What Are the Alternatives to Longspan Shelving?

When it comes to warehouse shelving solutions, longspan shelves are often a popular choice for business owners due to the versatility, durability, and space-saving they provide. However, it’s crucial for business owners to explore alternative storage solutions to long span shelves that may better suit their specific warehouse needs.

In our blog post below, we will delve into various storage alternatives to longspan shelving and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each option. By understanding the available alternatives to longspan shelves, you will be able to make informed choices regarding their warehouse storage needs.

Alternatives to Longspan Shelving

If long span warehouse shelving isn’t the right choice for your storage space, there are a number of alternatives that may be a better fit; these include pallet racking systems, mezzanine flooring, and mobile shelving units. We’ll talk you through the basics of some of the best storage solutions for Melbourne businesses below.

A. Pallet Racking Systems – Maximising Vertical Storage

Pallet racking systems are a popular choice for businesses with high ceilings, limited floor space, and a need for efficient vertical storage. These warehouse storage systems allow for the stacking of pallets, making them ideal for storing a large quantity of goods while maximising floor space. Pallet racking also provides your staff with easy access to inventory and can be customised to accommodate various pallet sizes and weights.

B. Cantilever Racking – Ideal for Long and Bulky Items

Cantilever racking is a suitable choice for businesses that need storage shelves for long, heavy, or bulky items such as pipes, timber, or long equipment. Unlike traditional warehouse shelving, cantilever racks have arms that extend from vertical columns with no other storage obstructions, allowing for the storage of items of varying lengths. This design provides easy access and flexibility in handling unconventional inventory.

C. Mobile Shelving Units – Space-Efficient and Versatile

Mobile shelving units are an excellent choice for compact warehouses or businesses looking to maximise every inch of their available storage space.

These warehouse shelving units are mounted on wheels or tracks, allowing them to be easily moved around the available floor space as required and compressed to create more storage space when needed. Mobile shelving is highly customisable and can adapt to the various storage requirements of a variety of businesses.

D. Mezzanine Floors – Expanding Storage Horizontally

Mezzanine floors are a clever way to expand your inventory storage capacity by creating an additional level within your warehouse. This approach effectively doubles the usable storage area available without the need for extensive construction or moving to a larger space.

Warehouse mezzanines can accommodate various types of shelving systems or even serve as extra office space, making them a versatile solution for Melbourne business owners.

E. Wire Shelving – Lightweight and Adjustable

Wire shelving is a lightweight and adjustable alternative storage solution to long span shelves which is suitable for various industries. These shelves are quick and easy to assemble and flexible enough to be adjusted to accommodate changing inventory sizes. Their open and unobstructed design allows for good visibility of inventory and air circulation, making them suitable for environments where cleanliness and accessibility are critical.

Pros and Cons of Alternatives to Longspan Shelves

As you can see, there is a wide range of choices for businesses that are not best served by long span shelves. But in deciding which option may be a better choice, you need to weigh up the pros and cons of each shelving solution for your company and warehouse operations.

To help you make informed decisions about the best warehouse storage for your storage space, here is a brief rundown of the pros and cons of each alternative shelving option.

Pallet Racking Systems

• Pros: Maximises your available vertical space, provides suitable space for various pallet sizes, and provides easy access to items.
• Cons: These systems may not be a space-efficient option for smaller items and inventory. You should also factor in the initial cost of installation.

Cantilever Racking

• Pros: These warehouse shelving options are designed to support long and bulky items, and also provide easy access to materials when needed.
• Cons: These alternatives to long span shelves may not be suitable for small or densely packed items, and also require a sizeable floor space.

Mobile Shelving Units

• Pros: These space-efficient and highly customisable storage units are adaptable to changing needs and can be easily moved around the available space.
• Cons: However, they have a limited weight capacity and will also require regular maintenance and checks to make sure they remain safe and secure.

Mezzanine Floors

• Pros: Mezzanine floor installations expand storage space available horizontally in your warehouse and allow versatile usage of the new space.
• Cons: This warehouse storage solution requires construction and structural evaluation and a substantial initial cost.

Wire Shelving

• Pros: Wire shelving is lightweight and adjustable and also provides good visibility of inventory and air circulation around the warehouse.
• Cons: This warehouse shelving option only provides limited weight capacity and is not suitable for storing heavier items.

Selecting the Right Storage Solution

To select the most suitable storage solution for your business in Melbourne, you should assess the specific operational and storage needs of you warehouse. Remember to consider factors such as the type of inventory, the weight of items, the available storage space, your budget, and long-term inventory growth projections.

Conclusion – What Are the Alternatives to Longspan Shelving?

Although longspan shelving remains a viable option for a variety of warehouses and businesses in Melbourne, it’s essential to explore alternatives that may better cater to your specific requirements. Pallet racking systems, cantilever racking, mobile shelving units, mezzanine floors, and wire shelving all offer unique advantages and disadvantages.

Understanding these alternatives allows you to make an informed decision about the best warehouse storage option for your company which will enhance efficiency and productivity. It’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons of each option carefully and select the storage solution that aligns best with your business objectives.

If you’re unsure which solution is right for you, our expert and knowledgeable staff are here to assist you in finding the perfect alternative to longspan shelves that optimises your warehouse space and supports your business growth.

Contact us on 03 8390 4483 for expert guidance and a tailored warehouse shelving solution that meets your unique requirements.