Wire Decking vs. Solid Shelves: Pros and Cons

When designing or optimizing a warehouse, choosing the right type of shelving is more than just a structural decision—it affects safety, efficiency, and long-term scalability. One common debate: wire decking vs. solid shelves. But there's also a third option worth considering—pallet supports.

Wire Decking

Wire decking is a metal mesh that sits on pallet rack beams, offering support while allowing air and light to pass through.

Pros:

• Fire Safety Compliance: Allows sprinkler water to pass through, often required by fire codes.

• Visibility & Lighting: Improves visibility and lets light reach lower levels.

• Dust Reduction: Less surface area means less dust accumulation.

• Versatility: Works well with pallets, cartons, and irregularly shaped items.

Cons:

• Limited Support for Small Items: Small packages may fall through or sit unevenly.

• Noise: Metal-on-metal contact can be loud.

• Industrial Look: May not suit customer-facing areas.

  
  

Solid Shelves

Solid shelves provide a continuous surface, typically made of steel, wood, or composite materials.

Pros:

• Stable Surface: Ideal for small items, bins, and individual products.

• Clean Appearance: More polished look for retail or prep areas.

• Containment: Prevents spills from dripping to lower levels.

Cons:

• Fire Code Limitations: May block sprinkler water, requiring extra fire suppression.

• Dust Accumulation: Flat surfaces collect more dust.

• Reduced Visibility: Blocks light and sightlines.

  
  

Pallet Supports: A Third Option

Pallet supports are steel bars that run front-to-back between rack beams, supporting pallets directly without a decking surface.

Pros:

• Cost-Effective: Lower upfront cost compared to decking.

• Fire Code Friendly: Doesn’t obstruct sprinkler water.

• Ideal for Standard Pallet Loads: Great for facilities with consistent pallet sizes and loads.

Cons:

• Limited Versatility: Not suitable for loose items or non-palletized goods.

• No Surface for Small Items: Requires additional solutions for mixed storage.

  
  

Which Should You Choose?

• Wire decking is best for mixed-use storage and fire compliance.

• Solid shelves suit pick-and-pack or retail prep areas.

• Pallet supports are ideal for pallet-only storage with consistent load profiles.