Wire decking is a welded wire mesh platform with support channels welded to the bottom that sits on pallet rack beams to create a surface for storing items. It improves safety, load distribution, visibility, and fire-code compliance. It prevents pallets or cartons from falling through, allows sprinklers to pass water through the rack levels, so it meets most local fire codes, and turns open beams into a safe and usable shelf.

Standard wire decking capacities range from 2,000, 2,500 to 3,500 lbs. per deck when the load is uniformly distributed. Capacity depends on the depth, width, wire gauge, and number of support channels of a deck. Custom heavy-duty decks can reach 5,000 lbs. (UDL) with the addition of extra channel supports.

The most common type of decking is 42″ D x 46″ W with three channels and typically carries about 2,500 lbs. (UDL). Always confirm the manufacturer’s capacity specifications based on your rack beams and load type.

The three most common styles are:

• Step-channel wire decking – Most common wire deck with u-shaped channels that sit inside the standard 1-5/8” step of step beams and is most prevalent. Includes 1.5” waterfall on front and back.

• Flared-channel wire decking – has a universal fit with flared channel supports that sit on top of beam. Designed to fit structural channel beams, box beams and standard 1-5/8” step beams. Includes 1.5” waterfall on front and back.

• Inside waterfall wire decking – has specialized edges that fit inside the step with no waterfall, leaving the beam face unobstructed for ID labels. No waterfall prevents products from snagging.

You can also specify galvanized, powder-coated in a variety of colors, or custom-mesh patterns and inverted channels for specialty applications such as food storage and freezers.

Yes. Most jurisdictions prefer or require wire mesh decking because the open mesh design allows water from overhead sprinklers to flow through to lower levels. Many AHJs (Authorities Having Jurisdiction) require a 50% or greater open-area design, which standard wire decking meets. Always verify with local fire-code officials and your insurance company, especially for high-pile storage.

Wire decking is sized by rack depth and beam length.

• Standard depths include 36″, 42″, 44”, and 48″ deep
• Standard widths are designed to fit 8′, 9′, 10′ and 12’ beams (e.g., 46″ W, 52″ W, and 58” W decks)

A quick rule of thumb:

• 8′ beams = two 46″ W decks
• 9′ beams = three 52″ W decks
• 10′ beams = two 58″ W decks
• 12’ beams – three 46” W

To ensure an accurate fit, measure beam length (clear opening between uprights), depth of upright and the inside step dimension if using step beams.

Wire mesh containers are heavy-duty, collapsible steel storage bins used to store, transport, and stage bulk materials in manufacturing plants, warehouses, and distribution centers. They are popular in automotive, machining, aerospace, apparel, retail, and general industrial applications. Their open-mesh design provides increased visibility, ventilation, and inventory control, while still offering the ability to stack.  

Standard industrial wire containers typically hold 1,500 to 4,000 lbs. per container, depending on size, wire gauge, and base construction. Heavy-duty models such as automotive rigid containers (like the GM-5131) can exceed 5,000 lbs. Most collapsible containers are designed to be stacked four high, fully loaded, without deforming. Always refer to the rated static and stacked capacities provided on the manufacturer’s spec sheet.

Yes. Most wire mesh containers are fully collapsible for return shipping and stackable when open or collapsed.

• Collapsed/Folding: They nest flat to reduce freight and return-loop costs by up to 75%.
• Open/Stacked: Containers can typically be stacked 4 high using stacking feet that lock securely into the container below. This makes them ideal for closed-loop manufacturing, automotive supply chains, and 3PL environments.

Yes. Wire containers can be fully customized with:

• Attached lids are lockable, secure product, prevent pilferage
• Custom sizes to store long parts, match racking
• Caster kits for mobility
• Drop gates (front or side) for ergonomic loading and unloading
• Electro-galvanized, hot-dip galvanized for rust resistance, or custom color powder-coated paint finishes
• Pallet runners (2-way or 4-way) flat or steel angle, distribute weight, prevent point loads, a must when storing in pallet rack
• Fork stirrups (2-way or 4-way) secure basket to forklift forks for safety
• Name plates, placards, and barcode plates identify stored goods
• Vertical or horizontal wire dividers subdivide the contents stored in container

For example, many automotive customers use rigid wire containers or custom returnable steel containers built to their part-specific requirements.

Wire mesh containers offer a balance of strength, durability, and cost efficiency:

• Stronger than plastic and able to handle high-density industrial parts
• More economical than fully welded solid-steel bins
• Excellent airflow for parts that need to cool or dry
• Immediate visibility into inventory levels
• Easy to collapse, reducing storage space and freight costs
• Long service life, often lasting 10 to 15+ years in heavy use

They strike a balance between durability, cost, and versatility, making them one of the most widely used industrial containers worldwide.

Pallet stops (also known as WorldStops, pallet stoppers or pallet rack back stops) are steel brackets that mount to the rear beams of pallet racks to prevent pallet push-through. They stop forklifts from accidentally pushing pallets too far, which can cause loads to fall into the next aisle.

Pallet stops also help maintain longitudinal flue space, which is required in most fire codes to ensure proper sprinkler water penetration and airflow between back-to-back rack rows.

Fire codes (NFPA and many local jurisdictions) require a longitudinal flue space (typically 6 inches) between back-to-back pallet rack rows. This space allows water to cascade vertically from the sprinklers to lower rack levels. Pallet stops create a physical barrier that keeps pallets positioned correctly and prevents them out of flue space. By maintaining the required gap, pallet stops help:

• Improving sprinkler coverage
• Slowing fire spread between rows
• Reducing insurance risks
• Satisfying fire code inspection requirements

There are several styles designed for different rack layouts and fire-code requirements:

• Full-length pallet load stop beams with 3”, 4” or 6” offset (span full beam length) used to stop pallet load
• Standard-duty single pallet stops (AKA WorldStops) mount to back load beam
• Heavy-duty single pallet stops with gusset offer more impact resistance
• Structural pallet stops designed to fit on structural c-channel beams of structural rack system
• Double Pallet Stops (AKA WorldStops) for back-to-back rows of pallet rack
• Custom pallet stops with a custom offset for specific pallet overhang

Many warehouses choose single pallet load stops as they are the most cost-effective solution and easiest to install. They meet pallet push through safety initiatives and ensure that proper flue space is maintained for their specific pallet load and rack depth.

Single & Double Pallet Stops (AKA WorldStops) attach directly to the rear horizontal load beams. Installs easily and securely with included Tek screws through pre-punched countersunk holes.

Installation is often just a few minutes per level and doesn’t require modifying the rack structure. For flue-space applications, stops can be installed at a precise setback distance for the required gap. Note rack must be fully unloaded before pallet stops are installed.

Pallet stops aren’t required by code everywhere, but they are frequently recommended or mandated by jurisdictions, Fire Marshals, and insurance inspectors to maintain flue space.

They are especially valuable when:

• Pallet overhang varies
• Forklifts frequently push pallets deep into rack
• Back-to-back rack rows lack a physical separator
• Loads are unstable or heavy

By preventing push-through accidents and preserving longitudinal flue spacing, pallet stops often become an easy, low-cost way to maintain code-compliant high-pile storage.

U-Dividers (aka Flue Keepers, transverse flue space protectors) are U-shaped tubular steel devices that bolt or clip on pallet rack upright frames to maintain a consistent flue space between upright frame and pallet loads, ensuring mandated 6” flue space for fire safety.

Their primary purpose is to ensure pallets don’t shift or push into the flue space, which is required for fire-code compliance, sprinkler performance, and safe airflow in high-pile storage systems. They eliminate human error by physically preventing pallets from drifting into the flue.

U-Dividers typically bolt to the sides of the upright frame or connect using Tek screws or clip-style brackets. Installation is simple and doesn’t require altering the rack structure. Most facilities install one or more U-Dividers per pallet position depending on:

• Rack depth (36″, 42″, 44″, 48″ etc.)
• Pallet & load type
• Required transverse flue spacing (usually 3 to 6 inches based on local code

Once installed, the U-Divider forms a rigid channel that keeps pallets aligned in the correct position on all levels.

U-Dividers come in a variety of depths and mounting styles to match different racking systems. Common features and options include:

• Standard depth models for 42″ and 48″ deep racks
• Rounded ends on U-Dividers for easier pallet entry
• Bolt-on, screw-on or clip-on mounting designs to match brand or style of rack
• Heavy-duty U-Dividers for high-impact applications

Custom sizes are available to fit non-standard rack depths or unique pallet profiles. 

Yes, this is one of their primary functions. U-Dividers help maintain the transverse flue space required under most modern fire codes (NFPA guidelines and jurisdiction requirements). Proper flue space ensures:

• Vertical water penetration from sprinklers
• Heat release and smoke evacuation
• Reduced fire spread across pallet loads

While U-Dividers don’t guarantee compliance by themselves, they help create a consistent, code-friendly flue space that inspectors and insurance carriers prefer.

Absolutely. Many warehouses use non-standard pallet sizes, GMA pallets with heavy overhang, large bulk bins, drums, or mixed-load SKUs. Custom options include

• Custom depths (32″ to 60″+)
• Extra-wide or narrow channels for larger or smaller flue space
• Heavy-duty reinforcement for high-weight pallets
• Powder-coated color options for inventory zoning
• Special brackets to fit structural rack or all major rack brands

Custom U-Dividers are common and often inexpensive compared to the cost of a failed fire inspection or damaged product.

ProDeck50 is a punched steel pallet rack decking system engineered with 50% open area for superior airflow, fire protection, and load support. It provides a solid, smooth top surface that allows small cartons, cases, and non-palletized items to sit on pallet rack without falling through.

Unlike wire decking, ProDeck50 is made from formed steel panels that provide a strong and flat deck surface that still lets water, heat, and smoke travel vertically through the rack.

Most jurisdictions and insurance carriers follow NFPA fire-protection guidelines, which require a minimum 50% open area for shelving surfaces in high-pile storage. ProDeck50’s perforated pattern meets this requirement by allowing

• Vertical sprinkler water penetration
• Heat release and smoke ventilation
• Clear, unobstructed flue spaces

This open-area design helps Fire Marshals confirm that the rack system doesn’t block sprinkler discharge, improving the likelihood of passing inspections and meeting high-pile storage requirements.

Both ProDeck50 and wire decking provide fire-friendly 50% open surfaces, but ProDeck50 offers advantages for certain applications:

• Smooth, flat steel deck surface, which can be better for case picking, cartons, totes, and odd-shaped items
• Higher point-load strength compared to wire
• No “dips” or sagging under heavy loads
• Cleaner, professional appearance for manufacturing or retail areas
• More rigid deck with more structural integrity

Wire decking is good for pallet storage; ProDeck50 excels for small parts, hand-stacked items, and mixed SKU storage.

ProDeck50 is manufactured in a wide range of sizes to fit standard rack beams and depths:

• Depths: 36″, 42″, 44″ and 48″
• Widths: panels designed for 8′, 9′, 10′, and 12′ beams
• Load capacities 5,000 to 7,000 lbs. per level, based on evenly distributed loads, depending on shelf depth and panel gaug

The punched steel design provides strength while maximizing shelf storage density and picking efficiency. Custom sizes and gauges are available for specialty applications.

Yes, insurance carriers increasingly require or recommend open-deck shelving to ensure sprinkler systems perform as designed. ProDeck50’s 50% open surface:

• Prevents “blocked sprinkler discharge” violations
• Maintains both longitudinal and transverse flue-space performance
• Reduces storage-related fire-spread risks
• Helps avoid costly reconfiguration or retrofits
• Makes it easier to obtain high-pile storage permits and maintain coverage

For facilities upgrading from solid wood or steel shelves, ProDeck50 is often the fastest and most cost-effective path to compliance.

Pallet supports (also called pallet support cross bars) are steel channels that sit front-to-back between pallet rack beams to safely support pallets, especially when handling wood pallets, CHEP pallets, weak pallets, or undersized loads. They prevent pallets from breaking or falling through the rack and help ensure even weight distribution across the shelf level. Pallet supports add a crucial layer of safety and stability for full-pallet storage.

Pallet supports are ideal when:

• You store heavy pallets (1,500 to 3,000 lbs.)
• You use non-standard or poor-quality pallets
• You need to maintain fire-code-required open area without a full deck
• You want maximum forklift clearance for loading
• You use deep overhang or pallets smaller than the beam spacing

Unlike wire decking, pallet supports provide direct support under the pallet runners, making them a preferred choice for high-capacity or high-impact environments.

The most common styles include:

• Double flanged pallet supports – 1.5” flange on both ends of support help hold it in place while pre-drilled hole in flange allows you to Tek screw and secure it to beam.
• Hat shaped/ Hat style pallet support – pallet support (with profile shaped as a top hat) have no flange on ends allow this pallet support to set down in step of beam, flush with top of beam, leaving beam face unobstructed for labeling and product ID.
• Roll-in pallet supports – quick-install styles that locks into Interlake slotted step beams
• Structural pallet supports – heavy-duty pallet supports designed to fit structural c-channel beams for high capacities
• Custom pallet supports – built for non-standard racks, custom depths or beams with unique profiles.

Most supports include a safety tab or clip to prevent movement during pallet placement.

Pallet supports are built to match standard rack depths of 36″, 42″, 44″, 48″ deep racks.

Typical capacity ranges from 1,500 to 3,500 lbs. per support bar, depending on gauge and profile. Many rack levels use two supports per pallet position, though some heavy applications use three.

Custom lengths and heavier gauges are available for high-density and industrial applications.

While not always code-mandated, pallet supports are strongly recommended by safety auditors, insurance carriers, and rack engineers whenever:

• Pallet quality is inconsistent
• Overhang is excessive
• Loads are heavy or uneven
• Workers need added protection from pallet failure
• Flue-space ventilation is required (supports offer a high open area)

They help prevent pallet collapse, product drops, and rack damage, which are major risk factors in warehouse safety assessments.

Industrial guard rail is a heavy-duty steel safety barrier designed to protect people, equipment, inventory, and building infrastructure from forklift impacts and traffic accidents. Guard rail creates a clearly defined safety zone around pedestrian walkways, machinery, pallet racks, workstations, electrical panels, offices, and loading-dock areas. It acts as a physical shield, absorbing the force of forklift collisions and preventing costly damage or injuries.

Most facilities choose one of the following standard guard rail designs:

• Single-rail/ single-tier systems – ideal for pedestrian walkways, end of aisles, and light-impact zones
• Double-rail/ double-tier systems – recommended for forklift aisles and high-impact areas
• Lift-out guard rail – removable sections for occasional equipment access and pass through
• Heavy-duty guard rail – Although guard rail is offered with different impact ratings, we recommend only buying maximum impact resistance guard rail for high-traffic or high-risk areas. Don’t cut corners on safety.

Posts are typically surface-mounted with anchors and accept rails that bolt into place.

Industrial guard rail is engineered to withstand significant forklift impact—often 10,000 lbs. or more at 4 mph, depending on the system and configuration. Heavy-duty rails and posts use thick-gauge steel, reinforced mounting plates, and energy-absorbing shapes designed to deform slightly under extreme load without failing.

Many manufacturers publish independent impact-rating tests, helping safety managers match the guard rail strength to the hazard level. We recommend only buying maximum impact resistance guard rail for high-traffic or high-risk areas. When employee safety is at risk, you do not sacrifice quality and strength for low prices.

Guard rail should be installed in any location where pedestrians, equipment, or critical assets need protection from moving forklifts or pallet jacks. Common installations include:

• Perimeter protection around pallet rack and rack uprights
• Around machinery, robotics, conveyors, and workstations
• Along pedestrian aisles or walkways
• Surrounding electrical panels, control boxes, compressors, and HVAC units
• Protecting dock doors, dock levelers, and overhead door tracks
• Around in-plant offices or modular office structures
• Near inventory staging areas or traffic lanes

Safety managers often perform facility-wide hazard assessments to determine the right guard rail layout.

While OSHA doesn’t explicitly mandate guard rail in every application, it requires employers to protect workers from recognized hazards, including forklift traffic. As a result, guard rail is often the simplest and most effective way to meet OSHA’s “duty to protect.”

Insurance carriers and risk managers frequently recommend or require guard rails in high-risk impact zones to reduce claims and protect property. Installing properly rated guard rail can also lower risk-assessment scores and support liability reduction.

Pallet rack protection products, such as floor-mounted column protectors, bolt-on column protectors, rubber impact guards, V-nose guards, and guard rail, are designed to prevent forklift damage to the front columns and bases of pallet rack uprights.

Because rack uprights carry the full vertical load of the system, even a minor impact can compromise structural integrity, leading to dangerous rack failure, expensive repairs, product loss, OSHA violations, and injury risks. Installing proper rack protection is the most cost-effective way to extend rack life, reduce downtime, and improve warehouse safety.

Common rack protection products include:

Steel Floor-Mounted Column Protectors:

• 12″ high Column Protectors
• 12″ H x 5.75″ Opening Seismic Column Protectors (fits 5” wide seismic footplates)
• 12″ H x 8.5″ Opening Seismic Column Protectors (fits 8” wide seismic footplates)
• 18″ and 24″ High Column Protectors for heavy-traffic areas
• 16″ high Mecalux Column Protectors (OEM-specific fit for Mecalux uprights)

Bolt-On Column Protectors

• 24″ high Bolt-on Column Protectors with Bull Nose for direct upright attachment – ideal for retrofit applications or seismic uprights with oversized footplates
• 24” high Bold-on V-Shaped Column Protector/ Deflector deflects forklift forks away from column preventing damage

Rubber Impact-Absorbing Protectors

• 5″ and 12″ high WorldRam/ RamGuard Rubber Column Protectors -flexible, non-marring, vibration-absorbing protection for light–medium impacts.

Specialty Protectors

• 4″ High V-Nose Column Protectors to deflect reach-truck outriggers – designed for tight-aisle or high-traffic environments where outriggers strike uprights

End of Aisle Protectors

• 2-Piece heavy-duty steel barriers protect pallet rack upright frames at ends of aisle from forklift damage.

Guard Rail Systems

• Provide perimeter protection around rack rows or high-impact areas
• Stop heavy forklift traffic from contacting the rack

Each style is optimized for different impact types:

• Floor-Mounted Steel Protectors: Best for heavy-duty forklift traffic and direct impact zones. Ideal for high-throughput warehouses and distribution centers.
• Bolt-On Column Protectors: Great for retrofits, seismic footplates, or rack systems where baseplates prevent standard floor-mounted installation. Excellent for medium to heavy-duty protection.
• Rubber (WorldRam/ RamGuard) Protectors: Perfect for environments with frequent impacts from pallet jacks and forklifts. Rubber flexes to absorb energy and reduce damage while protecting painted uprights from scratches.
• V-Nose Protectors: Specifically designed for reach-truck outriggers that strike the front of the upright during turning or extraction.
• Guard Rail: Used when you want to prevent contact entirely. Best for high-risk areas, end-of-aisle protection, and pedestrian zones.

The correct protector height depends on forklift type, impact points, and aisle configuration:

• 4″ V-Nose Column Protectors: Outrigger-height deflection for reach trucks
• 5″ to 12″ Rubber Column Protectors: Lower-level light-impact protection
• 12″ Steel Column Protectors: Standard warehouse protection for pallet truck and forklift bumper height
• 18″ to 24″ Steel Column Protectors: Heavy-duty protection for high-impact zones
• Seismic Column Protectors with 5.75” or 8.5” opening for uprights with enlarged base plates
• 16″ OEM Fit Column Protectors (Mecalux): Ensure perfect alignment with Mecalux upright base plate profiles
• Guard Rail: Highest level of protection when forklifts or equipment frequently pass near rack

A general rule: Higher traffic requires taller, heavier steel protectors. Light traffic and mixed equipment calls for rubber or lower-height steel column protectors.

While not mandated by OSHA in every scenario, employers must protect workers and equipment from known hazards, which includes preventing forklift damage to rack systems.

Many insurance carriers, risk assessors, and Fire Marshals strongly recommend or require column protection, especially in narrow aisles, high-bay storage, high-velocity forklift lanes, cold storage, and seismic regions.

Installing proper rack protection reduces claim risk, helps meet safety guidelines, improves inspection outcomes, and significantly lowers the likelihood of rack collapse.