racks is wire decking. This type of decking has a number of benefits, and many people choose to use it in their warehouses.
However, it’s important to consider a number of different factors before you purchase your wire decking.
Why Use Wire Decking at all?
As the experts at Murray Material Handling can tell you, there are a few reasons people select wire decking over plywood or particle board for their pallet racks. The first, and perhaps the biggest, reason is safety. A number of local or state fire codes require that wire decking be used instead of wooden decking because it’s not flammable. It also helps make overhead sprinklers more effective because the water can quickly work its way to the bottom level of the pallet rack.
In addition to safety, wire decking is very easy and quick to install: it just drops down into place. There’s nothing to fasten down. It also allows for visibility between levels since there’s a good amount of space between the wires. This also helps air circulate better and prevents some build-up of dust.
What is the Maximum Load Capacity?
Not all wire decking is created the same. If you look on the bottom, you’ll see larger pieces of metal that run from side to side. These are called support channels, and they provide the load capacity and rigidity the wire decks need in order to support heavy loads.
A standard piece of wire decking might have three or four of these supports and can typically hold 2,000 to 2,500 pounds. However, there is some wire decking that has only two or three supports, while some may have more. If you’re going to routinely be stacking heavy pallets on the decking, make sure what you purchase will withstand the weight.
What is the Mesh Pattern Density?
The mesh pattern is the amount of space between the horizontal and vertical wires in the wire decking. Larger patterns will allow for more visibility, but smaller items will fall right through. On the other hand, grids that are denser will be harder to see through, but they will hold much smaller objects. If you’re going to be mainly stacking pallets of materials on your wire decking, you can go with some of the less dense grids. But if you’ll be storing smaller items or hand-stacking items, you may need wire decking with smaller spaces.
What Style do You Need?
Wire decking pieces have what is called a waterfall—a part of the decking on either side that turns at 90 degrees. This helps it lock into place so that the decking doesn’t come loose with the pallets when they’re removed. However, there are a few different ways this waterfall works.
A standard type sits down on the pallet—the support channels don’t actually go all the way to the end. Then there’s the inverted flange style. Here, the support channel actually flattens out at the end. Flush decks, on the other hand, have no waterfalls—instead, the decking sits directly on the inside lips of the pallet rack. You’ll need to know what type of style you want (or that fits your pallet racks) before you buy.
What other questions do you have about wire decking? Comment below to join the conversation!
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