Steel Shelving Key Terms

Start organizing your warehouse or storage area by learning steel shelving key terms

If you're looking to set up a warehouse or storage room for your business, you may want to start with steel shelving. Before you begin to shop, it might be wise to gain an understanding of some steel shelving key terms. There are many types of steel shelving such as: open, closed, wire or rivet. There are also related accessories, such as cross braces and angle sway braces. Knowing several steel shelving key terms might help you find exactly what you can use to satisfy your storage needs.

Open and closed shelving

The two basic styles used by most warehouses and storage areas are open and closed steel shelving. Open steel shelving has no backing or side panels, while closed steel shelving does. Strength and stability differ between the types of shelving.

Wire shelving

Stainless wire shelving is another type of steel shelving. Wire steel shelving can be of industrial strength or is available for light duty storage as well. Using a mesh design for improved air flow, wire shelving can store anything from boxes to fixtures and more.

Starter and adder units

Some types of steel shelving units have what is called a starter unit, to which adder units can be attached to. Starter units come complete with all shelving and side panels, and adder units have an open end instead of a side panel for a continuous flow to the shelving.

Cross braces

Cross braces are strips of steel used to add stability to steel shelving. They form an X at the back of the shelving, attached from one upright to another. They can be used on both open and closed steel shelving units.

Rivet shelving

For those on a budget, rivet shelving is the most affordable type of steel shelving. This type of steel shelving snaps together. Rivet shelving is also called boltless shelving.

Modular drawers

For added versatility to steel shelving, modular drawers can be used in both open and closed shelving styles. Modular drawers come in a variety of sizes to store small parts and other accessories.

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