There are many different types of storage racks available for storing pallets. Two of the most popular options are standard selective racking and double deep pallet racking.
Selective racking offers a high degree of flexibility, allowing you to store a wide variety of products in different sizes. This system adapts to any type of product, both by weight and by volume. Selective racking provides direct access to all pallets with a standard forklift so that each pallet can be located and retrieved without moving any other pallet.
Double deep racking increases storage space by cutting down the number of aisles and is best suited for storing large quantities of similar products. It enables large orders of a product to get dispatched fast. Offers high density storage utilising storage space efficiently and gives you the ability to maximise vertical space by providing safe high-rise pallet racking storage.
So, which one is right for your warehouse or distribution centre? Here is a quick overview of each type of storage rack to help you make the best decision for your business:
Standard Selective Racking: the basics
What is standard selective racking?
For good reason, standard selective racking is the most popular warehouse storage solution. It has the lowest cost and highest flexibility of all the racking solutions. This shelving allows for the best view and accessibility to all your stock. All pallets are aisle-facing, allowing 100% accessibility to your goods at all times.
How does it work?
Selective racking comprises a series of uprights (the vertical frame) and beams (the horizontal supports). The beam levels are adjustable, which means they can accommodate different weights and sizes of products. Products are stored on pallets on the shelves in an organised manner so that they can be easily retrieved with any type of forklift when needed. Racking can be positioned up to 15 metres high, allowing for greater use of the height of your warehouse.
What are the benefits?
- Total Stock Control – 100% unrestricted access to stock at all times. A single pallet takes up each storage space.
- High Compatibility – Maximum adaptability to any load type, material handling equipment and floor surface. Works well with counter balance, reach, articulated, stock pickers & turret trucks.
- Flexible Application – Easily extended and modified as your business grows or changes. It can be combined with long-span shelving to allow for manual hand-picking of goods.
- Low Investment – Basic investment for Selective pallet racking is relatively low.
When to use Single Deep Selective Racking
- You have a lot of different products that go to a lot of different places.
- You need immediate and direct access to all pallets.
- You want the option to adjust and expand your racking system.
- Low turnover volume and high differentiation of product lines
- If have stock that is perishable or has a short shelf life, FIFO allows these products to be turned over efficiently
Why is it a good choice for some businesses?
Standard selective racks are a good choice for businesses that need to store various products. They are also a good choice if you need to frequently access the stored products, as they offer easy pick and shelf locations. It is ideal when full selectivity and speed of operation are the main objectives. If your business grows or changes, selective pallet racking is easily adjusted, expanded or it can be easily relocated. Selective racking comes in various beam and uprights dimensions to suit your storage requirements.
Double Deep Pallet Racking: the ins and outs
What is double deep racking?
Double Deep Pallet Rack system is a variation of selective racking and offers many of the same benefits but with one main difference, pallets are now stored two rows deep instead of one.
This racking system increases storage capacity by up to 30% and maintains a lower cost. It is an excellent method of increasing storage capacity when alternative storage rack systems, such as the Drive-in Rack, are impossible.
This storage system limits immediate accessibility to the two aisle-facing pallet rows only and requires specialised pallet handling equipment to reach deep pallets.
How does it work?
Double-deep racking allows you to use your space better since you can store products two-deep instead of just one. This makes double-deep pallet racks ideal for warehouses with limited space. To use double-deep racking, one must anticipate the number of pallets for each item. This method of racking is appropriate if the pallet that will be at the back contains the same item as the one in front of it, and perfect rotation is not required.
To access the second pallet, a double-deep forklift or special forklift attachment is needed. However once set up with this equipment, the benefits of this storage configuration can outweigh this initial investment. These forks can also be used to access pallets in other racking systems.
Optional Pallet Guide Rails
Pallet guides are lengths of angle steel that help the pallets to be pushed into the correct position and placed square on the rack. Pallet guides enable forklift drivers to load all top pallet racking positions safely without having to see the rear pallets.
Pallet guides are optional, increasing safety and speed when placing and retrieving pallets, especially on upper storage levels.
What are the benefits?
- Cost-saving alternative – Reduces the number of aisles and releases storage space, increasing floor space utilisation by 55%. Thus, saving the cost to rent or buy a new warehouse..
- Higher storage density – Increases storage capacity up to 30-40% compared to selective pallet racking.
- Easily Reconfigured – Shelf levels can be easily reconfigured or adjusted to future needs.
- Simplify your pallet loading and picking process – Store single product lines within the same location.
- Suitable for High-rise pallet racking construction – The two rows of pallet racks tend to support each other, and it has twice as many footings as a standard selective pallet racking so it won’t collapse easily.
When to use Double Deep Racking
- Use when both storage volume and selectivity is important
- You have multiple pallets quantity of the same product
- Your product has a medium to long shelf-life due to LIFO (Last In First Out) loading requirements
- Cold storage where the double-deep option maximises storage while minimizing utility costs
- Dry storage where durable goods don’t have expiry concerns
- Bulk storage – Ideal for storage facilities with a minimal range of products, delivering in high volumes
- Warehouses and other storage facilities with restrictive space
Why is it a good choice for some businesses?
Double deep pallet racks are a good choice for businesses that need to store large quantities of product in a small amount of space. They are ideal for optimal space utilisation at warehouses with high storage density requirements. Good choice for companies with a limited range of products in large or very large numbers, i.e., a medium number of SKUs distributed in medium or high volumes. Extensively Used In: Cold storage, Paper, F&B, Manufacturing, Distribution centres and dry store industries.
Which storage racking is right for you?
So, which type of rack is right for you? The answer depends on a number of factors, including the nature of your business, the products you sell, the space available in your storage facility and your budget.
Consider your storage options
Consider the nature of your business: The first step is to consider your business model and how your business operates. Is the inventory first in first out or first in last out as this affects the best racking for you. What type of material handling equipment do you have? And consider how your warehouse operates, do you stock a few items or a wide range of items, do you have any wasted man hours or space, what is the flow of your operation.
Consider the products you sell, including the types or products you sell, their weight and size. Do you need to store them in a specific temperature or humidity range? Do your products have a limited shelf life? These are all things to consider when choosing a racking system.
Consider the amount of space you have available, both floor and vertical.
Consider your budget. The biggest cost of using a double deep racking system is purchasing new forklifts, specifically double deep reach trucks. If you are not ready to invest, consider installing an extension or counterbalance feature on your existing forklifts. However, double deep racking is the storage racking system’s lowest cost per square metre.
Make a decision
If you’re still not sure which system is right for you, our team of experts can help. We’ll work with you to understand your needs and recommend the best solution for your operation. Contact us today to get started!
