Vertical Bar Racks: A Simple Solution for Long Material Storage
Storing long materials can become frustrating quickly. Pipe, conduit, wood trim and bar stock often end up leaning against walls or stacked across shelves where they become difficult to organize and access. While some companies use larger warehouse storage systems like cantilever racking for long material storage, many applications simply require a practical way to keep materials upright, separated and easy to reach throughout the workday.
A vertical bar rack works well for storing:
- conduit and tubing
- PVC and steel pipe
- wood trim and molding
- baseboard and handrail
- round bar and rod stock
- aluminum extrusion
- lumber and woodworking materials
Because materials are stored vertically, these racks use very little floor space while still allowing employees to quickly identify and access products. They are commonly used in maintenance departments, fabrication shops, woodworking operations and warehouse supply areas where materials are handled manually.
Popular in Wood Shops & Vocational Schools
Over the past few weeks, Midwest Material Handling has even received calls from high schools looking for better ways to organize materials inside wood shop classrooms and vocational training areas. In many of these applications, a vertical bar rack makes more sense than building custom shelving or adapting pallet racking for lighter wood materials.
The simple design keeps long boards and trim pieces organized without taking up large amounts of wall space. It also helps students and instructors separate materials by size or type while keeping the work area cleaner and easier to manage.
Ideal for Trim, Molding & Interior Finish Materials
A vertical bar rack is also a great fit for companies that work with interior finish products like baseboard, quarter round, casing and handrail. Long trim pieces can become difficult to sort when they are stacked horizontally, especially when multiple profiles and lengths are involved.
Vertical storage makes it easier to identify products, separate materials and access inventory throughout the day without creating clutter around the workspace. For companies that manually handle trim materials, the setup is simple and efficient.
Why Some Companies Prefer a Vertical Bar Rack
While pallet racking and cantilever rack systems can also be used for storing long materials, many customers prefer a welded vertical bar rack because it is straightforward and easy to use. These racks require very little setup, fit well in smaller spaces and work especially well for applications where forklifts are not needed.. These racks require very little setup, fit well in smaller spaces and work especially well for applications where forklifts are not needed.
Many models are designed to sit directly against a wall near active work areas. Longer products are stored vertically inside individual bays, while shorter items and accessories can be stored on lower shelves below.
Depending on the model, features may include restraint chains for each storage bay, lag-down mounting points for additional stability and raised storage arms that help prevent round materials from rolling out during use. Most units are built from heavy-duty steel and finished with a durable industrial coating designed for long-term use.
For lighter-duty industrial applications, some vertical bar rack models offer capacities up to 3,000 pounds when loads are evenly distributed.
Practical Storage Without Overcomplicating the System
For businesses, schools, maintenance departments and woodworking operations, a vertical bar rack offers a simple and cost-effective way to store long materials without overcomplicating the storage system. In many applications, the easiest storage solution is still the best one.
Need Help Choosing the Right Vertical Bar Rack?
Midwest Material Handling supplies vertical bar racks and long material storage solutions for warehouses, fabrication shops, maintenance departments, woodworking operations and educational facilities throughout Ohio. Whether you are storing conduit, pipe, trim materials or lumber, we can help you determine the right storage solution for your application and available floor space.
Contact Midwest Material Handling for pricing, availability and assistance selecting the right vertical storage rack for your facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a vertical bar rack used for?
A vertical bar rack is used to store long materials upright in a compact footprint. Common applications include storing conduit, pipe, lumber, trim pieces, tubing, bar stock and other long materials that are manually handled throughout the day.
Can a vertical bar rack store wood trim and molding?
Yes. Vertical bar racks are commonly used for storing baseboard, quarter round, casing, crown molding and handrail products. Vertical storage makes it easier to organize different profiles and lengths without stacking materials horizontally.
Are vertical bar racks good for school wood shops?
Yes. Vertical bar racks are a practical storage solution for vocational schools and wood shop classrooms because they keep lumber and woodworking materials organized while using minimal floor space.
Can pallet racking be used for vertical material storage?
Yes. Pallet racking can sometimes be configured for vertical storage using dividers or custom sections. However, many companies choose a dedicated vertical bar rack because it is simpler, more compact and easier to manage for lighter-duty applications.
Do vertical bar racks need to be anchored?
Many vertical bar rack models include lag-down points so the unit can be secured to the floor for additional stability. Proper anchoring recommendations may vary depending on the application and load requirements.
