Components for Steel Shelving
Adding shelving can be a quick and economical way to add needed storage space to a home, office or garage. Metal shelves are perfect for storing boxes, plastic containers, office supplies or any other items you want organized. When shopping for shelf units, look for industrial grade components made from heavy gauge steel. They are stronger and worth the extra cost.
Types
Before starting on your shelf project, be aware that there are many types and styles available to choose from. The commonly used steel clip type shelf is fine as long as you stick with a quality industrial grade unit.
Other types to consider are: wire shelving, boltless or rivet shelving, which is an industrial type system similar to pallet racking. The rivet and wire type shelves give you several advantages such as faster and easier assembly and the ability to install the shelves on wheels. Also keep in mind that most types of shelves are available either in a closed or an open style. Closed versions come with back and side panels instead of sway braces.
Shelves
Different brands of clip shelving are not interchangeable so it is best to stick with one good quality brand. If your plans involve bolting multiple shelf units together, consider buying add-on units that are made just for that purpose. They come with a single side instead of two and will make for a much stronger shelf system.
Posts
Angle posts (also called end uprights) are used at corners. Intermediate uprights are used where two adjacent units join together. Beaded posts are extra strong tubular posts that allow easier access to the shelves. Sway braces are used on open units to give the shelf posts stability.
Accessories
There are many different options available for steel shelves. If you plan to anchor the shelves to the floor, order foot base plates which are made for that purpose. Wheel options are also available for mobile shelf units. Front base plates are optionally mounted at the very bottom of the shelves to prevent things from getting lost underneath.
Hardware
Unless you are installing boltless type shelving, most shelving will allow you to use either shelf clips or nuts and bolts to attach the shelves and the uprights together.