OPEN SHELVING: which you see pictured on the left , that has open sides and backs , and which uses X-braces for lateral stability. Open shelving is, by and large, the most common type of shelving used to store boxes, bins, parts, and generally to organize your inventory. because it is economical, strong, and highly configurable.
 

CLOSED SHELVING: this is the other type of shelving , which you see pictured at the above right. The sides and back of the shelving unit are enclosed with sheet metal panels that are bolted to the posts. Closed shelving is typically used where smaller parts are being stored which may possibly fall off the shelves resulting in damage to the product.
 

Both types of shelving use what are called "compression clips" to hold the shelves securely in place. Compression clips are every bit as strong as nuts and bolts – with the convenience of not needing a tool to adjust the shelves. An entire unit (except back braces and side braces) can be assembled with clips, including the top and bootom shelves.
Not all shelving is alike. 
 

There are many different kinds of shelving but they generally fall into three distinct categories: industrial grade shelving, commercial shelving, and die-rack shelving. They are distinguished by their capacities (how much weight can be distributed over the entire area of the shelf-- this is called the "uniform, or distributed load capacity"), the gauge of the steel used, and the construction of the shelf itself. These shelving units are either open (the back and sides are not enclosed, but use "sway braces" or X-braces to stabilize the unit and give it lateral rigidity) or closed, using light gauge steel panels to cover the back and sides. Open shelving is, by and large, the most common shelving used in industrial applications.

Briefly, the lower the gauge of the steel used, the thicker the steel (e.g. an 18 gauge steel shelf is thicker– has more steel, is heavier– than a 22 gauge shelf). Does this translate into greater capacity? NO! It generally translates into unnecessary cost. The most important feature of a shelf is NOT its GAUGE ... but its CONSTRUCTION! 

A typical 36 in. wide x 18 in. deep "Class 0" 18 gauge steel shelf with two bends on the sides is rated (depending on the manufacturer) at around 600 lbs. The same size shelf in 20 gauge steel with a box construction on the sides is rated at 850 lbs.! Even a 22 gauge box shelf yields a 600 lb. capacity. 
 

Even the lightest duty shelving sold by reputable distributors called "commercial shelving" is superior to ANYTHING you buy at the large warehouse stores, or your local hardware store.

Triboro, Penco, Lyon Metal, Equipto, Tennsco, Parent Metal, Hodge Manufacturing, Schaeffer, Scotland Rack, Adapto. For Wire Shelving : Metro (Inter-Metro, Metal Masters ( Eagle ), Nexel, Wm. Hodges ( Falcon ), Gillis, ISS. For Pallet Racks: Husky, Penco, Lyons. WE REPRESENT ALL OF THEM and will give you a better price than if you try to go right to the manufacturer. You may buy once or twice from them (IF they will sell directly to you – and most will not) but we buy thousands of times, and get much, much deeper discounts – that we pass on to you!