Steel Shelving

Add strength and stamina to your storage system with stainless steel shelves

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Select a commercial shelving installer

Consider hiring a professional to install your steel shelving; professional installation will ensure maximum efficiency and safety alike.

• 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.

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