Steel Shelving Guide

Steel shelving (also known as clip shelving) is one of the most ubiquitous storage products on the market.  This shelving is a simple yet effective storage solution for light to medium weight loads and can be reconfigured and moved around very easily.  You’ll find this shelving solution in warehouses, offices, garages and backrooms across the entire country – if not the world.

This steel shelving utilizes clips to connect the individual shelves to the uprights.  The clips slip into holes in the uprights to provide support for the shelves.

Unfortunately, because this shelving is such a popular storage solution, there are many different clip styles and clip types that must match to assemble a working shelf unit.  In other words, not all clip shelving is interchangeable.

There are also several add-ons and components available for steel shelving – including shelf dividers, side and rear panels, label holders, etc.  Please call SJF [800-598-5532] for more information or pricing.

Choosing Steel Shelving

Step 1: Choose from Starter or Adder Units

The first decision in ordering steel shelving is deciding whether you need a starter unit, add-on unit, or both. The starter unit can stand by itself or you may purchase add-on units to attach to the starter unit. For example, if you want a row of three shelving bays you would order one starter unit and two add-on units.

Step 2: Choose Shelf Quantity & Capacity

Next you can choose the number of shelves you want your shelving unit to have.  All metal shelving sold online is 7’1″ in height. Also choose a rough capacity you’ll need.  SJF carries both light & heavy duty steel shelving online.  Additional shelves can also be ordered for these shelving units.

Step 3: Choose Width & Depth

Now you’ll make a selection on the actual shef size.  Widths of 36″ and 48″ and depths of 12″, 15″, 18″ or 24″ are available online*.

*Note: Custom heights and other options are available by calling SJF directly (800-598-5532).

Steel Shelf Assembly

Starter and add-on units include all posts, sway braces, shelves, clips and hardware necessary for assembly. Shelf clips are designed for easy installation and shelf repositioning and clips are formed of heavy gauge steel for maximum weight bearing capability. If you like, you also have the option of assembling these shelves with bolts and nuts (instead of clips).

Steel Shelving Components

1: Angle Posts

• Roll formed of heavy gauge steel
• Greatest stability because of the stiffening offset rib
• Act as ‘brackets’ to frame rows of shelving – All outside shelf posts should be corner posts

2 & 3: Beaded Posts

• Provide maximum weight support due to tubular steel design
• Used as front shelving posts or common intermediate posts
• Two sided construction allows independent positioning of shelves
• Unique offset design maximizes shelf space and ease of accessibility
• Ideal for mezzanine use (Call SJF for Details – 800-598-5532)

4 & 5: Sway Braces

• Used with open units for added stability
• Can be placed on the sides or backs of shelving units

6: Shelves

• Choose from light or heavy duty depending on storage needs
• All shelves are flanged twice on each side and triple flanged on front and rear
• Top surface of shelves punched on 2” centers for adjustment of dividers
• Also punched for label holders, angle sway braces, reinforcing bars and angles on both front and rear faces

7: Foot Plate

• Encloses the bottom of the unit, preventing parts from being lost underneath

8: Label Holders

• Label Holders make finding products easy

9 & 10: Back Panels and End Panels

• Turn open shelving into closed shelving units

11: Shelf Dividers

• Divide shelves into separate sections

12: Bin Fronts

• Divide your closed shelving into several individual bin type compartments

13: Foot Plates

• Anchor your shelving to the floor for extra rigidity

14: Clips / Nuts & Bolts

• Tie the shelves to the posts