In many industries, there is often not simply one perfect choice but multiple ideal options based on the particular storage needs of a business.

The principle of multiple perfect choices is applicable to a lot of businesses, often credited to food psychophysicist Howard Moskowitz and particularly his contributions to pasta sauce and food marketing, but it also is important in the world of logistics and warehouse management.

Some types of shelving are recommended if not required for certain types of warehouses, with pallet racking necessary for larger warehouses that rely on forklifts and goods on pallets.

One of the most versatile options available is wire rack shelving, which uses a metal mesh to form a strong, reinforced lattice that provides not only heavy-duty storage but also breathability and some degree of flexibility.

Here are some of the biggest advantages of wire shelving for certain industries.

Exceptional Load-Bearing Capacity

Because it is made from high-strength materials using a structure designed to maximise its compressive strength, wire racking can support far heavier loads relative to its weight without losing any of its structural stability.

The exact weight capacity can vary, and it is important to check your capacity needs against the rated capacity of any particular wire shelving, but it allows for a wide range of goods and loads to be stored with confidence.

Excellent Air Circulation

Whilst wire shelving can be and is indeed used in most industry sectors, its airflow credentials relative to other shelving systems make it particularly important in agriculture and food storage facilities, because it avoids the problems that can come with moisture, condensation and mould in dark, stagnant areas.

This helps perishable foods to last longer and avoids issues with dust and debris settling on other types of shelving frames.

Better For Fire Safety

Another crucial benefit of the open design is that overhead sprinkler systems can access the entire warehouse, allowing for a fire to be quickly contained before it has the chance to spread.

This, alongside other safety measures, helps to ensure the safe storage of goods, even if they might otherwise pose a fire hazard.

Easy To Clean

The galvanised metal used to make the wire racking, the round shape and breathability mean that they resist the effects of staining, dust and corrosion, making them easy to clean and more hygienic.

This is why they are often used in food storage and food service; the metal shelves are a safer way to store food whilst minimising the risk of contamination as long as food safety protocols are maintained.

Improved Mobility

Wire shelves are easier to assemble and lighter than other forms of shelving, which makes them a particularly versatile option when storage requirements vary in a storage facility.

They can be fitted with lockable casters and are extremely easy to reconfigure, meaning that they can either be easily moved as a whole or taken apart and moved to where they are needed.

This is in contrast to other types of rack shelving, which need to be planned and constructed with the assumption that they are not likely to require moving in the short term.