Warehouse Racking
At Teepee, we specialise in the design, supply, and installation of warehouse pallet racking systems. We serve organisations of all sizes across the UK, providing tailored pallet racking solutions aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and optimising space utilisation.
We recognise that each business has unique requirements. Therefore, our pallet racking systems are customised to align with your specific operational needs, assisting in cost reduction, improving inventory management, and boosting overall productivity.
Whether you are looking for a new facility or seeking to upgrade an existing warehouse, selecting the appropriate pallet racking solution is crucial for managing large inventories and maximising storage capacity. Please contact us to discuss your pallet or warehouse racking project and to schedule a free site survey.
Need racking for your warehouse – speak to our specialist team.
What is pallet racking?
Pallet racking is a storage system used to hold materials stored on pallets within warehouses, distribution centres, and retail storage areas. It is designed to maximise vertical and horizontal space, while allowing forklift access to stored and retrieve palletised goods.
The main components of pallet racking are:
- Upright Frames – Consists of two vertical uprights connected by diagonal and horizontal braces.
- Beams – Horizontal supports designed to weight of pallets being stored.
- Support Safety Accessories – Designed to rest over the beams to provide additional pallet support i.e. timber and wire mesh decking.
- Safety Accessories – Upright protectors and end of aisle barriers are fitted primarily for safety and damage prevention.
Benefits of using pallet racking?
Pallet racking systems provide significant advantages when used within a warehouse, distribution centre, and retail storage environment.
Maximizes Vertical Space
- Utilises warehouse height effectively, freeing up floor space
- Allows for higher storage capacity without expanding the facility footprint
Improves Inventory Organisation
- Easier to categorise, label, and retrieve goods
- Helps maintain better stock control and inventory accuracy
Enhances Accessibility and Efficiency
- Forklifts can quickly access pallets, reducing picking time
- Streamlines loading and unloading processes
Increases Safety
- Designed to support heavy loads securely
- Reduces the risk of inventory collapsing or being damaged
Cost-Effective
- Reduces the need for more floor space or additional buildings
- Lowers operational costs through improved efficiency
What types of warehouse racking systems are available?
Wide-aisle pallet racking
Standard wide-aisle pallet racking systems are designed with standard aisle widths (typically 2,800mm – 4,000mm) between each rack, allowing conventional forklifts (i.e. counterbalance or reach trucks) to manoeuvre easily.
Narrow-aisle pallet racking
Narrow aisle racking systems minimises widths between each rack and provides full pallet access. Narrow Aisle Racking (NAR) uses specialist trucks and doesn’t require floor guidance; however greater care is needed to store and retrieve pallets. Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) uses specialist trucks using a floor guidance system, however flat floor is normally required.
Double deep pallet racking
This type of racking is ideal for non-perishable stock and consists of two runs of racking sitting back-to-back. Both pallets are accessed from one aisle, not only does this increase storage space and density it’s well suited to Last-in / First-Out (LIFO) operations.
Push back and pallet live racking
Pushback racking operates on a First- In / Last Out (FILO) basis. Pallets are loaded and unloaded from the front, capable of holding up to 10 pallets deep. Pallet Live racking works on a First-In / First Out (FIFO) system. Pallets are loaded from one aisle and retrieved from the opposite aisle. Both systems offer high density storage, fast throughput, and ideal for limited SKU’s.
Drive-through & drive-in pallet racking
These structures are alike in appearance but different in the flow of goods, both systems significantly maximise available warehouse space. Drive-In racking works on a Last-In / First-Out (LIFO), and Drive-Through racking works on first-in / last-out (FILO) principles.
Multi-tier pallet racking
Multi-tier racking is a type of storage system that features multiple levels or tiers of shelving or racking, designed to maximise vertical space within a warehouse or storage facility. It’s ideally suited for online retailers, clothing and archiving industries, offering high density storage of thousands of different SKUs.
Looking for an alternative solution? We also design, supply and install mobile pallet racking, cantilever racking systems, mezzanine floors and warehouse shelving systems.
What to consider when designing pallet racking in a warehouse
When installing warehouse racking systems, several key factors must be considered to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance. Here’s a breakdown of the most important considerations
Warehouse Layout & Space Planning
- Clear dimensions: Ceiling height, floor area, column placement, floor slab joints
- Aisle width: Based on material handling equipment (e.g., forklifts, reach trucks)
- Workflow optimisation: Consider product flow from receiving to shipping
- Dock door placement: Ensure easy access between racking and loading bays
Type of warehouse racking Systems
- Wide aisle / VNA racking: Most common; easy access to each pallet
- Drive-In / Drive-Through: High-density storage with limited selectivity
- Push-back or Pallet Live: For FIFO or LIFO, fast throughput
- Multi-tier racking: High density storage solution with access to 1,000’s of SKU’s
Load Capacity & Product Specs
- Pallet sizes and weight: Know the heaviest and largest pallets you’ll store
- Load distribution: Ensure beams and uprights match load requirements
Safety & Compliance
- Load signage: Clearly display rack capacities
- Rack protection: Install guards at aisle ends or high-traffic areas
- Rack safety inspections: Regular checks and damage protocols
Design Considerations
- Floor flatness and strength: Capable of supporting imposed upright loads
- Fire codes and sprinklers: In-rack sprinklers – Insurance / Building Regs
- Building permits and codes: Building regulations and escape routes
- CDM 2015 – Health and Safety compliance
Looking for pallet racking for your warehouse?
Why not get in touch with one of our sales team members and they will help you design a bespoke pallet racking system that meets your storage requirements, maximises throughput of stock and enhances warehouse efficiencies.
If you would like advice on planning and design a pallet racking layout for your warehouse or would like a quotationplease call us 01384 256969.
We can guide you through the whole process from the initial consultation right through to pallet racking installation, training and inspections.
