Steel shelves -- stainless steel shelves, in particular -- are the gold standard in commercial shelving and storage. Whether you're organizing an entire warehouse with industrial shelving, or just picking your office supplies up off the floor, steel shelving is a brawny storage solution that's as versatile as it is durable.
While industrial shelving comes in many shapes, sizes and styles, it's the material of which it's made that truly separates strong commercial shelving from weak. Consider some of the benefits of steel storage, in particular, which can easily outperform plastic, wood or aluminum alternatives:
1. Because steel is such a rigid compound, steel shelves tend to be stronger and more durable than other shelves.
2. Its durability makes steel shelving ideal for storing especially large or heavy items.
3. Stainless steel shelves, in particular, are immune to corrosion.
4. Steel shelving units can be assembled on site in a variety of settings, and are therefore more flexible than many other options.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Measure in order to accommodate your steel shelves
Before you populate your space with steel shelving, consider its layout. Measure for width, depth and height, as well as aisle space in between steel storage units.
I recommend: If your space is especially large or small, you may need to consider custom steel shelving systems; approach steel shelving vendors such as
Easy Rack or steel storage manufacturers such as
Tennsco to discuss customizing their products for your needs.
Choose between closed steel shelving and open steel shelving
Closed steel shelving, which includes panels on the back and sides of the steel shelves, and sometimes doors on the front, is discreet, private, secure and stable. Open steel shelving, meanwhile, is more affordable and more accessible.
I recommend: You can find both open and closed steel shelving systems online courtesy of companies such as
Industrial Shelving Systems,
Nationwide Industrial Supply and
C&H Distributors.
Pay attention to steel shelves' construction
Light-duty steel shelving, including wire steel shelving, can be easily cleaned, assembled, installed and transported. Heavy-duty steel shelving, on the other hand, is a more permanent industrial shelving solution; heavy-duty stainless steel shelving can hold up to 1,000 pounds in your stockroom, warehouse or office.
I recommend: Download the Shelving Manufacturers Association's
"Shelving Users Guide" in order to better understand steel shelving specifications, then browse the selection of steel shelves and steel storage at
Global Industrial.
Consider purpose-built steel shelving
If you have unique requirements--for instance, if you work in an industry such as foodservice or health care that requires clean, sterile surfaces, like those offered by stainless steel shelving--there is steel shelving that's ideally suited to your needs.
I recommend: Search for steel shelving and stainless steel shelving vendors online at
GlobalSpec, where you can filter your search according to size and special features.
Select a commercial shelving installer
Consider hiring a professional to install your steel shelving; professional installation will ensure maximum efficiency and safety alike.
I recommend: Purchase your commercial shelving from a company that will also install it, such as
SteelShelving-USA,
Yankee Supply or
Storage Services,Inc.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- All industrial shelving, including stainless steel shelving, is subject to local, state and federal building codes. Therefore, make sure your steel shelves are compliant with all standards before you buy or install them.
- If your storage needs are growing, consider starter steel shelving; a starter is intended to be extended and expanded with additional steel shelves, called "add-ons," that are designed specifically to attach onto starter steel shelving.
- In selecting stainless steel shelves, consider not only the weight of the items you're storing, but also their size; especially tall items might reduce the vertical capacity of your steel shelving units and therefore require you to purchase additional steel storage.
- Steel shelving is more than stainless steel shelves; buyers should also pay attention to the posts, connections and bracing in a particular steel-shelving unit before making a selection.
- For added stability and safety, consider anchoring your steel shelves to either the floor or the wall, or both.
- If your stainless steel shelving is being installed in a warehouse setting, protect it by installing guardrails and corner protectors in order to prevent damage from potential collisions with pallet jacks, material handling vehicles and other heavy-duty equipment.
- Post-installation, regularly check your steel shelves for loose hardware and damage in order to keep them safe and effective.
The official source of Steel Shelving is the Steel Shelving page at Business.com
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