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What type of plastic is used on shelves?

Polypropylene Or Polymer Plastic The thick coating of plastic on this type of shelving makes them very easy to clean, corrosion resistant, and lightweight. They also can hold a higher weight limit than the wire shelving types mentioned above, often 600 to 3200 pounds.

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When you are buying shelving for your business, there is a lot that goes into this decision. You have to think about how and where you’re going to be using the shelving. This will help you determine the type of commercial shelving you need, such as metal racks or wall mounted shelving. You will also use this information to determine the best material for your shelving. In general, there are three main materials that are used for commercial shelving.

Chrome-Plated Wire

Chrome-plated wire shelving is the most affordable type of commercial shelving in the industry, and it has many benefits. The greatest benefit of this type of shelving is that the wires allow air to circulate, which helps to limit moisture and mold growth. Chrome-plated wire shelving is also sturdy, holding up to 150 pounds per shelf, and it is easy to put together and customize. This type of shelving is also rust resistant, though it is not rust-proof. This means that for some situations and industries, chrome-plated wire shelving will not be a good fit, like for the walk-in coolers at a restaurant.

Epoxy Coated Wire

Epoxy coated wire shelving is the next step up in quality and also the next step up in price. It is wire shelving that has a thin epoxy layer over the whole thing, making it rust-proof. While this type of shelving costs more than chrome-plated shelving, it tends to last 2 and sometimes 3 times as long. The epoxy can eventually wear off over time, and it can also be scraped off if you store things like metal items on the shelves. These shelves are also prone to some bending or warping under the weight of anything more than 150 pounds.

Polypropylene Or Polymer Plastic

This is the most costly option for commercial shelving, but it is also the most durable. This type of shelving is completely rust proof and it is ideal for conditions with high humidity. These shelves can even stand up to the humidity and salty air of coastal areas. The thick coating of plastic on this type of shelving makes them very easy to clean, corrosion resistant, and lightweight. They also can hold a higher weight limit than the wire shelving types mentioned above, often 600 to 3200 pounds. Finally, they also often come with a good warranty to make up for the high price tag.

Questions? Ask Metro Shelving!

If you still have questions about how modular office space will benefit your warehouse, Metro Shelving is here to help you. If you need to outfit a warehouse, give us a call at 800-400-7500 or visit us online. We will work with you to create the perfect office space for you, your business, and your employees. We can even help you if you are interested in outfitting your garage, laundry room, or even your kitchen pantry. For more tips, tricks, and to see what we have been working on, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.

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How do you make a shelf that doesn't sag?

Solid hardwood has the best no-sag rating; however, some species are stiffer than others. Birch, maple, and oak are the stiffest, followed by ash, cherry, and walnut. You can increase the stiffness of a shelf by sinking screws into it through the solid back of the case.

Shelves that don't sag are the goal for any kind of shelving. And whether or not that goal is met depends on the materials used and the items placed on each shelf. Each material has a different span limit—or the maximum distance it can span between supports without sagging or breaking under a load. We'll walk you through sag limits for different types of materials, plus offer a few additional shelf support options.

Built-in Bookshelf Ideas

No-Sag Spans

According to architect calculations, books represent an average load of 25 pounds per cubic foot. Listed above are the no-sag span limits under load for the most commonly used shelving materials. Solid hardwood has the best no-sag rating; however, some species are stiffer than others. Birch, maple, and oak are the stiffest, followed by ash, cherry, and walnut. You can increase the stiffness of a shelf by sinking screws into it through the solid back of the case. Or, as shown below, add more strength and maintain adjustability by attaching a cleat or molding to the front of the shelf. Aprons can also be added under the shelf. Increase a wooden shelf's span limit by fastening wood-matched 1x2 aprons underneath (top) or simply by using two plywood pieces (bottom). These supports make the shelf more sturdy without much effort. Railing is another easy way to extend the span limit of your shelf. To add railing, cut a rabbet into a piece of solid molding. Then attach it as a rail that conceals the plywood edge and adds support. Molding does double duty when supporting shelves. It adds strength, but also hides the unsightly edge of the shelf. To add molding, simply attach a 1x2 piece of molding to the shelf's front edge.

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