Pallet Racking as a Desk?

Picture of a pallet rack used as a desk

We have some very creative customers! Brad Grack of New Auburn, Minnesota, wanted a “manly” look for his desk and found the perfect solution in teardrop pallet racking. This configuration works well as a desk and is completely adjustable to the shelf height/desktop height desired. And as an added advantage, Brad will never have to worry if it can hold the weight of his office equipment with this high capacity design!

Advantages of Using Wire Mesh Decking

Closeup drawing of wire decking
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Wire mesh decking is a popular choice for industrial storage and warehouse facilities. It is a type of steel decking that is made up of welded wire mesh panels, providing a sturdy and durable surface for storing heavy items. In this article, we will discuss the advantages of using wire decking for your storage needs.

Increased Safety

One of the main advantages of wire mesh decking is its safety features. The wire mesh panels are designed to prevent items from falling through the shelves, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. This is especially important for storing smaller items that may easily slip through traditional solid decking. Additionally, the wire mesh allows for better visibility and air circulation, reducing the risk of fire hazards.

Durability

Wire mesh decking is made from high-quality steel, making it extremely durable and able to withstand heavy loads. The welded wire mesh panels are designed to hold up to 2,500 pounds of weight, making it suitable for storing heavy items such as pallets and machinery. This durability also means that wire mesh decking has a longer lifespan compared to other types of decking, making it a cost-effective option in the long run.

Versatility

Wire mesh decking is a versatile option for storage as it can be used with a variety of storage systems such as pallet racking, cantilever racking, and shelving units. This makes it a great choice for warehouses and industrial facilities that may have different storage needs. Additionally, wire mesh decking can be easily customized to fit different sizes and shapes of storage units, making it a flexible option for any storage space. At SJF, both new wire decking and used wire decks can be purchased, depending upon your needs and budget.

Photo of installing pallet rack wire decking

Easy Installation

Wire mesh decking is designed for easy installation, making it a convenient option for businesses. The panels can be easily placed on top of existing racking or shelving units, eliminating the need for any additional tools or equipment. This also means that wire mesh decking can be easily removed and reinstalled if needed, making it a flexible option for changing storage needs.

Cost-Effective

Compared to other types of decking, wire mesh decking is a cost-effective option for businesses. Its durability and versatility mean that it has a longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Additionally, its easy installation and customization options mean that businesses can save on installation and maintenance costs.

Improved Air Circulation

Wire mesh decking allows for better air circulation compared to solid decking options. This is especially important for storing items that may be sensitive to temperature and humidity changes. The improved air circulation also helps to reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth, keeping your stored items in good condition.

In conclusion, wire mesh decking offers a range of advantages for businesses looking for a sturdy and versatile storage option. Its safety features, durability, versatility, and cost-effectiveness make it a popular choice for industrial facilities. Consider using wire mesh decking for your storage needs and experience these benefits for yourself.

Who you buy it from is often more important than who made it

Pallet rack, like the majority of material handling equipment, is available from several quality manufacturers in the United States. The question of what to buy is normally fairly straightforward. The real question is, who you buy it from to get the best possible deal in terms of price, delivery and support. There are several options.

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Pallet Racking Conditions – What to Know Before You Buy

Fact: There are more pallet rack options available to you now than at any time in history.

Fact: There are very significant differences between New, Used & Refurbished pallet racking.

Fact: You think you know everything there is to know about each – but really, you don’t.

The fact is, what one dealer says can often conflict with what another dealer says. As with any industry, there are several ways of doing something, but there are only a few ways of doing it right. The following article will give you some insight into what the differences may be between not only new, used & refurbished racking, but also the differences between the offerings from dealer to dealer.


New Pallet Racking

As you’d expect, new pallet rack is exactly what the name implies. New pallet rack is typically sold through authorized rack distributors. Rack distributors fit into two main categories: Stocking & Non-Stocking. The pricing that distributors provide can vary considerably. Stocking dealers and dealers who sell a larger volume of rack generally will get the best discounts from the manufacturers and will usually offer the best pricing to the customer.

Non-stocking distributors do not stock pallet rack, but rather buy & ship it directly from the manufacturer as they produce it. For this reason, rack purchased from non-stocking distributors will usually have a much longer lead time (4-12 weeks.) Rack purchased from stocking or non-stocking distributors typically comes with the same manufacturer’s warranty.


Used Pallet Racking

Used rack is rack that has been previously utilized by others. Used pallet rack can be found in conditions from ‘like-new’ with a few scratches to completely rusted or bent in places. Used rack can be a good investment for those looking to save money as long as the buyer takes some precautions. It is critical to validate not only the condition of the rack prior to purchase, but also the reputation of the dealer selling it. Start by finding dealers who have been in business for several years – the more the better. Check their web sites and avoid companies that don’t provide photos & descriptions of their equipment or if they don’t show pricing. The web site should also provide you with a physical address where the company resides, a phone number and the names of people you can talk to. They should also be able to verify that they own the equipment. Avoid dealers who will not let you inspect the racking before purchase. If the racking looks good and there’s little rust, the components should still have the same strength and capacity ratings it had when it was new.


Refurbished Pallet Rack

Refurbished pallet rack is another option available to rack buyers who want a lower priced alternative to new racking. Because there is little to no industry standardization for the term “Refurbished,” it is a good idea to ask what steps the supplier takes in their refurbishing process. While some dealers do a complete break-down, inspection & repair of the materials, some do not. The point is that not all refurbishing processes are the same. To make sure you’re getting what you pay for, equipment advertised as refurbished should go through many if not all of the following steps:

Inspection

Each piece to be reconditioned is thoroughly inspected. Components that are found to be damaged, cracked or bent should be repaired or replaced by experienced professionals. Replaced components should equal or exceed the manufacturer’s original specifications.

Clean & Prep

During this stage, all stickers, tags, etc. should be completely removed (not just painted over.) Dirt, debris and rust should also be removed prior to paint. Chemical baths or wire brushes are the preferred methods of removing dirt or rust prior to painting. While sand-blasting may be a cheaper process, it can remove some of the metal from the racking which can compromise the structural integrity of the product. No matter what method is used, make sure your dealer can confirm and will stand behind the original capacity rating of the rack.

Paint

Items that have passed the prior two steps are ready for paint. There are many different methods of painting. Whatever method is chosen, it should utilize paint that is specially formulated for industrial applications. For industrial applications, powder coat, epoxy & heated enamels are superior to cold applied spray or latex.


Renewed

Recently a new condition was introduced to the material handling industry. This ‘Renewed’ equipment provides “like-new” material at prices competitive with used or refurbished. Renewed products are manufactured as a blend of new & pre-owned materials that when combined, create a fully warrantied hybrid product that until recently, didn’t exist in the marketplace. Currently, SJF Material Handling is the only company offering renewed pallet rack.

Top 5 Things to Double-Check on a Pallet Rack Quote

So you’ve finally gathered the 3 competitive rack quotes that your boss requested a week ago. Now it’s time to sit down and give them a good looking over. While you may be tempted to simply look at the bottom line on each quote, you’ll want to first make sure you’re really getting the best price – not just the lowest.

5 of the most overlooked items on every pallet rack quote after the jump…

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Pallet Racking Solutions From Start to Finish

Pallet Rack Solutions - The Finished Rack

Michael McGullam from Leisure in Montana in Billings, Montana called SJF Material Handling looking for a racking solution to get his large, bulky hot tub covers up off the floor and stored in a more efficient manner. He and Kendal Kalamaha, SJF Solutions Specialist, discussed some possible pallet racking sizes and options, along with possible alterations.

One of the challenges they found was dealing with the freight to Montana, so Kendal was happy to work with him to maximize the order to get the best bang for the buck.

The Process of Building Racking, Step by Step

Watch the process unfold as Michael receives and builds his custom pallet racking storage for his business:

Featured Client: Kelly-Moss Motorsports

Kelly-Moss Motorsports Racking

Kelly-Moss Motorsports offers maintenance, performance tuning and enhancement, parts sales and much more to race teams all across the USA.  Kelly-Moss is a complete full service auto facility, working on both customer race cars and general automotive maintenance in their street shop.  The complex also houses the Level Five Motorsports racing team. With over 22 years of experience with all major car brands, Kelly-Moss is proud to make racers’ dreams come true.

Kelly-Moss utilizes SJF’s pallet racking to store and organize cars for clients, keeping them professionally maintained in their new 50,000 square foot facility, located just hours from Chicago and Milwaukee.

Additional Photos

SJF is honored to help Kelly-Moss store these beautiful cars safely and efficiently.

Featured Client: Modern Molding

Custom Blue Pallet Racking

Modern Molding, Inc. (MMI) of Delano, Minnesota, provides custom-made thermoplastic injection molded parts to the worldwide market with complete solutions for engineers, project managers, and purchasing agents. With unsurpassed technical support, Modern Molding helps manufacturers and engineers find the right solutions for any injection molding or tooling need.

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