When cost and durability are important, storage racks can offer some easy shelving ideas to make the most of the space you have. Shelves are often expensive and can be too easily damaged while also being inadequately designed to neatly store the items you intend to organize. Racks can be more cost-effective than conventional shelving, plus they are much more versatile and fit into almost any available space.
shelves vs racks
Shelves themselves come in all kinds of styles, colors, materials, and sizes, and storage shelves are often substituted when price is an issue. The biggest change between racks and shelves revolves around appearances. Shelves are generally considered furniture, meaning they have a clean, finished look, while shelving is almost purely functional, meaning it’s meant to hold things, rather than display them attractively. However, this does not mean that shelves cannot be used effectively, and a simple shelf can offer versatility that typical shelves lack.
at home and in the office
At home, people often use storage racks in their closets for wardrobe and related items. Good places for shelves are pantries, laundry rooms, garages, workshops, and sheds. However, they can also be an attractive addition outside the closet and utility areas, especially as standard metal finishes have been expanded to include painted and wrought iron looks. A good kitchen shelf can be a good place to display books, dishes or condiments, and the shelves can be placed in the bathroom or bedroom for utilitarian purposes.
The wide shelves and solid construction of the racks make them commonly used in offices and workplaces as they are ideal for storing large boxes of files or office supplies. The shelves also have superior durability to typical shelves, making them suitable for areas that are not specifically climate controlled. The best reason for selecting racks over standard racks may be cost; However, the cost of even a large shelf is regularly less than half of an archetypal shelf.
Choose the right design
With so many shelves to choose from, you need to understand your space and needs. The points that need to be considered when deciding on storage racks are:
functionality. Functionality takes over when the idea is to organize. File boxes are usually uniform in shape and size, and many storage racks are designed specifically for boxes. To store frequently used items, on the other hand, using sliding shelves and the addition of casters can make it easy and convenient.
Construction materials. The racks are constructed of aluminum or steel, ensuring longevity and durability. However, shelves made from plastic may be more suitable in areas that experience excessive heat and humidity. Plastic also has the benefit of being more resistant to damage from chemicals or grease, making them ideal for most industrial uses.
Dimension. Shelves come in a variety of sizes, and not all of them are appropriate for holding any size item. A large shelf can handle larger items like pallets, while smaller shelves can handle smaller items like file boxes and excess supplies. Pallet racks are available with wire or corrugated decks, adding stability when pallets must be stored high.
mounting solutions
Rack configuration is often the most important factor when it comes to overall efficient use of space, and there are a number of rack solutions to choose from when it comes to meeting a particular need. Although ideal for boxes and other stable items, shelves can include the option of wire baskets for items that don’t sit securely in place. Cantilever shelves, on the other hand, are a convenient shelving solution for hard-to-handle items like lumber, while sheet racks are ideal for storing sheets of drywall, plywood, or even doors. When larger solutions are needed, stackable racks may be preferred as these allow additional levels to be added when required.
Storage racks have become a practical alternative to shelving in many storage situations, as they are practical and functional, and much more affordable than typical shelving. However, it is important to select the correct size and materials, as both the environment and the storage elements can make certain materials and designs more favorable than others. You can find good prices on storage shelves from many retailers and vendors both online and in your local area, making them a great option for easy shelving ideas.