Bar Grate Decking

This can also improve access to inventory. Wire containers are designed to stack, but getting material out of the bottom container may require removing every container above it. Storing the containers individually in pallet rack gives workers direct access to each basket. Bar grate decking makes this possible while providing a shelf designed around the container weight, foot size, foot spacing, rack depth, and beam configuration.

Bar grate pallet rack decking is available for both uniformly distributed loads and concentrated point loads. Heavy-duty MBG carbon steel PressLock decking is available in configurations rated up to 4,000 lbs. per piece under specified uniformly distributed loading conditions. Extra-heavy-duty versions are designed for applications such as tools, dies, and wire or steel containers with feet. Options are available for common 42″ and 48″ deep pallet rack uprights and 96″, 108″, and 144″ beam lengths. Because point-load capacity depends on the actual load and its footprint, decking should always be selected for the specific application rather than by total capacity alone.

The open construction of bar grate decking also provides many of the advantages associated with wire decking. Air, light, and sprinkler water can pass through the deck while dust, debris, and liquids are less likely to collect on the shelf. Depending on the system and local requirements, the open area can also help meet fire-safety requirements. PressLock models listed by the manufacturer provide approximately 77.6% to 83% open area, depending on the configuration.

Bar grate decking can be designed for both roll-formed step beams and structural C-channel beams. Some designs set into the standard 1-5/8″ step of a pallet rack beam and remain flush with the top of the beam. Other configurations sit on top of structural beams or use collars that extend over the front and rear beams. This flexibility allows bar grate decking to be incorporated into new pallet rack systems or used to replace wire decking that isn’t suited for the loads being stored.

PressLock bar grate decking provides a lighter and often more economical alternative to traditional welded 19-W4 bar grating. It uses steel press-lock grating and can be manufactured with different bar spacing and capacities based on the application. Because traditional bar grating was originally developed for demanding applications such as mezzanines and catwalks, it can be more decking than many pallet rack applications require. PressLock decking provides another option when high capacity is needed without automatically specifying traditional heavy bar grating.

Traditional bar grate decking uses steel bearing bars with crossbars welded into the structure. It is commonly used for mezzanine flooring, catwalks, and other applications involving heavy static or rolling loads, but it can also be designed for pallet rack. Traditional bar grating is heavier than PressLock decking and may be appropriate for applications involving molds, dies, machinery components, steel containers, and other demanding loads. Plain and serrated surfaces are available for different applications.

Bar Grate Decking Features and Benefits

• Supports heavy palletized and concentrated loads
• Can be engineered for point loads from container feet, molds, dies, and equipment
• Provides an alternative to wire decking for demanding applications
• Open design allows light, air, and sprinkler water to pass through
• Helps reduce accumulation of dust, debris, oil, and liquids
• Available for 42″ and 48″ deep pallet rack systems
• Works with common 96″, 108″, and 144″ beam lengths
• Available for roll-formed step beams and structural beams
• PressLock and traditional bar grate designs available
• Can be used with steel and wire containers with feet
• Provides individual rack access to containers that would otherwise be stacked
• Can be incorporated into pallet racks, catwalk systems, and mezzanines

Frequently Asked Questions

Why use bar grate decking instead of wire decking?

Bar grate decking is used when the load exceeds the capabilities of standard wire decking or creates concentrated point loads. Wire containers with feet are a good example. Instead of spreading the weight evenly over the shelf, the container transfers much of its weight through four small contact points. Bar grate decking can be designed specifically to support these loads.

How do I determine the right bar grate decking capacity?

Don’t select decking based only on the total weight of the load. You also need to know how that weight reaches the decking. Important information includes the total load, dimensions of the smallest contact points, spacing between those points, pallet or container dimensions, rack depth, beam length, and beam type. For palletized loads, bottom-board or stringer dimensions and spacing may also be needed.

Can bar grate decking be added to an existing pallet rack?

Yes. Bar grate decking can be designed for common roll-formed pallet rack beams as well as structural C-channel beams. Some designs fit into a 1-5/8″ step beam, while others sit on top of structural beams. The existing rack dimensions, beam style, required capacity, and load characteristics should be confirmed before ordering.