In a pallet racking system, pallets are stored directly on the beams. If not placed properly, there’s always a risk of these pallets falling through the gaps between the beams. This can lead to serious accidents in the workplace and cause unwanted inventory loss. To safeguard against these accidental falls, pallet rack decking is installed on the beams.
In this article, we’ll explore the different pallet rack decking options and help you choose the right one for your pallet racking system. We also have some tips and tricks that will help you better maintain your pallet rack decking.
What is Pallet Rack Decking?
Pallet rack decking is a metal or wooden surface installed on pallet racking beams that provide an extra layer of safety and stability for pallet storage. With a pallet rack decking installed, you can store smaller items, loose products, and damaged pallets without compromising safety.
Deckings are available in different styles, designs, and materials. Here’s a quick look at the various types of pallet racking decking:
Types of Pallet Rack Decking
1. Wire Mesh Decking
Wire mesh decking is one of the most popular and cost-effective pallet rack decking options, costing around $20 to $30 per deck. It’s made with galvanized or powder-coated steel wires welded into a mesh pattern. The mesh design offers great visibility and ventilation and provides a load capacity of up to 3,000 lbs per deck.
Wire decking is available in varying sizes including 24″ x 46″, 36″ x 46″, and 48″ x 46″ that work with different beam depths and widths.
2. Solid Steel Decking
Solid steel decking, made out of thick and solid sheets of steel, is the top choice for heavy-duty pallet rack decking. These solid steel deckings can support up to 4,000 lbs per deck and are available in smooth and textured finishes. Moreover, solid steel decking is available in custom sizes too.
Solid steel decking typically costs $50 to $100 per deck piece, with the thicker decks costing more.
3. Bar Grating Decking
Bar grating decking is another heavy-duty pallet rack decking option that has high-load bearing capacity and exceptional durability. This metal decking is made out of steel bars arranged in a grid pattern and can hold up to 5,000 lbs per deck. That’s also why it costs between $60 to $100 per piece.
4. Perforated Steel Decking
Perforated steel decking is a blend of solid steel and wire mesh decking. It features smaller holes that provide the visibility and ventilation of wire mesh decking while providing the solidity of solid steel decking.
Perforated steel decking is mostly available in standard sizes of 42” x 46” and 48” x 46” and each deck can hold up to 2,500 lbs. The average price ranges from $40 to $60 per decking piece.
5. Wood Pallet Decking
If you need a cost-effective and light-duty pallet rack decking for your pallet racking system, wood pallet decking might be perfect for you. These are mostly made out of plywood or hardwood planks and have a lower load capacity ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 lbs per deck. These are available in custom sizes and cost as low as $20 per piece.
Benefits of Using Pallet Rack Decking
Let’s take a quick look at some key benefits of installing pallet rack decking on your pallet racking system.
- Increases Storage Versatility: A pallet racking decking increases the storage properties of your pallet racking system. With a decking installed, you can store smaller products, place pallets of all sizes in your racking structure, and store all types of loads with ease. You can even store non-palletized goods with a pallet racking deck in place.
- Enhanced Safety and Stability: Pallet rack decking reduces the risk of items falling through the racks. Plus, the pallets have a bigger surface area to rest on which increases the stability.
- Improved Load Distribution: Pallet decking improves load distribution across the rack levels which protects racks from unwanted damage and reduces the risk of rack failure.
Choosing The Right Pallet Rack Decking
Since there are multiple types of pallet rack decking available, you have to consider a few factors when choosing which decking to install in your pallet racking system. Here are a few major factors that can help you decide:
- Load Capacity Requirements: Consider your inventory load before you choose a pallet rack decking. If you manage lightweight inventory, a pallet rack wire decking or a wooden decking would be good enough. However, heavy-duty inventory requires heavy-duty decking like solid steel or bar grating rack decking.
- Warehouse Environment: You must choose a pallet decking that can withstand the environmental conditions of your warehouse. For example, a wooden pallet decking would not work in a humid warehouse or a cold storage facility.
- Customization: Some decking options like wire mesh and perforated steel decking are only available in standard sizes. On the other hand, wooden pallet decking and solid steel decking can be made to custom sizes. If you require custom-made decking, you might have to explore these options.
- Cost & Budget: Last but not least, keep an eye on your budget and your storage needs. Pallet racking decking goes from $20 per piece to $100 per piece. Only invest in the pricey pallet deckings like bar grating and solid steel decking if you require extra durability and high load capacity.
Tips for Pallet Rack Decking Maintenance
Much like pallet racking maintenance, pallet rack decking maintenance is important to prolong the life of the decking and keep the storage system safe and secure. Here are a few tips and tricks that you should follow to maintain pallet decking:
- Regularly Inspect the Decking: You should regularly inspect your pallet rack decking for rust, dents, warping, and any other signs of wear and tear. During these inspections, you should also check that the pallet decking is secured and not missing any components.
- Keep Decking Surfaces Clean: You want to keep your decking surface clean from any dust and debris, especially if you have wooden or solid steel pallet decking. As for wire mesh and bar grating, you want to keep an eye out for signs of rusting.
- Follow Load Limits: Always follow the load limits of your pallet rack decking. Overloading the decking can cause serious damage to the decking, pallet racking beams, and the inventory itself.
- Use Protective Coatings: To prolong the lifespan of your pallet decking, consider applying a protective coating. Steel and metal deckings can benefit from a rust inhibitor, especially if your pallet racking is in a humid environment. Similarly, sealants can add an extra layer of protection to your wood pallet rack decking.
- Replace Damaged Decking: Forklift accidents, pallets getting dragged along the surface, and plenty of other things can damage the deckings. During your regular inspection, if you find any damaged pallet rack decking, it’s best to immediately repair them or get them replaced if they are damaged beyond repair.
Conclusion
There are plenty of pallet rack decking options in the market and each has its benefits. However, you must choose the right decking that works well with your pallet racking system and suits your storage needs. Hopefully, our guide has helped you understand the various types of pallet rack decking and further helps you choose the best decking for your pallet racking system.
FAQs
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Can I use different types of decking on the same pallet racking system?
It is possible to use different types of decking on the same pallet racking system, however, you have to ensure size and load compatibility. If combining different types of decking compromises the safety of your pallet racking structure, it’s best to use a single type of decking that can easily handle your inventory.