Storage shelving helps companies consolidated unused space into valuable storage and organization space.  Simply by making it easier to retrieve materials, process flow often speeds up and companies find themselves able to complete projects during business hours without having to extend the work day into overtime or double time on the weekends.  Storage shelves have also been known to successfully convert vertical cube space into organized space that companies planning to move found they had adequate space after all and did not need to spend money on relocation.  Keeping overhead down and helping companies avoid the expenses of moving are just two examples of how storage shelving can generate a tangible return on investment for organizations that invest in them.

Easy Rack storage shelves can be used to store almost any item or container that has a flat bottom surface.  Most of our 18 gauge and 20 gauge steel wire shelves will easily support 400-450 lbs in weight.  Weight capacity is not the only determinant in making a purchase, however.  It is just as important to balance the load you are storing as it is to support the load.  Otherwise, the storage shelving system could potentially become imbalanced toward the front and tip over during use.  To avoid this hazard, calculate the total length, width, and height of the total items you plan to store.  The wider the crate or box, the more physical shelf area you will need to evenly distribute the load.   

Easy Rack storage shelves are available in open backed models and closed back models.  Both offer specific environments based on usage and location.  For smaller items that do not weigh very much, open backed systems offer plenty of support and allow workers to retrieve materials from the front, back, or even the sides of the shelves.  Open back storage shelves are often used inside offices to store file boxes containing invoices, tax documents, and employee records.  They also are also good for storing office supplies when you run out of closet space, or for storage in portable buildings that have no closets.  Closed back shelving is sturdier and offers the added stability of resting the back plane against a warehouse or factory wall.  This minimizes the risk of tipping and also helps conserve floor space.

If you plan to store very heavy crates, machine parts, or heavy containers, it is vest to overestimate the amount of weight capacity you will need and invest in an industrial strength storage shelf or a wide span system.  Employees may not know how much weight has already been placed on the shelf and inadvertently add more materials than the unit can handle.  This often happens when people are in a hurry.  Industrial shelves are designed to minimize the risk of tipping, but overloading them will cause them to bow in the middle and reduce unit lifespan.  Planning ahead will prevent this from occurring.  When estimating capacity, always purchase storage shelving that allows room for growth and allows for contingencies and human error as well.

Also, please keep in mind that shelving dimensions refer to the total L x W x H measurements of the steel components, not the actual cubic storage space.  As in the case of weight capacity, it might be necessary to purchase the next size up to give your facility the cubic storage you need for all of your materials.  You can also call an Easy Rack material handling specialist and look into having a custom unit built along to special dimensions.

Easy Rack carries a wide variety of commercial shelving, material handling equipment, commercial lighting, used pallet racks, netting and modular prefab buildings installed nationwide. If you can not find what you are looking for call us toll free at 1-888-776-3720 and we will find it for you. Our home office is located in Houston, Texas with warehouses located throughout the United States that enable us to service all 50 states including New Orleans, La., Cleveland, Ohio, Kansas City, Mo., Mesa, Arizona, Virginia Beach, Va., Omaha, Nebraska, Oakland, California, Miami, Florida, Tulsa, Oklahoma, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Colorado Springs, Colorado, Arlington, Texas, Beaumont, Texas, Denton, TX, McKinney, Texas, Midland, TX, Killeen, Texas, ALBQ, NYC, LA, MPLS.