Guide to the Most Common Shelving Solutions

Whether you manage a school or an industrial warehouse, storage is likely to be a significant concern for you. How we organise and manage resources and assets can have a significant impact on productivity and safety.

There are many different types of shelving solutions out there, each designed to be used for a different purpose. It’s important that you pick the right solution for your needs, particularly if you are storing heavy or valuable goods.

With that in mind, continue reading to discover a little more about the most common shelving solutions.

Modular shelving
Modular shelving is a highly flexible type of storage that can be customised to meet your specific needs.

This storage solution can commonly be found in many different environments, from museums to offices. High quality modular shelving is made from steel and a good supplier will offer you a variety of different shapes and sizes.

Modular shelving is an excellent option if you are constantly reorganising your space or are likely to need additional storage room in the near future.

Longspan shelving
As the name suggests, longspan shelving tends to be quite large in size and is suitable for medium to heavy storage loads. It is a particularly popular option for museums and galleries, as well as warehouses.

As is the case with modular shelving, longspan shelving can be reconfigured as required.

The shelf itself tends to come in three different options — steel, wire mesh, or particle board. Steel is the strongest and a good option if you’re concerned about the stability of your shelf. Particle board is another sturdy choice and is usually a little cheaper than steel. Finally, wire mesh is often used in situations where air-flow is important — if, for example, you are storing important documents.

Library shelving
You can’t have a library without books and you can’t have books without shelves. If you manage a library, shelving solutions are probably one of your most important considerations.

It’s important for library shelving to be strong, durable, and easy to clean. Ensure that you opt for a flexible layout that will allow you to reconfigure as your space and needs change.

When it comes to materials, it’s best to go with a high-quality steel that won’t attract too much dust and is easy to clean.

Cool room shelving
Restaurants, cafes, bottle shops, and grocery stores all require cool room shelving. The quality of your food and drink often comes down to the environment it is kept in, which is why investing in quality storage solutions is so important.

With that in mind, it’s a good idea to purchase shelving that is specifically designed to be used in a cool room. Such a product is likely to be easy to assemble, maximise storage capacity, and be constructed from appropriate materials.

Wire shelving
If air-flow is a concern, wire shelving is the storage solution for you. Whether you are storing food products, medication, or important documents, wire shelving is a hygienic and durable option.

One of the main benefits of wire shelving is the fact that it is very easy to clean. It is also customisable, adjustable and can be used in a wide range of environments.

What to consider when deciding on a shelving solution
If you’re setting up a new space or upgrading your existing storage area, there are many things to consider. Shelving can be a significant purchase, so you want to be sure that you’ve made the right decision the first time. By investing in the right shelving solution, you will find yourself with a product that should last for many years to come.

With that in mind, questions to consider when deciding on storage include:

How can I make the most of my floor area layout?
Start by assessing the shape of your space. How much room do you have? Will you be able to use longspan shelving, or will you need an option that can be customised to fit around corners?

Think vertically as well as horizontally. How high can my shelving go? Do I have the tools and equipment to safely store and retrieve items from top shelves?

What is the weight of my items to be stored?
This question is fairly self explanatory. If you are storing heavy, bulky objects, you will need to invest in a sturdy shelving solution. Safety is an important consideration when setting up shelving solutions.

If, on the other hand, you’re storing files or light food goods, wire shelving will probably suffice. Weight needs to be calculated, not simply estimated.

What conditions will the shelving be exposed to?
If you manage a library, museum, or gallery, your shelving will not be put under any undue stress due to external conditions. However, warehouse shelving is a different story.

If you believe that your shelving may be exposed to harsh conditions, it’s worth investing in a quality product made from strong material.

Are my storage needs likely to change?
Finally, consider whether your storage needs are likely to change. If you are in charge of a growing business and can see your stock levels doubling in the next year, you need to make room for this in your warehouse.

Many suppliers offer shelving solutions that can be adjusted and customised depending on your changing needs.