Our Helpful Buying Guide: Shelving

2025/08/17

Whether you’re looking to organise your warehouse, stockroom, garage, home, office, or commercial space, shelving is the perfect solution for your storage. In this Helpful Guide to Shelving from the experts at BiGDUG, we’ll explore the different types of shelving available, the various kinds of shelving materials, measuring and assembling, as well as accessories you can add to maximise your workplace efficiency. This buying guide shelving resource will ensure you choose the right options for your needs.

Types of Shelving

Different shelving is available for different purposes and comes in all shapes and sizes. If you’re looking to update your warehouse, factory, garage, or something around your home, shelving can be the ideal storage solution.

What is Industrial Shelving?

Industrial shelving is designed to withstand the heaviest loads and is suitable for the toughest environments. This type of shelving solution is great for warehouses and factories and is made from robust materials to ensure that it is long-lasting. You can store large, heavy items and be sure that they will withstand the weight. With options including features like adjustable shelves and modular configurations, you can customise storage to fit your space and needs.

What is Garage Shelving?

Garage shelving is perfect for maintaining a clutter-free and organised space. This solution is ideal for storing all your boxes of toys, tools, decorations, camping equipment, and gardening supplies, in a managed format, so you have quick and easy access. With various sizes and configurations, you can maximise your garage’s vertical space and create a functional environment for all of your gear.

What is Longspan Shelving?

Great for storing bulky or oversized items, longspan shelving is perfect for use in warehouses, storerooms, and retail spaces. The modular design of longspan shelving, means that you can accommodate a wide range of goods and extend as you require. With great weight capacities, you can store heavy and large objects with ease and efficiency.

What is Wall Shelving?

Wall shelving is an excellent solution to save space in your home, office or retail space. By mounting directly to the wall, you can maximise your floor space while still providing a place to store books, décor or products. With various options of materials and finishes, you can choose wall shelving that suits your furnishings and at the same time, make the most of your vertical space.

What is Office Shelving?

If you need to keep documents, equipment and supplies accessible in your office, then choose office shelving. You can choose from a selection of file systems, compartment shelving, and modular solutions that will help maximise your space while promoting productivity. Eliminate desk clutter and streamline your workspace with office shelving.

What is Retail Shelving?

Transform your shop space with retail shelving, helping to create successful merchandising that entices customers to browse and buy. Available in a selection of materials including wire mesh and stainless steel, you can choose the solution that best suits your retail area. From wall-mounted clothes storage shelving to table and island units, retail shelving can help you create eye-catching displays that will help to drive foot traffic and sales.

What is Archive Shelving?

If you have records and files that you need to keep safe, then archive shelving is a great, accessible option for you. With durable and lightweight solutions available, you can find something to suit every budget. Eliminate clutter from your filing with a versatile and efficient archive shelving solution that fits your needs.

What Shelving Can I Use for Food and Catering Products?

When it comes to storing food and catering products, safety and hygiene are top priorities. Look for shelving that is corrosion and moisture-resistant, offers durability, and is suitable for use in refrigerated environments and dry store rooms. If you need shelving for heavier items like tins or ingredients, choose a heavy-duty option that will provide stability. Always look for shelving that meets food safety regulations and is easy to clean and maintain to keep your products fresh.

What is the Best Material for Shelving?

When it comes to choosing shelving, the type of environment you need it in is a key consideration. Metal shelving, including steel shelving solutions, will provide durability and robustness in industrial settings; melamine shelves can help combine functionality with style at home or in an office; and wire mesh encourages free airflow and prevents the accumulation of dust.

How to Measure for Shelves

To measure your space and find the shelving that’s right for you, you will need to determine the width, depth, and height available. For the width, measure the space between where the shelf supports will be positioned. Measure from the front to the back of the space to establish the depth, and measure upwards from the floor to find your desired height. Make sure that you take into account any obstructions (like skirting boards or light fixtures).

How to Assemble Industrial Shelving

To assemble industrial shelving, begin by laying out all of the parts and reading the instruction manual carefully. Follow the instructions step-by-step, ensuring that at every stage your shelving is level and secure. Use a rubber mallet to tap everything into place so as not to cause damage to your storage solution but to be certain that your industrial shelving is sturdy and ready to handle your heavy objects.

What Shelving Accessories Are Available?

To customise your storage solution to fit your requirements, accessories can be the perfect addition. Label holders will help you to organise your shelving so that you can easily locate your items, while display frames are great for highlighting important safety signage.

From industrial warehouses to homes, offices, and garages, shelving plays a key role in maintaining an organised, efficient, and clutter-free space. By selecting the right shelving solution, you can enhance your workspace to tackle any storage challenge that comes your way.

We at BiGDUG are specialists in all things Shelving, so when you need reliable and affordable shelving solutions to improve productivity within your garage and commercial workspaces, 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.

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