Efficient storage isn’t about cramming the most pallets possible into a space. It’s about building a system that supports your daily workflow, protects your products, and keeps things running smoothly. Whether you’re managing a large-scale distribution hub or a backroom stock area, the right shelving setup is key. At Diversified Rack & Shelving, our warehouse design experts help businesses across the Northeast and beyond find smart, durable solutions for their warehouse pallet racking needs. Let’s take a look at the most popular warehouse shelving types used today and why they’re worth considering, depending on how you store, move, and manage your inventory.
Selective Pallet Racks: Simple, Flexible, and Effective
If you need a system that’s easy to use and works for almost any inventory layout, selective pallet racking is a strong option. It gives you direct access to every pallet, which makes it ideal for operations that manage lots of different products or need to retrieve items quickly.
This setup works well in both large and compact spaces, and it’s especially useful for first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory systems. It’s also one of the most affordable types of pallet racking, offering a great balance of flexibility and functionality. If you rely on forklifts or pallet jacks, selective pallet racks make navigation and loading straightforward.
Push Back Racking: Higher Density, Fewer Aisles
Need to store more inventory in the same footprint? Push back racking lets you do just that by stacking multiple pallets deep within a single lane. When one pallet is removed, the next slides into place using gravity-fed rails and carts.
This system cuts down on the number of aisles you need, freeing up valuable space without sacrificing accessibility. It’s perfect for managing high-turnover goods where first-in, last-out inventory flow is acceptable. While it doesn’t require a fully automated warehouse, push back racking gets you closer to that level of efficiency.
Rivet Shelving: No Bolts, No Problem
When you need fast, dependable shelving that doesn’t require a toolbox, rivet shelving delivers. It’s built with double-riveted beams and a boltless frame, making it incredibly easy to set up and reconfigure. That makes it ideal for businesses that value quick adjustments or frequently shift their inventory.
You’ll find this type of static shelving used in supply rooms, small parts storage, and shipping areas. It’s strong enough to handle heavy loads and versatile enough for almost any item that doesn’t require palletization. And since it doesn’t rely on clips or fasteners, it stays stable even with regular use.
Wire Shelving: Clean, Light, and Versatile
Wire shelving is a go-to for businesses that prioritize visibility and cleanliness. The open design allows light and air to circulate freely, helping reduce dust and moisture buildup. It’s also easy to clean, which makes it popular in food, medical, and electronics storage.
Though it’s not designed for heavy-duty loads, it’s great for organizing small-to-medium items and integrating with bins or liners. Its lightweight nature makes it easy to rearrange when you need to switch things up. If you’re looking for adaptable, hygienic storage systems, wire racks check all the boxes.
Steel Shelving: Built for Strength
Sometimes you need shelving that can stand up to heavy, rugged materials. While all metal shelving is built to be durable, steel shelving is an especially solid choice for tools, machinery parts, oversized containers, or anything with weight behind it.
This type of warehouse shelving offers serious strength and a long lifespan. You can adjust shelf heights, bolt units together for added length, and use them in harsh environments without worry. For businesses that deal with non-palletized items or require tough industrial racking, steel shelves are a dependable solution.
Pallet Flow Racks: Smarter Movement, Less Handling
If you’re managing time-sensitive inventory, pallet flow racking can streamline your picking process. This setup uses rollers to guide pallets from the back of the rack to the front as older items are removed. It supports a first-in, first-out system without manual reshuffling.
By reducing the time and labor it takes to rotate stock, pallet flow racks increase efficiency and help reduce product waste. They also work well alongside other warehouse racking systems and can be adapted for automated storage as your operation evolves.
Mobile Shelving: Store More in Less Space
In tight spaces where every square foot matters, mobile shelving makes a real difference. These units slide along floor tracks, allowing you to compact the system when it’s not being accessed. That means fewer fixed aisles and more storage capacity in the same footprint.
While mobile systems aren’t often used for heavy pallets, they’re excellent for small parts, records, tools, or specialty inventory. They’re also gaining popularity in operations that need secure, high-density storage solutions without investing in more square footage.
Finding the Right Fit for Your Space
Every warehouse has its own rhythm. Some move inventory constantly. Others store seasonal products or slow-moving stock. That’s why choosing the right racking system comes down to your specific layout, workflow, and inventory type.
At Diversified Rack & Shelving, we take the time to understand your goals before recommending a solution. Whether you’re outfitting a new facility or improving your current one, we’ll help you explore the full range of pallet racking systems, including push back racking, rivet shelving, wire shelving, and more.
We also offer both new and used warehouse pallet racking and storage equipment, so you can build a reliable setup that fits your space and your budget.
Let’s Rethink Your Storage Strategy
Great shelving supports the way your team works. Whether you need physically stronger rack systems, better-organized warehouse storage racks, or simply need your existing shelving systems to be more efficient, the right setup can save time, cut costs, and reduce daily headaches.
Ready to upgrade your space with smarter storage systems? Reach out to Diversified Rack & Shelving. Our team is here to help you create a layout that works the way you do — practical, efficient, and built to last. Let’s find the shelving that fits your operation, not the other way around.