The Ultimate Guide to Buying Wire Shelving
When it comes to buying wire shelving, the options can seem overwhelming.
First, you will need to establish your needs. Are you putting it in a warehouse? Is it for a restaurant kitchen? Will you be using it in a retail store? Or maybe it’s for your home?
The great thing about wire shelving is that it’s very versatile. It’s efficient for both commercial and home use. However, what works for your home is different from that of an industrial freezer, etc.
Therefore, follow the guide below to determine the correct type of wire shelving to purchase.
How to Purchase Wire Shelving
After you establish what you will be using your wire unit for and where you will be placing it, you should also consider the following:
- What is the best material for your wire shelving unit?
- What type of shelf style fits your needs?
- Does your shelving unit need to be mobile?
- Will you need to purchase any additional Accessories?
Below you will see each question explained in more detail.
Wire Shelving Shelf Material
Wire shelving typically comes in four main types of material:
- Chrome Wire Shelving – This is the most common wire shelving material. It’s resistant to rust, dust, and damage, and is less expensive than stainless steel.
- Black Wire Shelving – Provides an alternative look to chrome wire shelving and offers extra protection against rust due to an additional epoxy finish.
- Stainless Steel Wire Shelving – Very sturdy and water resistant. It’s best for high-temperature fluctuations.
- Freezer Wire Shelving – Ideal for wet and moist environments. Choose this wire shelving material for coolers, walk-in refrigerators, and the outdoors.
Wire Shelving Shelf Styles
Though wire shelving units are typically purchased with vented styled shelves (aka open wire shelving), other types of shelves include:
- Solid Shelves
- Triangle Shelves
- Basket Shelves
- Basket and Chrome Wire Combination
- Wine Rack Shelves
- Shelf tops – i.e., butcher block countertops or shelf liners which go over the open wire shelves.
When it comes to selecting the style of shelf, you’ll want to consider things such as the shape, size, and type of products the shelving units will hold. Small objects can slip through the slots of open ventilated shelves, while solid shelves will collect dust.
Baskets are great for storing oddly shaped items and butcher blocks extend functionality and provide visual appeal.
Mobile Wire Shelving
You may need to purchase a mobile wire shelving unit. Or perhaps you need to purchase wheels to add onto an existing unit.
There are many caster options for wire shelving including:
- Plated Casters – Less expensive option which can be bolted or welded in place. Plated casters are typically used for most medium to heavy duty applications.
- Stem Casters – Provide the greatest maneuverability, but cannot be removed once attached.
- Threaded Casters – Often come with brakes and are interchangeable.
Casters also come with the options of swivel (casters that spin 360 degrees) or rigid (only move forward or backward, cannot spin or turn).
In addition, when choosing casters, consider the material that best suits your needs.
Material options include:
When selecting a set of casters, consider how much weight will you be transporting, how frequently you’ll be moving your unit, and the condition of the floors your wheels will be traveling on. Polyurethane is the most common material and reliable caster choice, while rubber is low cost and won’t damage floors.
Wire Shelving Accessories
Lastly, there are many wire shelving accessories you can add to your units such as shelf hooks, dividers, and more.
These increase the efficiency of your shelving unit and can also add visual appeal.
If you would like to consult with one of our experts on purchasing wire shelving units and/or accessories, please call us at 1-800-221-8665 or message us on the Live Chat. Our team is happy to assist!