Wide Aisle Racking UK FAQs
The Logical Storage Solutions team are here to help you with any wide racking queries you may have. If you don't see your question below, please get in touch with our team on 0845 689 1300.
What is Wide Aisle Racking?
Wide aisle pallet racking is a traditional warehouse storage system where pallet racks are spaced far enough apart to allow standard forklift trucks to operate safely and efficiently.
The wider aisles give forklifts plenty of room to manoeuvre, making it easier to load and unload pallets directly from the racking. This setup is commonly used in warehouses that rely on counterbalance or reach trucks and need straightforward access to every pallet.
While wide aisle racking is simple to operate and flexible for different pallet sizes, it does use more floor space than narrower aisle systems. It is often chosen for warehouses that prioritise ease of use, lower equipment costs, and clear visibility over maximum storage density.
How Wide Is Wide Aisle Pallet Racking?
Wide aisle pallet racking typically uses aisles of 3.2 to 3.5 metres, wide enough for standard counterbalance forklifts to manoeuvre and turn safely while loading or retrieving pallets. This is significantly wider than narrow aisle (VNA) systems, which use specialist turret trucks to operate in aisles as narrow as 1.5 to 1.8 metres. The extra aisle width sacrifices some storage density but allows for straightforward access, faster picking and the use of standard, lower-cost forklift equipment across your warehouse.
Where Do You Install Wide Aisle Racking?
Logical Storage Solutions offers a nationwide service, including for our wide aisle pallet racking installations.
Some of our key locations include Ashford, Berkshire, Birmingham, Bromley, Canterbury, Cardiff, Dartford, East Sussex, Essex, Gravesend, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Maidstone, Manchester, Medway, Newcastle, Nottingham, Orpington, Oxfordshire, Reading, Sheffield, Surrey, Welling and West Sussex.
Whether you’re based in any of these areas or elsewhere in the UK, let us know how we can help by contacting us today!
Can Pallet Racking Be Installed Over A Doorway?
In most cases, racking should not span directly over a doorway or fire exit route without a specific engineered solution, as this can obstruct emergency egress and breach building regulations. If floor space is limited and you need racking near an access point, we can advise on safe clearances, alternative layouts or reduced-depth bays that keep routes compliant while maximising your available storage.
What Are The Different Types Of Pallet Racking?
The main types are selective pallet racking, wide aisle racking, narrow aisle (VNA) racking, drive-in and drive-through racking, push-back racking and cantilever racking. Each suits a different stock profile and operation. Wide aisle systems favour easy access and fast pallet rotation, while denser systems like drive-in or narrow aisle prioritise storage capacity over access speed. We assess your stock mix, turnover and forklift fleet to recommend the right fit.
What Is The Difference Between Wide Aisle And Narrow Aisle Racking?
Wide aisle racking uses standard forklifts in aisles of around 3.2 to 3.5 metres, giving straightforward access at the cost of some storage density. Narrow aisle (VNA) racking uses specialist guided trucks in aisles as narrow as 1.5 to 1.8 metres, significantly increasing storage capacity within the same footprint but requiring dedicated equipment and operator training. Wide aisle is generally the more flexible and lower-cost option for warehouses without space constraints.
Is Wide Aisle Pallet Racking Suitable For High Turnover Stock?
Yes, wide aisle racking is well suited to high-turnover operations. The generous aisle width allows multiple forklifts to work simultaneously without congestion, and direct access to every pallet position means stock can be picked and rotated quickly without disturbing other bays. This makes it a strong choice for businesses handling frequent inbound and outbound movements across a varied product range.
What Is Standard Wide Aisle Pallet Racking?
Standard wide aisle pallet racking is the most common form of adjustable pallet racking, with aisles typically around 3 to 3.5 metres wide so counterbalance and reach trucks can manoeuvre freely. Every pallet is directly accessible, making it ideal for warehouses holding a wide range of stock lines. Contrary to popular belief, standard wide aisle pallet racking isn't a different system to wide aisle pallet racking. The word ‘standard’ simply signals the conventional layout, distinguishing it from narrow aisle and very narrow aisle configurations.
