What is shelf racking?
Shelf racking units are modular racking systems with vertical uprights and horizontal shelves. Their strength lies in their flexibility: shelves can be adjusted in height, and the system can be extended at any time.
Applications for shelf racking
Warehouse and logistics
- Small parts storage with containers and bins
- Order picking of individual items
- Spare parts storage with quick access
- Archiving of documents and files
Workshop
- Tool storage with an organisation system
- Spare parts and consumables
- Work equipment within easy reach
- Mobile shelf racking for flexible use
Office and administration
- Filing shelves for folders and documentation
- Archive racking for long-term storage
- Office supplies storage
- Library shelving
Retail
- Sales shelving with product presentation
- Storage rooms in the back office
- Showrooms and exhibitions
Types of shelf racking
Boltless racking
Advantages:
- Tool-free assembly
- Quick to assemble and dismantle
- Flexible to reconfigure
- Ideal for temporary solutions
Shelf load: up to 150 kg
Bolted racking
Advantages:
- Higher stability
- Greater load capacity
- More durable under continuous load
- For demanding applications
Shelf load: up to 250-330 kg
Mobile racking / rolling racking
Advantages:
- Maximum use of floor space
- Only one access aisle required
- Ideal for archives
- Space-saving
Special feature: the racks move on rails
Choosing the right load capacity
Shelf racking is not heavy-duty racking. Load capacities are typically:
| Racking type | Shelf load | Bay load |
|---|---|---|
| Light | 85-100 kg | 600 kg |
| Medium | 150-200 kg | 1.200 kg |
| Heavy | 250-330 kg | 2.000 kg |
Important: The shelf load applies to evenly distributed loads. Point loads reduce the load capacity.
Safety regulations according to DGUV
Anti-tip protection required
If the height-to-depth ratio exceeds 5:1, shelf racking must be secured against tipping (as per DGUV, the German statutory accident insurance).
Example: A rack with a depth of 300 mm and a height of 1.800 mm has a ratio of 6:1 → anti-tip protection is mandatory!
Fixing options
- Wall fixing with brackets
- Floor fixing with anchor bolts
- Connecting several racks into one stable unit
Shelf racking vs. other racking types
| Criterion | Shelf racking | Pallet racking | Cantilever racking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stored goods | Small parts, cartons | Pallets | Long goods |
| Load capacity | up to 330 kg/shelf | up to 3.000 kg/bay | up to 1.500 kg/arm |
| Accessibility | Manual | By forklift truck | By forklift truck |
| Flexibility | Very high | Medium | Low |
| Cost | Low | Medium | High |
Tips for purchasing
1. Carry out a needs analysis
- What will be stored? (size, weight, quantity)
- How often will it be accessed?
- How much floor space is available?
- Should the racking be extendable?
2. Plan load capacity generously
Allow a 20% reserve. Stored goods change, and overloading is dangerous.
3. Use a starter bay plus add-on bays
Shelf racking is modular: a starter bay with two end frames plus add-on bays with one end frame each save money and space.
4. Don't forget accessories
- Shelf labelling for organisation
- Shelves as replacements or extensions
- Dividers for subdividing
- Drawers for small parts
Conclusion
Shelf racking is the first choice for the manual storage of small parts, cartons and tools. Its flexibility, easy assembly and low purchase costs make it the standard in workshops, warehouses and offices.
For heavy loads or pallet storage, we recommend taking a look at heavy-duty racking or pallet racking.