Storage Shelving v. Rack Shelving – What is the difference?

Storage shelving and rack shelving have many features in common, such as strength, durability, and the capacity to store large amounts of goods or items and are two popular storage options.

However, they are not the same and choosing the correct shelving solution is essential to ensure that you have a well organised storage system that maximises efficiency and use of space.

Fundamentally, the difference between storage shelving and rack shelving comes down to the way goods are stored and loaded and unloaded onto the shelving.

Rack shelving or pallet racking is, as the name suggests, primarily used for the storage of heavy, palletised goods that are loaded and unloaded using a forklift truck.

Pallet racking generally has a higher weight capacity and may be used to store items at a greater height as a forklift or automated, mechanized devices may be used to load and unload heavy palletised products to and from the shelving at greater height than where this is done manually.

This may be more advantageous when used in warehouses or large distribution centres as it maximises storage space and uses vertical space where racks can be deeper and higher than storage shelves. 

In order to maximise the space you have, and to ensure that you are not filling your garage with unnecessary items, declutter thoroughly.

Have a good clear out and divide items according to whether they need to be discarded, recycled, donated to others who may use or need them, or kept. 

Ensure that waste items that can be recycled or that need specific disposal, e.g. old paint, do not go to landfill. Many local authorities have facilities for such items at low or no cost.

You could designate a space or a shelf from one of our long span shelving units specifically for items that you no longer need so that you can keep decluttering on an ongoing basis going forward.

Create a plan for how you will use your space now that it is clear(er) of items. Take a look at the RackKing website for ideas of how to fit out your space.

You may wish to zone your garage space to incorporate different uses such as home gym equipment or by the functions of the items that you store in different areas of the garage e.g. tools, gardening, bike maintenance, seasonal storage etc.

More specific types of storage may be needed for specific items and this is the stage when you should plan where these items will go.

If you store or use hazardous materials such as paints, fuels, or chemicals in your garage, it is best to locate these in a separate, well ventilated area of the garage for safety. 

Follow all safety advice in the storage of these items and ensure they cannot be accessed by children or pets.

High storage is ideal for this purpose.  Industrial shelving and Kit bay or modular shelving up to 2,000 mm high can be used to keep hazardous items out of reach.

Using good quality shelving made from high quality materials will also keep your materials stored safely, and save you hassle and money in the long run. 

Industrial shelves can hold heavy loads. Our industrial shelving can hold loads of up to 500kg per bay.

Free up floor space by using vertical storage such as high shelves. You can also use wall space with peg hooks for tools or wall hooks for bicycles, ladders, or large garden tools.

Keep the items you use most often to hand and relegate seasonal or less used items, such as camping gear, to higher shelves. This makes the space more functional.

Industrial shelving from Rack King comes pre packed and can be delivered nationwide quickly . It is really quick to put together and can be assembled in as little as 15 minutes. The various parts clip together with no screws or bolts required.

Our long span is also popular for garages and comes in a variety of heights and lengths.

Cantilever shelving is useful for storing pipe material or timber lengths and can be used high up to free up space lower down for shelving or a workbench.

Work with the space you have to maximise storage. Use flexible, modular storage or shelves that can be adapted or added to as required. 

Subdivide or use bins for smaller items and to keep track of where the things you need are located. You can label bins if you have time for even better organisation.

In this way your space can evolve if your needs change without having to do a full refit.

Our industrial shelving comes in a range of widths from 900mm to 1,800 mm and depths of 400mm to 600mm.

Industrial shelves have 4 shelves per bay and have either mdf or wire mesh inserts, all are extremely sturdy and stable.

If you wish to use the garage for particular DIY or work projects, designate an area for this purpose keeping all the tools and equipment that you may need to hand in this area.

Now that you have cleared some floor space, you may find that you have space for a workbench. 

Workbenches can hold up to 450kg and are ideal for manual handling tasks. They are 2100mm long, with a height of 900mm and a depth of 900mm. 

Our workbenches have a chipboard worktop, although this can be customised to a metal top if required. You can also add a shelf underneath for additional storage.

Keeping your work station clutter free with good storage really helps you to focus on the task at hand rather than spending time looking for missing items or moving clutter from place to place to clear space to work.

Garages need to be functional above all else but spend a bit of time making your garage a comfortable space to work, especially if you use it as a home office.

Install a heat source, even if it’s just a portable space heater, or better yet insulate your garage if your budget allows for this.

Lighting is essential to many tasks and you will need a source of lighting. If you have overhead lighting this is ideal but for some tasks you may need a portable, rechargeable LED light as well. 

Try to get some daylight into your garage. This may just be an open garage door but if you can, and you have the budget, install a window or skylight.

Having a clear, well planned and organised space with customisable and attractive storage will add to the comfort of your garage and make it more enjoyable to use.

Kitting out your garage with customisable Rack King storage and workbenches will mean that your garage is organised and functional and it’s easy to find what you need.

Our shelving is surprisingly affordable too with prices for industrial shelving starting at €130 and workbenches available from €200. Rack King long span shelving can be customised to suit your space and priced accordingly.

Rack King, based in Walkinstown Co. Dublin is Ireland’s leading supplier of racking and shelving. We deliver nationwide and hold a large selection of shelving, racking, and workbenches in stock for speedy delivery.

Contact us for a free quote, either directly by phone or email, or using our online form to request a callback.

Storage shelving is generally more suited to stockrooms, or for domestic use, or for the storage of smaller, lighter items or goods. In warehouses, storage shelving may be used in conjunction with pallet shelving to store a variety of items.

Storage shelving is more frequently manually loaded and unloaded and may offer more flexibility than pallet racking as smaller items may be stored in bins on the shelves.

Your business may need both types of shelving or may benefit from one type of shelving, either pallet shelving or storage shelving. Generally, for domestic use such as in a garage, workshop, or attic, you will need storage shelving.

Depending on your storage requirements, whether you have a smaller stock room or a larger warehouse or distribution centre, the type of shelving will primarily depend on the type and size of the products you need to store and, sometimes, the duration of the storage.

Having a well organised storage system is crucial, both for maximising your storage space and for the efficiency of your business.

Well organised storage can bring benefits such as increased productivity, improved inventory control and accuracy, enhanced customer service, and less unsold inventory.

Industrial shelving is generally used for lighter weight and individual items that are handled more frequently. Shelving is often arranged in single sections, or back to back depending on the space available, to allow easy picking and access to items,

Rack shelving, or pallet racking, is organised systematically in bays to store heavier, bulkier items on pallets. Handling equipment, such as forklifts, is generally used with pallet racking and this type of shelving minimises production downtime and leads to efficient operations. 

Items may be stored on pallets longer term on rack shelving, whereas storage shelving can be more flexible with goods loaded and unloaded when needed and stored according to demand.

All Rack King shelving is sturdy, stable, and durable made from high grade materials. We have a complete range of pallet racking and storage shelving for business and home uses.

Rack King quality pallet racking has the following features:

• Heavy duty
• Maximises use of warehouse space
• Suitable for use with forklifts

A bulk storage system that is heavy duty and robust consisting of a steel frame with horizontal beams. The UDL per beam level is 2,400kg.

Pallet racking can be arranged in starter and extension bays to suit your warehouse space. Pallet racking comes in various heights of 3, 4, and 5 metres with a variety of beam levels to maximise vertical storage with accessories available.

Rack King pallet racking is suitable for forklift loading and unloading. This leads to safe and efficient goods handling.

Rack king storage shelving comes as longspan shelving or industrial shelving. Longspan shelving provides shelving for non palletised items, while industrial shelving lends itself to a variety of uses in your business or at home.

Rack king storage shelving has the following features:

• Steel frames 
• Customisable
• Easy to assemble

Our longspan and industrial shelving has a solid and durable steel frame. 

Longspan shelving has a choice of engineered timber inserts or steel shelves, depending on your requirements. Industrial shelving is constructed of galvanised steel designed to withstand corrosion.

Our shelving is customisable and flexible to suit your business or home storage needs, and comes in a range of heights, widths and depths to suit your space. 

Our storage shelving is easily accessible for manual picking and loading.

Shelving can be used singly or back to back for greater versatility and mobile longspan shelving brings an even greater degree of flexibility.

Our longspan shelving is easy to assemble with beam to frame construction meaning that no nuts or bolts are required. 

Easy Rack Evolution industrial shelving feature clip together assembly that can be constructed in moments.

Choosing the right storage for your needs depends on your specific needs and inventory requirements.

Understanding the differences between rack shelving and storage shelving will mean that you can make the correct choice for your warehouse, stockroom, or home.

Rack King is Ireland’s leading supplier of warehouse racking, shelving, workbenches & accessories.

Our full range of EU certified products is available with nationwide delivery straight to your door. 

Browse our extensive range and purchase on our website, or contact us to discuss your requirements in more detail.