Pallet Racking UK FAQs
Do you have any questions about our pallet racking systems? We’ve answered some of the top questions below, but for anything else, please get in touch with The Logical Storage Solutions team.
What Is Pallet Racking?
Pallet racking is a structural storage system designed to hold palletised goods in a warehouse or distribution centre. It allows stock to be stored vertically across multiple levels and accessed by forklift truck or reach truck.
The system consists of upright steel frames connected by horizontal load beams, forming open bays into which pallets are placed and retrieved individually or in bulk, depending on the system type.
It is the most widely used form of industrial storage in the UK and is available in a range of configurations to suit different pallet sizes, handling equipment, stock profiles and throughput requirements.
P.S. If you need any assistance understanding how pallet racking works or the different types available, please contact our friendly team for advice.
How High Can Pallet Racking Go?
Pallet racking can be built to virtually any height that the building's clear internal dimensions and floor loading will permit. Standard manufactured upright frames available up to around 10000mm and bespoke heights achievable beyond that for tall distribution centres and high-bay warehouses.
In practice, the maximum usable height will depend on the clear height of the building to the underside of roof steels or sprinkler systems, the maximum lift height of the handling equipment in use and the floor's load-bearing capacity.
To give you an idea, most conventional UK warehouse installations operate racking between 4000mm and 8500mm, while purpose-built high-bay facilities can reach 30 metres or more using automated storage and retrieval systems. Applicable safety guidelines, along with a structural engineer's assessment, should always inform the maximum height specification for any new installation.
Contact us today to arrange an assessment of your site, which will enable us to determine the dimensions of your pallet racking.
How Do I Choose From The Different Types Of Pallet Racking?
Choosing the right pallet racking system requires careful consideration of several interconnected factors.
At Logical Storage Solutions, this is exactly where our experts are here to help!
A good place to start is the dimensions and weight of your unit load, as pallet size determines frame depth and bay width, while load weight governs the required beam and upright specification. The internal dimensions of the building are equally fundamental, with clear height, column positions, floor flatness and load bearing capacity all directly influencing what is achievable in terms of racking height, bay configuration and aisle layout.
Your stock profile and rotation requirements will steer the choice of system type, with high SKU counts and frequent picking activity pointing towards selective racking and bulk, low-variety stock potentially justifying the higher density of drive-in or push-back alternatives.
The handling equipment already in use or budgeted for the new installation is a critical constraint, as aisle widths must be matched precisely to the operating envelope of the forklift or reach truck specified.
Finally, budget should be considered alongside long-term value and flexibility, as a system designed with future growth in mind will almost always prove more cost-effective than one that needs to be replaced or significantly modified as the operation expands.
How Much Is Pallet Racking?
As you can appreciate, it’s not possible for us to give a fixed cost for pallet racking, since so many types exist. Not only this, but the price will depend on other factors such as the bay dimensions, load capacity and the complexity of the installation.
However, we can advise you that selective racking is one of the more cost effective types of pallet racking. On the other end of the scale, VNA or drive-in racking tends to carry a higher price per pallet position due to the precision engineering and specialist installation involved.
The most reliable way to establish an accurate price range is to commission a free site survey from The Logical Storage Solutions team. Once we have an idea of your requirements and your budget, we can then show you all the available options and provide a detailed quotation.
How Often Should Pallet Racking Be Inspected?
There are several types of pallet racking inspections that are guided by both the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and SEMA (Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association).
Pallet racking must be inspected by a qualified external expert annually. However, more frequent inspections also need to take place. This includes daily inspections to check for any visual signs of damage or obvious issues such as overloading. Once a week, more detailed pallet racking inspections should also be carried out by a trained PRRS (Person Responsible for Racking Safety).
Additional safety inspections are required if pallet racking sustains any damage (i.e. due to forklift impact). Also, if any other circumstances occur, which could mean the safety or integrity of the racking system may be compromised.
It’s also good to note that the requirements differ around the world and are also subject to change. For this reason, it is important to seek qualified advice relevant to your location and the current standards which apply.
Where Do Logical Storage Solutions Install Pallet Racking Systems?
Logical Storage Solutions are UK based pallet racking suppliers. We offer our pallet design supply, design and installation services nationwide, including Nottingham, Birmingham, Leicester, Wolverhampton, London, Hull and many more.
