Imagine walking into a warehouse where every item has a place: warehouse shelving spans every available centimetre, long beams support bulky crates, mesh decks keep everything visible and fire-safe, and cantilever arms neatly cradle long materials. That’s the reality Advanced Handling & Storage helps you create – a seamless fusion of structure, safety, and space-saving savvy.
In this guide, we’ll unpack longspan and multi-tier shelving, show why mesh decks matter, and define the uses for cantilever systems. We’ll also explore the accessories that take your storage from functional to exceptional – think labelling, fixings, safety barriers, and rack protection.
Ideal for storing heavier items in bulk, this shelving uses robust beams and deeper shelves. Great for boxes, trolleys and static stock.
Think of this as a mezzanine without the floor – a stacked shelving system with walkways and railings, maximising vertical cubic volume.
Open-mesh decks provide full visibility, ventilation and allow sprinkler penetration which is essential for fire safety. Timber decks offer a solid surface for smaller items and are still fire-safety compliant when correctly spaced.
Designed with horizontal arms projecting from vertical columns, this is perfect for lengths like pipes, timber or sheet materials – no front uprights blocking access.
Safety – prevents small items from falling and enhances fire sprinkler access
Visibility & airflow – improves stock checks and helps prevent moisture build-up
Durability – galvanised mesh decks support heavy loads and require low maintenance
| Feature | Mesh Deck | Timber Deck |
|---|---|---|
| Load Capacity | Medium to High | Medium |
| Fire Safety Compliance | Excellent – allows sprinkler penetration | Moderate – needs spacing for fire compliance |
| Ventilation & Airflow | Excellent – open design | Limited – solid surface |
| Visibility of Goods | High – easily visible | Moderate – may obscure smaller items |
| Moisture Resistance | Good – promotes airflow | Lower – susceptible to damp |
| Durability | High – galvanised steel | Moderate – can splinter or warp |
| Maintenance | Low | Medium |
| Cost | Medium | Lower |
| Installation Speed | Fast – drops into place | Moderate – requires securing |
| Typical Use Case | General storage, fire-regulated environments | Smaller items, lighter duty storage |
An open-front shelving system with arms that support long or awkward items like steel billets or plastic tubing – fully accessible from forklifts on each level.
Shelf-load labels, aisle signage, barcoded tags which are essential for accuracy and picking efficiency.
Includes concrete bolts for anchoring uprights, beam safety clips, row spacers and wall ties – maintaining structural alignment and integrity.
Post protectors, corner guards and end-of-aisle barriers to shield uprights from forklift strikes
Backstops, pallet stops, flue guards to prevent load overrun
Combination systems – longspan with mesh decks and row protectors to support mixed goods and secure storage
Modular design – multi-tier frames can integrate into pallet racking aisles for hybrid layouts
Q: What is the difference between longspan and heavy-duty shelving?
A: Longspan shelving holds medium to heavy items (200–600 kg per level) and uses wide beams. Heavy-duty shelving supports much larger loads, often on pallet-based racking.
Q: Are mesh shelves fire-safe?
A: Yes. Mesh decking is non-flammable and allows sprinkler water through which is a key requirement under many fire-safety policies.
Q: When should I choose cantilever over standard shelving?
A: When the goods are long, irregularly shaped, or awkward to palletise, cantilever arms offer unobstructed storage and access.
Q: Do I need post protectors on shelving?
A: Absolutely. They can prevent costly damage, maintain structural safety, and comply with rack safety regulations.
A smart warehouse shelving strategy does more than store stock, it enhances safety, streamlines workflows, and pays back through reduced damage and better space use. From choosing mesh decks to outfitting cantilever arms, and adding labelling and rack protection, the right choices amplify your warehouse’s potential.
Want to know more about tailoring a shelving solution for your operation? Contact Advanced Handling & Storage for expert planning, installation, and ongoing support.
