8 Things to Look for When Buying Longspan Shelving

In summary, this blog examines the key things to look for when buying longspan shelving.

All the Long Span Shelving Looks Very Similar

A quick search will reveal that there are many different steel shelving options out there and seemingly similar units will vary quite a bit in price. So how do you choose between them. What should you consider in addition to price when weighing up different longspan shelving options?

8 Features to Look For

Here are key 8 things to look for when buying longspan shelving and comparing the different shelving options available.

1. Weight Capacity and Materials

One of the key differences is how much weight the longspan unit is rated to carry. This is usually expressed as the maximum number of kilograms that a pair of beams or shelf level can carry as a Uniformly Distributed Load (UDL) e.g. 300Kg per pair of beams UDL. In addition, each unit will also have a total maximum carrying capacity.

The load capacity of a longspan unit will depend on the quality and weight of steel used in its construction, as well as the bracing that is used in the uprights, beams and decks.

2. Type of Deck

Longspan decks or shelves are typically made of steel, timber or steel mesh. 

• Steel decks are strong and are often powder coated for a durable, rust resistant finish.
• Wooden decks are often made from MDF or particle board. Wood makes a good, active work-surface and is generally less expensive. However, it is less durable than steel.
• Steel mesh is useful for archive storage, as it allows airflow around the sored items. It also provides access for cleaning from underneath.

3. Stability

It's important that longspan units are stable, especially if the floor is uneven or heavy loads are anticipated on the uppermost shelves of the unit. Here are some of the features to look for:

• Are leveling plates (shims) available to fit under the footplates of a unit to compensate for unevenness in the floor?
• Do the units have pre-drilled holes in their footplates to fasten the unit to the floor, if necessary?
• Is there an option to screw the unit to the wall, if it is not practical to fasten it to the floor?

4. Ease of Assembly and Adjustment

Are the units easy to assemble, adjust and expand? Are they easy to dismantle, move an, re-install, if you need to move?

• What tools are required for assembly and adjustment?
• Is it easy to adjust the shelves up or down to any height that is required?

5. Modular Design that is Connectable into Rows

Is it possible to connect the units together into pairs or longer rows of shelving? This is important, as connecting a starter bay with one or more addon bays can improve the available storage space and reduce the investment required (one upright is saved each time an addon connection is made).

6. Ability to Buy Individual Components  

The ability to buy individual components on their own can is important if you have a special requirement, such as those outlined below:

• "Standard units come with 4 shelves, but I only need 3 shelves for my longspan unit. Can I buy the individual parts I need to make this unit?"
• "I need to add an extra level of shelving. Can I buy that separately?"
• "I already have some longspan shelving, but I need to change my configuration. Can I buy 3 uprights 4 beams and a deck?"
• "Can I buy just 1 component e.g I just need one replacement deck?"

7. Aesthetics

Bottom line - do the units look good? Do they look solid and professional? Will the finish last and continue to look good for years down the track?

8. Warranty

Does the supplier offer a replacement warranty for manufacturing or material defects in any of its products?

Summation

Although the many available longspan options may look similar, they will vary on a number of important features. This blog outlines the 8 things to look for when buying longspan shelving, so you can make an informed decision.

If you have any questions or would like further information, then you can contact us here. Also you can see the Falcon Shelving range of shelving units here.