![\"Pallet](\"https:\/\/www.speedrackwest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Pallet-Rack-Anatomy-1024x1024.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThere are many different styles of warehouse pallet racking, but the most common in use today is called the \u201cteardrop\u201d style<\/strong> (also known as \u201cInterlake Old Style\u201d). These frames have a distinctive teardrop-shaped hole that allows for quick, secure beam connections. Both the old and new Interlake styles are structurally sound and compatible with standard teardrop beams\u2014neither is more secure than the other.<\/p>\n\n\n For more information about warehouse shelving, visit our warehouse shelving basics resource page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The structure of your pallet racking is generally called the frame. Pallet Rack Frames can be made of different materials, but the strongest and most common is steel. The frame is what provides the structural support, and are made to hold huge weight loads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are multiple types of frames that are used for different storage options. One of the most popular is the pallet rack upright frame<\/a>, which is perfect for creating pallet racks that are more like standard shelving. If you\u2019re planning on working with longer items, like pipes or lumber, cantilever frames<\/a> are the best solution. For things that stack, you might want to consider an industrial stack rack frame<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take stock of what the purpose of your shelving will be, and then explore the frame options to match.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To pick the right frame for your pallet racks, you need to determine the height and depth of the frame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most common frame height is 12\u2019 or 16\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To calculate the right height for your space, measure the distance from the floor to your ceiling (or sprinkler heads, if you have them). Subtract 1.5\u2019 (18\u201d) for clearance, and also subtract the height of your pallet + load. This will give you the maximum height of your top beam level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 21\u2019 Sprinkler Height = 15.5 feet \u2013 so select a 16\u2019 height frame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Select an upright height that is tall enough for the height of your top beam level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Can I put a beam level at the very top of the frame? Yes, but it doesn\u2019t have to be.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n When selecting the height of your frame, be sure to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most common frame depth is 42\u201d because it properly supports a standard 48\u201d deep pallet. If you are using non-standard pallets, or you\u2019re storing other products, be sure to calculate the correct frame depth based on the size of the product you are storing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The frame depth sets the distance between the beams. Because the beams are designed to support the weight, the pallet should overhang the beams by 3 inches on the front and back.<\/p>\n\n\n To determine the correct frame depth, measure the depth of your pallet and subtract 6\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example: A standard GMA pallet is 48\u201d deep. Subtract 6\u201d = 42\u201d frame depth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While the frames are what hold your warehouse shelving upright, it\u2019s the beams that hold the frames together. Shelving or racking cross beams are usually made of heavy-duty steal, and match with the teardrop connecting systems of the frames.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The pallet rack beams<\/a> are what give your shelving the length they need. The longer the beam or crossbar, the longer your shelving will be. Take this into consideration when you\u2019re measuring out your space and planning your warehouse layout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To choose the right beam for your pallet rack, you\u2019ll need to determine the length of the beam, and the height of the beam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8ft pallet rack beams are the most common beam length, because they allow you to store two standard 48\u201dD x 40\u201dW pallets per beam level, and the shorter length helps to support heavier pallets. If you have larger pallets, you may want to select a 9ft or 10ft beam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your pallets are not very heavy (ie, less than 2,000 lbs), 12ft beams could be a good choice. 12 ft beams allow you to fit three standard pallets per beam level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The length of your beam should be determined by the width of your pallets \/ product, and the capacity you need per beam level. Shorter beams will give you a higher capacity than longer beams.<\/p>\n\n\n The capacity of the beam is determined primarily by the length and the height of the beam, sometimes called the \u201cface size.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beams with a larger face size will have a higher load capacity. The height of the beam typically varies between 3\u201d and 6\u201d. Choose a beam height that provides the capacity you need. Take a look at our beam load capacity guide for a look at approximate beam capacities.<\/p>\n\n\n When determining the number of beam levels for your pallet rack, allow for at least 3-4\u2033 of clearance between the top of your stored product and the bottom of the beam above it. Also, include in that spacing between levels the height of the beams you selected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To calculate the total width of the rack, add the width of the beam to the combined width of the two upright posts. For example, if the beam is 96 inches wide, and each post adds 3 inches, you\u2019ll need to add 6 inches total. That makes the overall rack width 102 inches.<\/p>\n\n\n Rack Decking is what the actual shelf is made out of. This is important to consider when planning what you\u2019re actually going to put on the pallet rack. For instance, if you\u2019re putting large items on your racks, then a wire mesh decking<\/a> will work well, as they allow a load of up to 2500 pounds of uniformly distributed weight. But if you have small or thin items that might fall through the holes in the wire mesh, then something more consistent like a perforated steel or solid steel deck might be a better solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wire Mesh Decking<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep in mind that the weight of your load matters. While the frames and beams might support the weight of your materials, if the decking can\u2019t support the weight, it likely to break through the shelf and crash into what\u2019s below. Fire safety is also a consideration, so if you have flammable materials, or items that could spark and cause a fire, wood decking may not be the best option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wire Mesh Decks are an optional safety item, but we highly recommend them on every pallet rack system. We would estimate that roughly 90% of our customers choose to use wire mesh decks on their pallet racking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To select the right wire deck, the depth of the wire deck must match the depth of the frame.<\/p>\n\n\n The width of the wire deck is determined by the length of your beams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are using our pallet rack builder (above), it will automatically select the correct wire decks for your beams and frames.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Safety is everyone\u2019s top priority, so you\u2019ll likely want to add some extra items to increase the safety of your rack system:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Anchors<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 Pallet rack that is not anchored to a concrete floor is extremely unsafe. You need four anchors installed per frame. Anchoring pallet rack is an essential part of proper pallet rack installation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Column Guards<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 Damaged pallet rack is unsafe, and the most common damage to a frame happens when it is hit by a forklift. Installing column guards on each frame can reduce the likelihood of damage during low speed impacts. Any exposed side of a frame needs protection with a column guard solution such as a RAMguard<\/a> or a column guard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Teardrop](\"https:\/\/www.speedrackwest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Teardrop-and-Interlake-perforation-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPallet Racking Frames<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Selecting Your Pallet Rack Frame<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pallet Rack Frame Height<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\u2013 1.5\u2019 Clearance
\u2013 4\u2019 pallet + load height<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Pallet Rack Frame Depth<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Pallet](\"https:\/\/www.speedrackwest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Pallet-Rack-Frame-Depth-2-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPallet Rack Support Beams and Crossbars<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Selecting Beams for Your Pallet Racks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pallet Racking Beam Length<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Pallet](\"https:\/\/www.speedrackwest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Pallet-Racking-Beam-Length-1.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPallet Racking Beam Height \/ Capacity<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Pallet](\"https:\/\/www.speedrackwest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Pallet-Rack-Beams-Load-Capacity-1-1024x683.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPallet Racking Beam Levels<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
How to Calculate the Total Width of the Rack<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Dimensions](\"https:\/\/www.speedrackwest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Dimensions-1024x1024.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWarehouse Pallet Rack Decking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Selecting your Wire Mesh Decks for Your Pallet Racking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Wire](\"https:\/\/www.speedrackwest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Step-5-1024x683.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Pallet Rack Safety Considerations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Pallet](\"https:\/\/www.speedrackwest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Pallet-Rack-Safety-Ptoducts-1024x395.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n![\"Starter](\"https:\/\/www.speedrackwest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Starter-Bay-and-Add-On-1-1024x683.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n