Wire decking is superior to plywood in many ways, and a small investment up front can pay big dividends in the future.
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Although the Rack Manufacturers Institute design code (ANSI MH16.1-) does not explicitly prohibit the use of plywood, there are a number of significant advantages to using wire decking.
Chief among them are safety, long term cost and ease of use. Here are a few reasons you should strongly consider wire decking for your racking equipment.
Fire Safety
Flammable wood planks can speed the spread of flames in the event of a fire. Furthermore, solid planks obstruct the flow of water from fire sprinklers, lowering the facility's fire suppression system's efficacy.
In any warehouse, falling objects are an ever present concern. Plywood decking on overhead racks can be hazardous, because plywood is much more likely to slip when the items on top are moved. This can result in falling products and plywood, either of which can result in bodily injury, product damage or both.
Contamination Hazard
Plywood decking creates an unbroken plane, which is not advantageous when it comes to product storage. Solid surfaces can collect dust, debris, spilled products, pests and bacteria. Solid surfaces can also make it easier for rats and mice to hide and move about.
Illumination
Wire mesh decking lets some overhead light through. Solid plywood decking doesn&#;t. Facilities with solid decking can be significantly darker, which can impact both employee morale and safety.
Cost
While plywood may appear to be a cheaper option, the time it takes to measure, cut and install wood decking can easily be equivalent to the extra cost of steel. Additionally, plywood decking will need to be replaced far more often than wire deck.
Are you interested in learning more about Custom Wire Mesh Container? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
Durability
Wood decking can splinter and warp, and is susceptible to water damage. Wire decking, on the other hand, is nearly impervious to these things. Forklifts and pallets can quickly render plywood unusable while wire mesh can last for decades.
Capacity
Obviously, metal is stronger than wood. Steel decks can support much heavier loads than plywood. As wood decking wears and ages, it can become brittle and weak, further reducing its load capacity.
Ease of Installation
Wire mesh comes in prefabricated panels built to standard sizes. It fits perfectly on racks without having to modify it or use any tools. Plywood, on the other hand, requires cutting to size and can only fit between step beams.
Talk To A Racking Expert
If you&#;d like to learn more about decking options or other industrial storage topics, talk to an expert at Raymond West today! Our team can help you design the perfect storage solution for your warehouse or other industrial facility.
Yes, wire decking was covered in a previous post, but it is such an important component of pallet rack that I thought it was necessary to re-inform you, if you will, of the basics of wire deck!
Wire decking is used in pallet rack and other types of storage rack. Made from steel wire, wire decking gives you the flexibility to store a variety of pallet sizes. It provides a solid surface while also maintaining an open surface which allows the overhead sprinkler system to suppress fires without restriction. Wire decking is easy to install and is maintenance free.
The wire deck is created with welded wire mesh and integrated support channels. The decking sits on top of the beams to create a shelf on which to store palletized inventory. It can be created to accommodate any depth of rack or beam length. It can also be designed for a range of load bearing capacities.
Buying used wire decks can be an extremely easy way to cut down on expenses. Storage Solutions has a large selection of used beams, used uprights, and used wire decks for you to choose from. We specifically store our pallet racks inside our warehouse; that way we can ensure that all of our customers receive the highest quality of used wire decking available.