By Phil Strouth with P Strouth LLC
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July 15, 2020
Wire Decking for Industrial Pallet Rack Storage: Basic Wire Decking Options Wire decking is a basic accessory to pallet rack storage systems. Installing wire decking in your pallet rack system is very easy, cost effective, and provides wonderful benefits for storing pallets safely. The most common reason for including wire decks with your pallet rack system is to create a uniform storage level on the pallet rack shelves. This allows forklift operators to set a pallet on the rack safely without falling through the beams if not placed correctly. Especially at higher shelf levels, this gives a much safer and secure area for the pallet to rest while in storage. Wire decks provide safe and effective storage of pallets, boxes, totes, drums and other items. Pallet wire decking improves fire safety as well. They allow sprinkler water to flow through the rack system. It also helps protect empolyees and products, making it easier for forklift operators to load and unload the pallet rack safely. There are many options for wire decks. Size and capacity are critical in selecting the correct shelf decking. The most common size wire decks are listed below along with number of support channels per deck and capacity per deck and even how much each deck weighs. I have also listed the price per deck for reference. The capacity listed is for a uniform load over the entire area of the deck size. Also you always want most of the load of the pallet to be loaded over the horizontal load beams. The load beams of the pallet rack are designed to carry the weight. The channels in the wire decks also carry some weight and keep the wire deck rigid and from deflecting. Part Number Description Size Channels Capacity Per Piece Weight Each PRICE EACH WD-2446 24” Deep X 46” Wide 3 3,280# 11# $20.00 D3646AA3B1 36” Deep X 46” Wide 3 2,700# 19# $18.00 D3652AA3B1 36” Deep X 52” Wide 3 2,700# 20# $19.00 3658A4 36” Deep X 58” Wide 4 3,900# 24# $30.00 D4246AA3A1 42” Deep X 46” Wide 3 2,700# 22# $22.00 D4252AA3A1 42” Deep X 52” Wide 3 2,700# 23# $24.00 D4258AA3A1 42” Deep X 58” Wide 4 2,700# 28# $26.00 D4846AA3C1 48” Deep X 46” Wide 3 2,500# 25# $26.00 D4852BA3A1 48” Deep X 52” Wide 3 2,500# 27# $32.00 A48584 48” Deep X 58” Wide 4 2,630# 32# $38.00 The most common size of pallet rack is 36” deep, 42” deep, and 48” deep so that is why you see in the chart above that those sizes of decks are readily available from our multiple warehouse shipping locations. Also you can note the 46” wide, 52” wide, and 58” wide wire decks are most common to accommodate the following beam sizes. 8’ long beams require (2) 46” wide decks, (2) 52” wide decks fit on 9’ long beams, and (2) 58” wide wire decks fit on 10’ long beams. You use (3) 46” wide wire decks to go on 12’ long beams. Many other sizes and capacities are available depending on the application. There is another key ingredient to note when selecting wire decks. You must determine if you have step beams, or box beams, or structural c channel beams. The most common roll formed step beams such as teardrop style pallet rack beams will require a standard channel wire deck. The support channels of the wire deck fit in between the steps of the rolled beam and rest on the step to create the support. If you have box style beams or c channel structural beams then you will need a flared channel wire deck which provides and flattened piece of steel to rest on top of the beam since there is no step on these type beams. Most wire decking is either powder coated industrial grey color or some manufacturers have a galvanized finish on their wire decks. Both finishes work well for pallet storage. Install the wire decks are very easy. Once you have the pallet rack installed and the beams secured, you simply drop the wire decks into and over top of the beams. The wire decks rest there. You can tek screw the wire decks to the rack beams if desired. Wire decking is a very cost effective way to improve pallet rack safety. It also helps keep you product safe and secure in the pallet rack system. I always include wire decking in my pallet rack storage projects unless a customer requests otherwise. Shipping locations are available all across the US. We ship from Greensboro, NC, Lincolnton, NC; Denver, NC, Tennessee, NY, IL, SC, TX and many other locations across the country to get the decks to the job site quickly and at great pricing. Call or email anytime to get a quote or order wire decking at phil@pstrouth.com and 336-362-1639 https://www.pstrouth.com/wire-decking www.pstrouth.com Check out this YouTube video on the Basics of Installing Pallet Rack and Wire Decking.