Choosing the Right Material for Your Wire Shelving Unit
It’s important to know your options when buying wire shelving units.
The beautiful thing about wire shelving is the number of choices available for material. Each material serves a particular purpose. Read below for the different shelving options as well as an explanation on each to ensure you make the correct choice.
Know Your Wire Shelving Material Options
There are four main types of wire shelving:
Wire Shelving Material Options
Black Wire Shelving
Black wire shelving is a great alternative to chrome wire shelving. The main difference here is the extra protection against rust due to the additional epoxy finish. The weight capacity is equal to those of the chrome wire shelving units at 600 lb. static load capacity. Keep in mind with all wire shelving units that adding casters will minimize the maximum shelf load capacity.
Overall Look of Black Wire Shelving
- Black wire shelving has a matte finish, compared to the shine of chrome or stainless steel.
Good to Know about Black Wire Shelving
- Many retail stores prefer black wire shelving due to the subtle color.
Chrome Wire Shelving
Chrome plating adds value to your wire shelving units because it is resistant to rust, dust, and damage. It is an excellent shelf regarding strength for the dollar value. Although not as strong as stainless steel, chrome shelving is much more affordable. Our chrome wire shelving units are also NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) certified for use in food service and health care environments.
These shelving units are also great for ventilation. If you have electronic equipment that requires venting, so it doesn’t overheat, or in cold storage where air circulation is required, chrome wire shelving is a perfect choice.
Overall Look of Chrome Wire Shelving
- Chrome has a more polished finish than other materials of shelving.
Good to Know about Chrome Wire Shelving
- Chrome is short for chromium and must include some degree of chromium mixed into the coating.
- Avoid chrome wire shelving units in overly humid environments such as walk-in coolers or moist storage. Instead, choose epoxy coated shelving such as Black Wire Shelving or Freezer Shelving.
Freezer Wire Shelving
Freezer wire shelves use carbon steel, and ours have a green finish. They are treated with an iron phosphate base and finished with a hybrid antibacterial agent and epoxy. Our freezer shelves are rustproof and are the perfect choice for wet and moist environments. Choose freezer wire shelving for coolers, walk-in refrigerators, or even outdoors. These shelves include a 15-year warranty and can hold up to 600 or 800 lbs.
Freezer wire shelves are a less expensive shelving option than stainless steel.
Overall Look of Freezer Wire Shelving
- Our Omega freezer units are green.
Good to Know about Freezer Wire Shelving
- The antimicrobial agent built into the finish protects shelves from bacteria, mold, mildew, and fungi.
Stainless Steel Wire Shelving
Stainless steel is among the most sanitary of materials and is a great fit for kitchens, healthcare environments, and many other applications. This type of wire shelving is also very low maintenance, and sturdy. The stainless steel wire shelving units can also be used outdoors or in wet environments and will never rust. Stainless is best for high-temperature fluctuations. Stainless steel’s biggest drawback is the high price tag, as this is the most expensive option.
Overall Look of Stainless Steel Wire Shelving
- Stainless steel also has a very polished look, similar to chrome.
Good to Know about Stainless Steel Wire Shelving
- Stainless steel can withstand high-temperature fluctuations.
Keep in mind that choosing the right material for your shelving unit is only the first step to buying the unit that’s perfect for your needs. Do you want your shelving unit to be mobile? What types of shelves do you need? These are important questions to ask yourself before purchasing.
If you need further assistance, please feel free to reach out us. Our team of experts is ready to assist.