What are wire mesh decking for pallet racking?
Wire mesh decking for pallet racking consists of metal mesh panels fitted across the rack beams to create a continuous load-bearing surface. It is particularly useful for storing non-standard pallets, boxes, containers and other load units that require more support than the beams alone can provide. Wire mesh decking is also well suited to picking levels, providing a practical surface for placing and handling packages of different sizes and formats.
The decking consists of an electrically welded wire mesh panel reinforced with support elements that rest on the rack beams and help distribute the load. The number, arrangement and specifications of these reinforcing elements are determined by the panel dimensions, rack configuration and required load capacity. Selection must therefore take into account both the characteristics of the decking and the load capacity specified for the rack level.
The open mesh construction allows both air and water to pass freely through the decking. This is particularly advantageous in warehouses equipped with sprinkler fire suppression systems, as it allows water to reach lower levels without being blocked by a solid surface. However, compatibility with the fire protection system must be assessed based on the overall warehouse configuration and the applicable requirements.
Technical specifications of wire mesh decking for pallet racking
Wire mesh decking is available in a range of configurations to suit the rack specifications and the types of load units to be stored. The main factors to consider include:
- Electrically welded wire mesh, with mesh specifications tailored to the decking configuration.
- Support and reinforcing elements fitted beneath the panel, sized according to its structural design and required load capacity.
- Beam support fittings compatible with the type and configuration of the racking system.
- Panel dimensions tailored to the rack geometry and beam positioning.
- Decking load capacity, determined by its structural configuration and technical specifications.
Benefits of using wire mesh decking in pallet racking
Wire mesh decking offers greater flexibility in rack configuration while providing a suitable support surface for different types of load units. Key benefits include:
- Greater flexibility in rack level use, providing a suitable support surface for pallets, containers, boxes and packages that cannot be safely stored on the beams alone.
- Improved load retention, with a continuous support surface that reduces the risk of small packages or components falling through the gaps between the rack beams.
- Suitable for picking operations, accommodating a variety of load units, including goods that are not stored on pallets.
- Open mesh construction allows air and water to pass through the decking, which can be beneficial in warehouse configurations equipped with sprinkler fire protection systems.
Wire mesh dividers for organising picking areas
Wire mesh dividers are used to split picking levels into separate compartments, making it easier to organise and manage multiple product lines within the same rack level. Designed to work alongside wire mesh decking, they provide a flexible way to configure storage spaces according to specific operational requirements.
The dividers can be easily repositioned to suit changing storage requirements, allowing picking compartments to be reconfigured without altering the racking structure. Their design and fixing system must be suitable for the wire mesh decking and the type of products being handled.
Standards and regulations for safe use
Pallet racking falls within the scope of workplace equipment and environments covered by Italian Legislative Decree 81/2008, which sets out general safety requirements for equipment used by workers. For static steel racking, EN 15635 provides guidance on operational aspects relevant to structural safety, including the use, inspection and maintenance of the equipment.
When fitted to pallet racking, wire mesh decking becomes an integral part of the overall system and must be compatible with the rack structure, the loads to be stored and the intended operating conditions. Inspections must also include the decking and its supporting components, checking that they are correctly positioned, securely installed and free from damage.
Custom-designed wire mesh decking for pallet racking
We assess the rack structure, beam layout and intended load units to determine the most suitable decking configuration. This allows us to specify the panel dimensions and design, ensuring they are compatible with the existing beams and the loads to be stored.
This enables us to supply wire mesh decking tailored to the specific racking system and its intended use, including non-standard configurations and specialised storage requirements.
FAQ
The load capacity depends on the decking's structural design, dimensions and installation configuration. Selecting the right solution also requires consideration of the position and specifications of the rack beams, as well as the intended loads.
The panel rests directly on the rack beams, requiring no bolts, drilling or structural modifications. This makes it easy to install, remove or reposition when rack levels need to be reconfigured.
The open mesh design allows water to pass through the decking more freely than a solid surface. However, compatibility with a specific sprinkler system must be assessed based on the racking configuration, the fire protection system and the applicable design requirements.
Not all wire mesh dividers are compatible with every type of decking. Compatibility depends on the panel dimensions, its design and the divider fixing system. Both components must therefore be checked to ensure they are suitable for use together.