subject: Metal Shelving [print this page] Metal Shelving Metal Shelving
There is a wide variety of different types of shelving available. Each one has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Some types are more adaptable than others. Some are more aesthetically pleasing whilst others are meant for function not beauty. Let us discuss one of the more popular types of shelving available on the market today: metal shelving.
It is a common sight nowadays to see metal shelving installed in stores and warehouses. You may have noticed that the shelves are all of different designs and have different ways of staying together. With today's technology it is possible to make metal shelving that suits every purpose, from holding heavy weights to shelving a myriad of smaller components. Metal shelving can be placed on wheels for easy manoeuvring or bolted to the floor for stability. The individual shelves can also be attached to each other in different ways, the pieces can be bolted together or may be interlocking. It all depends on what use you wish to make of the shelves.
When installing your metal shelving, think about what you will be putting on the shelves. This will help you to determine what you need the installation to be like.
If you are intending on putting metal shelving into a warehouse, decide how much shelving you are going to need. Since it is a warehouse, you will likely be storing goods in large quantities and probably in large, heavy boxes. As such it would be advisable to have the shelves bolted to the floor just in case one of your forklift drivers accidentally clips the corner of the shelf hard enough for it to topple. Bolting the actual shelves together is also advisable so that when you are loading stock onto the shelving, a nudge does not dislodge the entire shelf and its contents. You will also need to make your shelving out of a heavy duty metal so that it is able to handle the weight you will be placing on it.
For more stable environments like a grocery store or clothing store, you can consider having the shelving movable. This can be accomplished by putting wheels on the base of each leg or by just not bolting the shelving to the floor. You will not need the shelving to be as robust as in a warehouse. It will not need to handle loads as heavy nor as large as warehouse shelving. For this reason you can get away with a more lightweight, streamlined look. Stock sizes and quantities also tend to change, so it is maybe a good idea to have the shelves adaptable. This is achieved by having the shelves as interlocking rather than bolted together.
Although we have discussed commercial uses for metal shelving, do not feel that this is its only use. Metal shelving has its place in a garage or store room in a residential setting too! Metal shelving need not be unpractical and an eyesore. It is very adaptable and can be made to suit your requirements, whatever they may be. They can handle both heavy and light loads and can be made to adapt to different sized items very easily and quickly.
