Shelving Systems

Shelving systems are a collection of multiple free-standing or mounted shelves usually joined together by an outer frame. Shelves are flat planes that provide a surface to stack, store, or organize items. They help maintain a clean and organized workstation because they provide a designated place for loose or groups of items to be stored, thus freeing up space around a workstation or office.Shelving systems cover a broad category of storage options but typically consist of two main elements:Frame - While it is true that shelves can be individually mounted to a wall and supported by angled legs, shelves that are part of a shelving system are layered within a rectangular frame. Frames are measured by length, depth, and height, and can be made from wood, plastic, or metal. Metal shelving systems are often the strongest and most-sturdy frames.Shelf - The shelf is the flat plane on which items are stored and stacked. Shelves need to be supported and perfectly level in order to safely store things and are therefore mounted on walls or slotted into frames. In some shelving systems, the individual shelves can be moved up and down to create more or less space between adjacent shelves, thus giving users more flexibility in how they arrange and organize their items. Shelves can be made of wood, metal, or plastic.RS carries all types of shelves and shelving systems, including individual shelves, frame components, mounting equipment, and wheels, as well as full premade systems, satisfying both the DIY enthusiast and those who prefer the security of factory-made products.

Metal and Industrial Shelving

Metal shelving systems are the ideal build material for shelving systems intended for industrial settings. Metal is a sturdy and strong material that can withstand the activity that is typically found in industrial settings. Whether it's handling extreme temperatures, carrying heavy loads on each shelf, or possessing the ability to be roughed around without breaking, metal or steel shelving is designed to weather the elements of a factory floor.Under the umbrella of metal shelving, there are a lot of different design options for you to consider, such as how many shelves you need, the type of frame, the system's modular ability, and what material you want the shelves to be made of.When deciding on how many shelves you need in your system, consider what items you need to store while also considering that you want your shelves to look organized, not crammed with items. It might help to measure the items and do a mockup on paper before looking through the RS catalog for the right shelves. Perhaps you need a system with many short shelves, like a computer shelving rack with 25cm between each shelf, or maybe you require more height on each shelf to fit bigger pieces of equipment.The type of metal frame for your industrial shelves also plays a large role. Some systems have an open top to maximize space on the top shelf, whereas others have a closed top and support using the top of the unit as another shelf. Similarly, Some metal storage shelves are fixed to the frame at a set location, whereas others have frames with perforations at set intervals so users can move the shelves to their desired height. Modular shelving systems like these provide the most flexibility, however they might not be able to bear as much weight as shelves that are welded onto the frame.Finally, the material you wish your shelves to be is the final decision you need to make. With metal shelving systems, it is common to also have metal shelves. These shelves can be solid and be able to bear more weight or might be wire-frame and be easier to manage. In less industrial settings, you might want to consider using wooden shelves on a metal frame to improve the aesthetic of the system.