Metal Shelving for Warehouses – Load Ratings and Correct Sizing
Why Choosing the Right Metal Shelving for Your Warehouse Matters
In a well-organised warehouse, metal shelving is far more than a piece of industrial furniture – it is the backbone of the entire logistics operation. Whether we are talking about a supermarket, a restaurant or a food production facility, choosing the wrong shelving can lead to accidents, stock losses or unexpected additional costs. Before making a purchase, it is essential to understand a few fundamental concepts: load ratings and correct sizing.
What a Metal Shelf Load Rating Means
The load rating of a shelving unit is the maximum weight it can safely support. Manufacturers typically specify two types of load:
- Shelf load – the maximum weight distributed evenly across a single shelf, expressed in kilograms.
- Unit load (full assembly) – the total weight the entire metal structure can support.
For warehouses in the food sector or HoReCa, shelving with load ratings of 150 to 500 kg per shelf is the most commonly used. If you are storing heavy products – jars, canned goods, bottles or kitchen equipment – opt for high-load variants with painted or galvanised steel structures.
How to Size Metal Shelving Correctly
Sizing involves matching the shelving unit to the available space and the type of goods being stored. There are a few practical guidelines every shop or restaurant owner should know:
Shelf Height
Standard heights range from 1,800 mm to 3,000 mm. In warehouses with manual access (no lifts or forklifts), shelving with a maximum height of 2,000–2,200 mm is recommended, to allow safe access to the upper shelves without auxiliary equipment.
Shelf Width and Depth
The standard width of a shelving bay is 900 mm or 1,200 mm. A greater width means more storage space, but also a higher load concentrated on the supporting structure. Shelf depth ranges from 300 mm to 600 mm, depending on the size of the products being stored. For large boxes or crates, a minimum depth of 500 mm is recommended.
Number of Shelves and Spacing Between Them
Adjustable shelf spacing is a major advantage of modern metal shelving. It can be set in 50 mm increments, allowing quick adaptation to products of different heights. Plan the number of levels based on the average height of the packaging you will be storing.
Practical Tips for Shop Owners and HoReCa
- Always calculate with a safety margin – if you estimate storing 100 kg on a shelf, choose a unit with a rated load of at least 150 kg.
- Check that the shelving is certified in accordance with European standard EN 15635 or equivalent.
- Never overload shelving – distribute weight evenly and never exceed the maximum load indicated by the manufacturer.
- Ensure tall shelving units are anchored to the wall or floor, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic.
- Leave sufficiently wide access aisles – a minimum of 80–100 cm between rows, for safety and efficiency.
Integrating Shelving with Refrigeration Equipment
In a HoReCa warehouse or working space, metal shelving works best when coherently integrated with the rest of the equipment. For example, products that require low temperatures can be temporarily stored on metal shelving positioned near MODACO display fridges or upright refrigerated cabinets, ensuring a fast and organised workflow. MODACO refrigeration equipment is designed to suit commercial and food production spaces across Romania, offering a range of capacities and proven reliability since 1992.
Conclusion
Choosing the right metal shelving for your warehouse is not a decision to be made in haste. Load ratings, correct sizing and material quality are factors that directly affect the safety, efficiency and durability of your investment. Plan carefully, consult a specialist and do not compromise on quality.
If you would like to find out more about complete storage solutions and refrigeration equipment for shops or HoReCa, contact the MODACO team on 0727.324.787. Our specialists are available to provide personalised advice and tailored quotes to suit your needs.