Our Helpful Buying Guide: Racking

If you are looking for racking solutions for a busy warehouse, retail store, or even to fit in a van and don’t know where to start, this Helpful Buying Guide to Racking from the experts at BiGDUG can assist you in finding the most suitable one for you. Racking has an important role in keeping your space organised and efficient. Here, we will explore the various types available, safety around securing your racking systems, and accessories that will help streamline your operations.

Racking needs differ depending on the environments available sapce and the items that need to be stored on them. By choosing the right solution for you, you can maximise your storage space and the functionality of your workspace.

Industrial racking is perfect for warehouses, factories, and distribution centres where you need to store heavy loads. Made from robust materials like steel, industrial racking can store merchandise and large, heavy goods in rigorous environments. You can easily expand your storage solutions with this form of racking to keep your stock safe and secure.

Warehouse racking offers a structured and efficient way to store your inventory. The design of the system is to make the most of your vertical space while still keeping items within easy reach. Whether you’re storing palletised goods, oversized or long items, or small parts, warehouse racking provides the flexibility you need to keep your workspace running smoothly.

Pallet racking helps you store your palletised goods in a structured and efficient way. Ideal for warehouses and distribution centres, it typically features adjustable shelves and a high-weight capacity to store various inventory types. The durable design ensures that they are long-lasting, keeping your operations streamlined.

If you need to store long, bulky, or irregularly shaped items, cantilever racking is the perfect solution. With arms that extend outward, it provides a clear and accessible space for easy loading and unloading of items with forklifts. This variety of racking is great for pipes and furniture.

If your items don’t require palletisation but are oversized, choosing wide-span racking might be the solution. These storage options provide ample space for large and bulky items, like tools and equipment. They have adjustable shelves and a modular design, so you can expand them to accommodate your ever-changing storage needs.

How much warehouse racking costs heavily depends on the type, size, and weight capacity that you choose. You can expect the number of solutions to range from an affordable few hundred pounds to the thousands for heavy-duty alternatives. These systems tend to be more specialised and offer further accessories for customisation. Consider your budget and storage needs before you start shopping to be certain you get the best value for your investment.

Racking accessories can help you add organisation, functionality, and safety to your workplace. Racking labels and hanging markers help you to easily identify your stock, whereas racking protectors will help prevent accidents in your work environment. Floor markers will also help add safety to your space, making a clear sign of direction throughout.

Bolting racking to the floor is highly recommended for increased safety and stability of your units. Always check the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the best way of doing this, or consult with a professional for your specific racking system. For tall or heavy-duty racking units or those in high-traffic areas, bolting will prevent tipping or shifting where racks may be more prone to movement.

You should regularly inspect your racking to ensure safety in your workplace. It is recommended that you do so at least twice a year. Check for signs of wear and tear and the structural integrity and overall stability of your system. Make sure that you never overload your system and make any necessary repairs or replacements promptly to prevent accidents. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends that British warehouses receive an annual rack inspection from a SEMA (Storage & Equipment Manufacturers’ Association) approved Rack Inspector.

If you need to refit your warehouse and are looking to store heavy objects or those of awkward sizes, racking is the solution that will suit your needs. Carefully consider your storage requirements, budget, and space to increase your efficiency and keep your space organised.

We at BiGDUG are specialists in all things Racking, so when you need reliable and affordable racking solutions to improve productivity within your warehouse and industrial projects, we are here to help! To find more useful tips and warehouse efficiency ideas from BiGDUG, visit our BiG Blogs where we share advice on how to save time, space, and money! If you need help, you can contact us by calling, emailing, or using our popular live chat facility.

If you’re planning a large project and need some personal assistance, we can call to your site for a visit to assess your requirements. For anything else, please contact us on 0333 200 5299.