Pallet rack design can be a complicated process. It is important to work out the needs and the physical limitations of your business before investing in a pallet rack system. The five steps below cover everything we will need to know to quote the right racking for you.
Print this page, fill in the blanks as you work through it, and you will be ready to answer every question we ask when you order a custom pallet rack system.
Step 1. Length of Beam
Maximum width of pallet or load (whichever is larger)
Number of pallets or loads across (between upright frames)
Total length of beams (max load width plus allowance)
Allow 3" between the upright frame and the loads, and 4" between loads. For example, allow 10" for two-across storage.
The clear distance between posts will be the beam length plus the space between plate and columns.
Load types
How to measure pallet loads:
- A) Depth of pallet or load
- B) Width
- C) Height
- D) Total height (load and pallet)
- E) Pallet stringer dimension
- F) Total weight (load plus pallet)
Step 2. Beam Capacity
Number of pallets per level
Load weight per pallet
Minimum required capacity per pair of beams
Step 3. Frame Depth and Spacers
Frame depth (A) should be roughly 6" less than the pallet stringer length – see the pallet guide below.
Frame dimension
Row spacers, wall ties and wire decking – please email or call for more information.
Pallet guide
A: Depth (stringer length) B: Width (board length) C: Height
Step 4. Frame Upright Height
To work out the height of the frames you need, starting at floor level:
Height of pallet and load combined, plus 9"
Multiplied by the number of shelf levels
Frame height
Rack only needs to go as high as is necessary to support the top pallets, and height may also be limited by the fork elevation of your lift truck. Allow a minimum of 6" between the top load and any ceiling obstruction, and check your local fire codes.
A) Load height B) Lift area C) Beam face
Step 5. Frame Upright Capacity
Total load weight per level
Maximum vertical shelf spacing
Number of levels per bay
Welter’s will calculate the frame capacity from the information above.
