Shelving Buying Guide

When shopping for free standing wire shelving, the first thing that you must consider is what type of environment you plan on using it in. Wire shelving is usually used for one of two applications - dry or wet storage. Each of these applications requires a different type of shelving. Let's look at the various types of shelving that we offer and the appropriate uses of each one.

Regency Epoxy Chrome is our most economical type of shelving. This shelving is made of chrome-plated wire with a clear epoxy coating. It is NSF approved for dry storage and heated areas only. It is not for use in walk-in refrigerators or freezers. When used in the appropriate conditions, it carries a 10 year warranty against rust.

Regency Epoxy Green shelving carries a higher price, but is more versatile in it's uses. Regency Epoxy Green shelving is made of zinc-plated wire with a green epoxy coating. Regency Epoxy Green shelving is NSF approved for use in all environments. It may be used for dry storage, within refrigerators & freezers and in ware washing areas. This is, by far, our most popular shelving for use in walk-in refrigerators and freezers. It carries a 10 year warranty against rust.

Metro Max Q shelving is the top of the line product that we offer and it also carries the highest price. It consists of gray epoxy coated wire shelf frames, which are topped with a removable, polymer mat. The posts are made of epoxy-coated steel. The shelf mats are easy to remove and may be run through a dishwasher for cleaning. The mats also feature built-in anti-microbial protection, which prevents the growth of bacteria, mold, mildew and fungi. Metro Max Q shelving is NSF approved for use in all environments. Metro Max Q shelving may be used for dry storage, within refrigerators & freezers and in ware washing areas. It carries a 15 year warranty against rust.

All freestanding wire shelving consists of two basic components - the shelf and the post. A shelf attaches to a post through the use of a plastic clip. These plastic clips are included with each shelf that you purchase. Extras are sold separately. The clip is snapped over the post and the shelf is slid down until it fits snugly over the tapered clip. A typical shelving unit consists of four shelves and four posts, although more or less shelves may be used if desired. All shelves and posts are sold individually. If two shelving sections are placed end-to-end, "S" hooks may be used. They allow one shelf to hang onto and be supported by an adjacent one and eliminate the need for one set of posts. They can also be used to create an "L" or a "T" shaped configuration.

Various shelving accessories are available to further customize your shelving. Castors may be added to a shelf unit, making it transportable. Footplates are available which may be used to anchor the posts to the floor. Clamps are available to secure posts together. Hooks may be added to hang items from the edges of the shelves and label holders may be added for display purposes.

Wire shelving is more popular than other types of shelving for many reasons. It is very easy to assemble and requires no tools. One person can usually assemble a shelving unit in just a few minutes. The posts are grooved and numbered in 1" increments, which makes shelf placement and adjustment very simple. A threaded bolt in the base of each post makes it easy to level a shelving section on an uneven floor surface. If necessary, posts may be cut to any length. Open wire construction allows for light and sprinkler penetration, free air circulation and high product visibility. Moisture and dust build-up are minimized and cleaning is easy. With the variety of shelf sizes and post lengths available, the number of configurations possible is virtually limitless.