Wire Decking – Can Something So Effective Be So Simple?

Wire Decking – Plugging the Holes in Pallet Rack Protection

Standard pallet racking is durable and efficient with as few bells and whistles as possible –i.e., uprights, beams, pallet supports, and done. The paired-down approach keeps costs down while still providing a practical storage solution. However, one simple addition can provide significant benefit and is often worth considering, and that is wire decking. 

Wire decking essentially creates a shelf between the rack beams. It is a safer surface for the pallet to sit vs. straddling the beams, and it opens up system use for non-palletized inventory and pallet size and shape variations. More than system use applications, there are many warehouse safety benefits to including wire deck in your rack design.

By Comparison… What About Pallet Supports?

Before we get too far down the road on wire decking, pallet supports also provide a measure of warehouse safety. Supports are typically mounted perpendicular to each bay’s pallet rack beams in pairs. They are not meant to hold the pallet but act as a fail-safe measure to allow the forklift operator time to reposition misaligned pallets. A pallet may fall through without the supports if not correctly positioned between the beams. Pallet supports also help stabilize pallets with a point load weight distribution.

Evaluating Your Choices

In general, it depends on your application needs as to which product would be the most effective. Both pallet supports and wire decking offer warehouse safety and inventory protection. Still, wire deck opens up the possibilities of use for your rack system to non-palletized items and pallets of varying sizes. If that is a possibility for your operation, wire deck is likely a more cost-effective choice.

Additionally, wire decking drops into place quickly, whereas supports must be strategically positioned and secured by the installer. In the end, the cost difference may be nominal.

Wire Decking Options

If you are shopping for wire decking, you have options in channel supports and flare or “fit” of the deck.

Wire Deck Channel Supports

The channel supports help brace the wire deck between the pallet rack beams and provide stability. 

• U-Channel – (pictured above) fit most standard step beams.
• Flare channel – fits structural and box beams and is secured with tek screws.
• Inverted U-Channel – prevents dust and debris from collecting in the channel to comply with food and regulatory safety requirements.
• Inverted Flare – used with structural and box beams in food handling applications to prevent dust and debris from collecting in the channel.

Flare

Inverted U-Channel – Waterfall

Inverted Flare

Wire Deck Designs

The wire deck can flow over the front beam, or both the front or rear beams, or the deck can tuck inside the beams. The style choices often depend on the application needs and the style of rack beams.

• Waterfall – the wire deck flows over the front and rear beams.
• Flat Flush – sit on the inside step of the beam for a flush fit between the beams. This deck style is for lighter-duty, hand-stacking applications.
• Inside Waterfall – tucks into the step beam leaving the beam face exposed.
• Upturned Waterfall – the rear of the deck protrudes above the shelf surface to serve as an inventory stop.

You can also customize your wire deck size, capacity, and fit to meet your application needs.

Flat Flush

Inside Waterfall

Upturned Waterfall

Simplify the Process with a Team Focused on Your Needs

Wire decking is a simple, effective solution for a number of warehousing challenges, but you want to ensure you get the exact right product for your needs. As we’ve laid out in this product review, there are several key characteristics that your wire deck can feature that make it the right, or wrong, product for your application.

Working with the WOI team takes the guesswork out of your purchase. The Warehouse Optimizers, Inc. (WOI) team is customer-centric; we help you find solutions to meet your needs from all the options, not favored products. We meet with you to understand the complexities of your application and then develop a plan to address them cost-effectively. The center of our focus is customer satisfaction; we even guarantee it.

WOI 5-Step Total Satisfaction Experience™

1. We will listen to your needs
2. Execute your project with particular attention to your unique application
3. Stick to project timelines
4. Ensure a safe environment
5. Pay close attention to the detail of the finished product

From warehouse design through professional installation; the WOI team ensures Total Satisfaction. 

Install with the Best

• Industry Experienced Installation Teams
• OSHA Trained & Certified
• Certified Drug-Free Workplace
• Licensed General Contractor
• Job Safety Analysis
• Forklift, Scissor Lift, and Aerial Lift Operator Trained

Call today to schedule a free consultation and site inspection. Dial (865) 540-4004 or email info@warehouseoptimizers.com for prompt service. We proudly serve customers throughout the Southeast, including KENTUCKY, TENNESSEE, NORTH CAROLINA, ALABAMA, AND FLORIDA.