Top 4 Types of Industrial Shelving - UNEX Blog

04 Aug.,2025

 

Top 4 Types of Industrial Shelving - UNEX Blog

There are several different types of industrial shelving available on the market today. With so many options, and some hidden nuances to each, it can be hard to determine what you really need. There may also be new options out there you haven't even begun to explore. UNEX is here to help! We're sharing the top 4 types of industrial shelving and how they're commonly used.

Please visit our website for more information on this topic.

Types of Industrial Shelving

If you're searching for industrial shelving, what do you need to know? Below we are breaking down the basics of 4 common types of industrial shelving and the typical use for each.

Steel Shelving

There is no better way to describe it; steel shelving is, well...steel shelving! It's probably the most common type of industrial shelving. It is widely used across many different applications. Steel shelving is usually easy to assemble and can be accessorized with several different options to meet your specific needs. 

Units can be open or closed. Closed back units may not be up to fire code, so it is important to consider this when determining which type of industrial shelving is right for your operation. Maybe the most important thing to consider with steel shelving is the weight of the items you're looking to store, as well as the frequency at which you need to move them. Steel shelving is best suited for heavier loads, so it may be overkill for lighter items. However, because of its versatility, steel shelves can be installed very close to one another, creating the perfect setup for high-density applications and operations with low throughput SKUs. You can learn more about organizing your SKUs based on throughput by downloading our Guide to Throughput for Order Fulfillment.

Rivet Shelving

Rivet shelving is a very common form of industrial shelving. It is also known as boltless shelving or bulk shelving. It is very cost-effective and extremely easy to assemble. Rivet shelving typically consists of a solid steel frame and decks made from particle board or wire.

Like steel shelving, rivet shelving is also well-suited for heavier loads and high-density storage applications. It too can be open or closed so if fire safety is a concern, you may need to look strictly at open units. But what is the key difference? Rivet shelving is boltless, making it very easy to install without tools. However, rivet shelving is not as customizable as steel shelving, for example. So if you're looking for a very simple solution and you're not looking to accessorize with dividers, drawers, or other add-ons, rivet shelving is the most economical industrial shelving solution.

Wire Shelving

Wire shelving or wire rack is much lighter compared to steel shelving and rivet shelving. Wire shelving is commonly used in warehouses and retail backrooms, but it is so versatile, you'll find it for sale at hardware stores for use in the home. This should give you a good sense for how easy the product is to assemble - anyone can do it!

Wire shelving is great when it comes to fire code concerns because of it's very open design. Unlike steel and rivet shelving, wire shelving is not suited for heavier loads. So if you have a lighter-duty application, wire shelving may be right for you. Because of its light weight, you can mount wire shelving on casters to create a mobile shelving unit. Wire shelving is also mold and rust-resistant, plus it won't collect dust like steel or rivet shelving will. Thus, wire shelving is often used in applications where cleanliness is of importance.

Dynamic Shelving

Unlike its static counterparts, dynamic shelving is unique in that the shelving itself is movable within the rack. Most dynamic shelves are made of columns that move from side to side. The materials used are typically lightweight, yet very rugged and strong. They also tend to be fire, rust, and mold-resistant. Just like wire shelving, dynamic shelving is ideal for clean applications and those where fire safety is a big concern. Dynamic shelving is compatible with pallet rack. The columns are suspended from a track system that can be installed directly into existing structures, making it a very cost-effective option.

The maneuverability of dynamic shelving allows for multiple rows of storage within one rack. Dynamic shelving dramatically increases storage density by condensing standard pallet rack or shelving to increase SKU locations. Dynamic shelving is ideal for high-density storage applications with slower-moving products. 

UNEX Industrial Shelving Solutions

UNEX specializes in engineered space optimization. Our team of experts creates space-saving solutions for warehousing, order fulfillment, retail, logistics, manufacturing and more. We know industrial shelving. We also know that increasing storage capacity is the key to creating a highly profitable operation. That's why we manufacture a dynamic shelving solution that offers huge space-saving benefits.

SpeedCell is a dynamic, high-density storage solution can compress 200' of rack or shelving into
40' of highly organized space. More pick facings and greater SKU density equates to less search and travel time while pulling orders and restocking locations.

SpeedCell Features & Benefits

  • Increases storage density by 40-60%
  • Reduces labor costs up to 40%
  • Transforms space into useable storage
  • More SKUs | Less Space | Greater Efficiency
  • Designs can range from 1-3 rows deep, up to 12 columns wide (144" wide bays)
  • Ergonomically designed
  • Operating temperature of -20°- 180°F (-29°- 82°C)
  • Resistant to: fire/flame & mold
  • Storage Capacity:
    • Cell: Up to 35 lbs
    • Column: Up to 240 lbs
  • Suspended within selective rack or wide span rack system
  • Fits within any type of beam: box, structural, or step; pick modules and mezzanines
  • Static or dynamic: designs can range from 1-3 rows in depth

Create Your Own Industrial Shelving Solution

If you're exploring industrial shelving options and trying to determine the solution that best meets your needs, why not "try it before you buy it"? The space optimization experts at UNEX know that proper planning is the key to any successful warehouse or fulfillment center. That's why we created our SpeedCell configurator. This completely free tool allows you to create your own solution. Choose from a number of different configurations to create your own dynamic high-density storage solution.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit UNISTAR.

How to Choose the Right Heavy Duty Metal Shelving? - Reibii

I have a friend named Sam, who has been complaining lately about the chaotic state of his factory. He often mentions the lack of storage space and the short lifespan of the shelves in his facility. To be honest, many people face the same problem as Sam.

So today, I will provide a detailed explanation of heavy duty shelving. After reading my introduction, you might find a clear solution to the problems you and sam are currently facing.

What is Heavy Duty Metal Shelving?

Heavy duty metal shelving is like the Chuck Norris of storage solutions. It’s not just some flimsy stack of metal; we’re talking about metal storage shelves that laugh in the face of gravity. Need to store an anvil collection or your collection of vintage bowling balls? No problem! These shelves can handle it all without breaking a sweat. They’re the superheroes of warehouses, the Hercules of garages—built tough enough to withstand even the most enthusiastic DIY enthusiast. So, if you’re serious about organizing your space and want shelves that won’t buckle under pressure, heavy duty metal shelving is your go-to guy!

What are the Advantages of Heavy-Duty Shelving?

  • Durable

So, Sam complains that his factory shelves are more like shooting stars than storage solutions—they burn bright, then fizzle out! I bet he didn't give them the durability test: heavy-duty shelving laughs at corrosion and shrugs off oxidation, built to survive the wild world of warehouses and tropical climates.

  • Safety

Why are heavy-duty shelves safe and reliable? Compared with most ordinary metal shelving units, heavy-duty shelves are much more stable. Most heavy-duty shelves are designed with all-steel structures, and some are also galvanized or chrome-plated. This enables them to bear heavy loads, allowing safe storage of large and heavy items while reducing the risk of collapse and overloading. You can select the load-bearing capacity according to your specific requirements.

  • Enhanced Visibility

Heavy-duty metal shelves come in both open and closed designs. While closed shelves can protect items from dust, they do not allow for quick visual access. I recommend choosing open metal rack. These help you find stored items faster and make retrieval more convenient. Especially in industrial centers, open metal shelves enable workers to select and store items from all directions, thus improving work efficiency.

  • Modularity

Most heavy duty garage racks are adjustable, disassembled and easily reassembled to meet different storage requirements. You can change the distance between shelves to accommodate items of varying heights or even split the unit into two separate storage shelves garage for use as workbenches or other purposes. For those needing such flexibility, I recommend rivet shelving, which requires no bolts or nuts and can be assembled in just 10 minutes. They are also easy to dismantle when needed. The metal racks themselves can be made from particle board, metal wire, or metal panels, with the latter two being more resistant to extreme conditions.

  • Versatility

In today's fast-paced industrial society, heavy-duty shelves are widely used. In industrial warehouses, they can store large quantities of raw materials and finished products. In logistics centers, they efficiently manage and store goods. Retail warehouses can use them to hold large inventories. Even at home in your garage, they can store large tools, tires, and engines. They can also be used in basements to hold storage bins, adding considerable convenience to your life.

Is A Heavy-Duty Metal Shelving Vital?

Certainly!Heavy-duty metal shelving is essential in numerous industrial and commercial contexts. It serves a critical role by offering robust and dependable storage solutions capable of enduring heavy loads and challenging environments.

How to Choose A Heavy-Duty Metal Shelving?

  • Selecting the Appropriate Size

Choose the size based on the type and volume of goods you need to store. Calculate or estimate the weight and dimensions of your items to select the correct heavy-duty shelf.

  • Choosing a Reputable Brand

Opt for a brand recognized for quality and customer service. Verify if they offer installation guidance and return policies for damaged items to ensure reliable products and support.

  • Choosing Shelves for Harsh Environments

For processing plants or environments with extreme temperatures, ordinary shelves just won’t cut it. Choose our heavy-duty metal shelves, built to withstand corrosion, rust, scratches, and the harshest conditions. Crafted from rugged all-steel or chrome-plated galvanized materials, these shelves are your go-to solution for long-lasting durability—standing strong and looking sharp even in the toughest environments.

  • Opting for Adjustable Shelves

Pick shelves that are easy to adjust and dismantle. Rivet shelves, which require no bolts or nuts for assembly, are a great choice. You can adjust shelf heights to accommodate different item sizes and even divide them into two units for varied uses. These shelves are also convenient to disassemble for transport.

Want more information on rivet shelving manufacturer? Feel free to contact us.

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