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When choosing between the two most prevalent types of racking systems in the market – single-deep racks or double-deep racks – it’s incredibly important to understand their peculiarities, their particular qualities, and their many advantages as well as disadvantages. In this article, we’re going to measure one against the other and give you an idea of which one best suits your business and industry.

Why is it important to choose the best type of racks that will work for your warehouse?

Racking systems are a crucial part of any warehouse. They are often the first thing seen when entering a warehouse and they can be an important factor in the productivity of the warehouse.

The factors you should consider when purchasing a new racking system are:

  • The size and shape of your items
  • The weight capacity of your racking system
  • The height clearance needed for your items
  • Your budget 
  • The type of items you will be storing
Selective Racking Systems

The type of rack that you choose for your warehouse will depend on the size and weight of the product. For example, if you are storing heavy items like machinery, you will need a strong type of rack like a pallet rack. A pallet rack is made up of metal bars that are welded together to form columns and beams. If you have lighter items like clothes or shoes, then a shelving system might be more appropriate.

Single-deep selective racks

Called a deep selective, selective, or selection rack this system has been a fixture in the storage industry since its inception in the early 1950s. 

The single-deep selective pallet rack was invented in the 1950s by an engineer named Robert W. Taylor. He created it to store and retrieve parts for the B-58 bomber at North American Aviation’s plant in Kansas City, Missouri.

One of the most common uses of it is in retail — particularly for clothes. 

The selective racking is one of the most common ways to store clothes. They are usually made of metal or plastic. Since loads are stored one pallet deep, this is the lowest density storage type of any system. It is the most common type of system.

The single-deep selective rack is a type of selective rack that only has one level of space. In warehouses, these types of systems allow unimpeded access to every pallet. They are incredibly useful when moving small loads.

Single-deep selective racks are also used in retail stores because they allow for high visibility of the items on display. This makes it easier for customers to see what is available in each size, and colour, and get it without the need for outside help.

Advantages of using a single-deep rack system

The advantages of single-deep racks are numerous. They can be used in a variety of applications, they are more efficient, and they can save space.

Single-deep selective racking system

Single-deep racks have several key benefits that make them the preferred choice for many industries. These racks are more efficient than multi-deep racks, which means that the warehouse can store more goods in the same amount of space. Single-deep racks also allow employees to access goods from both sides, which makes it easier to find items. In addition, single-deep racks are easier to assemble and install than multi-deep racks.

Double-deep racks

Double-deep racks are a type of storage rack that is commonly used in warehouses and retail stores. They are created by stacking two levels of shelving on top of one another. The bottom level is called the “deep” while the top level is called the “shallow”.

Double-deep racks are used by many industries due to their efficiency. They are most commonly used in warehouses and distribution centres, where they allow for more optimized space usage. This type of storage solution delivers up to 50% more space and capacity.

Advantages of using a double-deep rack systems

Double-deep racks are a type of storage system that can store twice as much as a standard rack. They are typically used for storing heavy items like pallets, metal drums, and boxes.

There are many advantages to using double-deep racks in warehouses. For one, they provide more space for storage. A standard rack can only store up to 800 pounds while a double deep rack can store up to 1600 pounds. This means that there is more room for larger items like pallets and metal drums which need more space to be stored properly. Additionally, these racks offer greater protection against theft and vandalism because they have two layers of protection with the top layer being heavier than the bottom layer.

They utilize LIFO loading requirements and are great for dry storage without any expiry concerns.

Single-Deep Selective Racks vs. Double-Deep Racks — which to buy?

Most folks, right away think that double-deep – due to their increase in overall storage capacity – is their best choice. However, that isn’t exactly true. They might not be the best fit for your needs. In truth, double-deep provides only a small extra amount of space, and it depends a lot on your building’s layout and size — including if it has angled walls, irregular rooms, etc. They also require specific equipment, which may jack up the price and overall maintenance.

When choosing a system, it’s critical to take into account: 

  • Product flow. 
  • Shelf life.
  • Pallet size.
  • Building specs.
  • Inventory life.

Sometimes the simple, and most affordable option – a single-deep selective rack – is the best option for your business.