Heavy-Duty Steel Shelving
Steel shelving is a sturdy storage system for hand-stacked products in warehouses, garages, and other commercial and personal applications. This versatile storage solution comes in many shapes and sizes and is highly customizable for unique needs and environments.
Steel shelving has a lower capacity than most standard pallet racking. Typical shelving capacities range from 200 to 1000 pounds per level, making this storage type better suited for hand-stacked boxes, cartons, or loose products like tools and garage storage. However, bulk storage shelving offers higher capacity limits and may even facilitate pallet storage.
AK Material Handling Systems is a stocking distributor of industrial steel shelving. AK can deliver whether you need a single shelving unit for miscellaneous storage or a 100-foot run of heavy-duty steel shelving for commercial use in a warehouse facility.
We offer heavy-duty shelving units and individual components, meaning you can custom-tailor your order and only buy what you need. We also provide used steel shelving in various sizes, colors, and capacities.
Our experienced design group can help with your warehouse layout and design if necessary. Call 800-722-5908 or fill out an online quote form today to get started with industrial shelves for your storage needs!
Advantages of Steel Shelving
Adjustable: Most shelves are adjustable in 1 1/2″ increments, so you can configure the shelving unit you need.
Ease of Assembly: Steel shelving is quick and easy to assemble. Most brands do not require hardware or additional tools for assembly. Rivet shelving, for example, is a fully snap-together design.
Strength and Durability: Industrial steel shelving units come in a range of capacities up to 1000 pounds per shelf. Sturdy 14-gauge steel upright posts create a robust and stable shelving unit meant to last a lifetime.
Customizable: Shelf spacing, bracing, open or closed units, integrated work benches, cubbies, locking doors, and dividers are just some of the customizations for steel shelving.
Cost-effective: Shelving costs much less than traditional pallet racking. It is affordable and perfect for lower-capacity applications that may otherwise require more expensive and time-consuming pallet racking.
Versatile: Shelving integrates seamlessly with various multi-level mezzanine systems, such as a shelf-supported or catwalk system. High-rise shelving systems and stand-alone units are other standard configurations.
Types of Steel Shelving
- Open Shelving: An open shelving design is open on all sides for high visibility, accessibility, and airflow.
- Closed Shelving: A closed shelving design is enclosed by metal panels on the sides, back, and top, often for safety or sanitary purposes. Customers may add optional doors to the front of the shelving for a fully enclosed and lockable cabinet system.
- Boltless/Rivet Shelving: Boltless shelving, also known as rivet shelving or rivet rack shelving, is manufactured with welded rivets that lock into pre-punched holes on the vertical posts. They are easy to assemble and do not require tools or hardware.
- Clip Shelving: Most styles of steel shelving require shelf clips to support adjustable storage levels. Clip-type shelving comes in open and closed designs for a multitude of uses.
- Wire Shelving: Wire shelving is a versatile, open, and lightweight storage design that is easy to clean and allows ample airflow and sprinkler access. These units are great for cold storage, food, and retail.
- Bulk Storage Shelving: Bulk shelving stores bulky, high-capacity loads. This storage system resembles pallet racking; some designs may even accommodate pallet storage.
- Low-Profile Shelving: Low-profile shelving units are compact and characterized by their low height and shallow depth, saving valuable space.
- Mobile Shelving: Mobile aisle shelving is often found in libraries and museums. Traditional mobile shelving units or carts (on wheels or casters) are used in many applications, like offices, schools, law firms, government facilities, and more.
- Heavy-Duty Shelving: Heavy-duty shelving systems can store up to 1000 pounds per level. Industrial metal shelving is typically designed with a heavier steel gauge, welded or bolted connections, and additional bracing for stability.
- Light-Duty Shelving: Light shelving may store loads of 500 pounds or less. These shelving units typically have lighter steel gauges, particle board shelving, and other cost-effective components.
- New Shelving: Multiple brands manufacture new shelving, such as Tennsco Metal Shelving, Tri-Boro, Borroughs Corporation, and more. Shop a custom-designed new shelving system with AK today!
- Used Shelving: We also offer used shelves for sale from various manufacturers. We can connect you with quality used warehouse shelving depending on our stock. Call now for price and availability!
Steel Shelving Applications
Libraries
Museums
Garages & Workshops
Home Storage
Retail Spaces
Warehouses
Grow Rooms
Industrial Facilities
Food Storage & Distribution
Pharmaceutical & Laboratory Settings
Archives & Record Storage
Educational Institutions
Healthcare Facilities
Offices
E-Commerce
Automotive
Government
Manufacturing
Distribution Centers
Steel Shelving Manufacturers
Heavy-duty steel shelving is one of the most common storage solutions in warehouses today. With many industrial shelving manufacturers across the United States, such as Lyon, Edsal, and Tennsco, things get complicated, and knowing which metal shelving is best for you can take time and effort. At AK Material Handling Systems, we analyze every application and find the best fit for the client by taking full advantage of our network of steel shelving manufacturers:
- Tennsco
- Borroughs Corporation
- Edsal
- Equipto
- Hallowell
- Lyon
- Penco
- Quantum Storage Systems
- Republic Storage Solutions
- Tri-Boro
- Western Pacific Storage Solutions
- Frick Gallagher
Steel Shelving Customization Options
- System Dimensions: Custom dimensions allow your system to conform to unique space requirements.
- Reinforcement: Support beams, cross bracing, and additional welding help to secure and strengthen your shelving for higher load capacities.
- Decking: Various shelf options include wire decking, particleboard, steel shelves, perforated metal decking, plastic decking, and fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) decking.
- Security Features: Lockable doors, drawers, or panels are ideal for applications requiring secure storage.
- Label Holders: Tag slots and label holders are great for identifying and organizing items on shelves.
- Integrated Work Surfaces: Work surfaces like countertops and workbenches can integrate seamlessly with steel shelving systems.
- Shelf Spacing: Most shelves are adjustable in 1 ½ inch increments, making them a perfect customizable storage solution for various product heights.
- Color: Some manufacturers offer custom colors so you can match your shelving to your brand colors or aesthetic.
- System Support: Depending on your application, casters, footplates, or leveling feet are available.
- Accessories: Accessories like standing dividers, hanging dividers, drawers, cubbies, column protectors, and more give customers flexibility and versatility for their storage system.
Steel Shelving Cost
On average, a standard five-shelf unit will cost around $200-$300. The type of shelving and customizations will influence the overall price of your shelving system.
Contact a warehouse design expert to learn more about our new or used industrial shelving and the right system for your needs. Call 800-722-5908 or fill out an online quote form to get started!
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