Wide Span Shelving in Ohio | New & Used Bulk Storage Rack

Midwest Material Handling supplies new and used wide span shelving in Ohio for warehouses, distribution centers and manufacturing facilities that require heavy duty bulk storage with direct hand access. As part of our broader Storage Rack Systems offering, wide span shelving combines the structural strength of pallet rack construction with the accessibility of industrial shelving. Businesses across Ohio rely on this system when inventory exceeds the limits of boltless shelving but does not require palletized forklift storage.

What Is Wide Span Shelving?

Wide span shelving is a structural bulk storage system designed for medium to heavy hand loaded inventory. It fills the gap between boltless shelving and selective pallet rack systems.

Unlike light industrial shelving, wide span uses rigid upright frames and structural beams that support significantly greater capacities. At the same time, it remains accessible without forklift equipment, making it ideal for operations that manage bulky inventory stored by hand.

Common applications across Ohio include parts rooms, maintenance departments, mezzanine levels, slow moving inventory zones and backroom warehouse storage.

Wide Span Shelving Compared to Boltless Bulk Rack

Boltless shelving, often called bulk rack, uses four individual angle posts with riveted horizontal supports to form each shelf level. This design works well for moderate loads and smaller storage areas.

Wide span shelving uses bolt together upright frames and heavier structural beams that support substantially higher capacities and longer clear spans. It provides greater rigidity, improved durability and the ability to scale vertically beyond typical boltless shelving limits.

For facilities that have outgrown rivet shelving but do not require pallet rack, wide span shelving is often the next logical step.

Structural Components

Like pallet rack systems, wide span shelving is built from three primary components…

Uprights

Wide span shelving uses bolt together upright frames constructed from heavy gauge posts and horizontal braces. These frames are assembled using structural fasteners rather than fully welded construction. This design provides strength and rigidity while allowing flexibility in height configuration and easier field assembly compared to pallet rack systems.

Beams

Horizontal load bearing members connect to the uprights and create shelf levels. Beam lengths extend beyond traditional steel shelving spans, allowing wider storage bays with fewer vertical obstructions. Beams are also available with an optional upward support lip designed to secure wood decking in place and prevent movement under load.

Decking Options

Wide span shelving supports three primary decking options depending on load requirements and application.

Wood decking provides a solid and cost effective surface for cartons, parts and bulk items.

Wire decking improves airflow and visibility while supporting fire code compliance.

Solid steel decking offers long term durability and impact resistance for heavier industrial applications.

Capacity and Configuration Advantages

Wide span shelving offers substantially higher load ratings than standard steel shelving. Beam spans can reach widths that traditional shelving cannot support, reducing the number of upright frames required within a run.

Frame heights can also extend well above commercial shelving systems, allowing facilities to maximize vertical cubic space. Because of its structural design, wide span shelving maintains stability under heavier loads and in demanding industrial conditions.

Wide span shelving is not designed for forklift pallet storage. When palletized inventory or high density forklift access is required, selective pallet rack systems are typically the better solution.

Ideal for Pick Modules and Two Level Mezzanines

Wide span shelving is often the preferred system for warehouse pick modules and two level mezzanine structures. The longer beam spans allow organized SKU separation with direct hand access to cartons and bulk items.

You can view a detailed pick module case study outlining how wide span shelving supported a rack supported multi level installation for a high volume distribution facility.

Common in Automotive and Multi SKU Operations

Wide span shelving is especially common in automotive parts departments and multi SKU warehouse operations where inventory includes bulky components, boxed products and mixed item storage that must remain accessible by hand.

The longer beam spans allow wider bays for organized SKU separation, while the higher load capacity supports heavier items that exceed standard boltless shelving limits. Distribution centers, service departments and fulfillment environments rely on wide span systems to balance strength, visibility and pick efficiency.

Retail and Front Room Display Applications

Although wide span shelving is primarily used in warehouse environments, it is also installed in front room display areas for paint stores, hardware suppliers and specialty retail operations.

The long beam spans create clean, open shelving runs that support heavier boxed products and paint containers while maintaining an organized appearance. Its structural strength makes it well suited for retail environments where standard commercial shelving may not provide adequate capacity.

Typical Dimensions

Wide span shelving is commonly available in frame heights ranging from approximately six feet to sixteen feet depending on configuration. Beam lengths often range from forty eight inches to ninety six inches or more, allowing wide clear spans for bulk storage.

Actual capacity depends on beam profile, span length and decking type. Each system should be evaluated based on load requirements and operational conditions.

Anchoring and Installation Considerations

Wide span shelving uprights can be anchored to the concrete floor to improve overall stability, particularly in taller configurations or multi level applications. While anchoring is often recommended for added rigidity and safety, it is not universally required by OSHA for every installation. Anchoring decisions should be based on system height, load capacity and operational environment.

Midwest Material Handling provides layout planning, professional installation and system configuration guidance across Ohio.

Primary Manufacturers

Interlake Mecalux is the primary and most recognized manufacturer of wide span shelving systems in North America. Their engineering standards and beam connection design have established the benchmark for structural bulk shelving performance.

Additional manufacturers include Penco Products and Lyon Workspace Products, both of which produce industrial grade wide span shelving used in warehouse and commercial environments.

Quick Ship Availability

Interlake Mecalux offers wide span shelving through a quick ship program with standard frame heights, beam lengths and decking options available for expedited delivery. Many configurations can ship within a short lead time, often just a few days depending on availability.

This allows projects to move forward quickly without extended manufacturing timelines associated with fully custom systems.

Cost and Availability Considerations

Because wide span shelving is often ordered to specification, pricing can be comparable to selective pallet rack systems that we stock locally in Ohio. Freight and configuration may influence final cost.

In some applications pallet rack may provide similar pricing with faster availability. In others, wide span shelving delivers better functionality for hand loaded bulk storage. We evaluate each project based on inventory type, load requirements and long term operational needs before recommending a system.

New and Used Wide Span Shelving in Ohio

Midwest Material Handling supplies new and used wide span shelving in Ohio along with layout planning and professional installation services. Our team helps determine the proper height, depth, beam length and decking option to match your storage requirements.

If you are unsure whether wide span shelving or selective pallet rack is the better solution, we will review your operation and provide a practical recommendation based on capacity, access and budget.

Get Help Designing Your Wide Span Shelving System

Choosing the right bulk storage system depends on load capacity, beam span, ceiling height and how inventory is accessed. Our team will review your application and recommend the most effective configuration based on performance, safety and budget.

Whether you need a quick ship standard configuration or a larger pick module layout, Midwest Material Handling provides layout guidance, new and used equipment options and professional installation throughout Ohio.

Contact us today at (614) 733-0505 to discuss your wide span shelving project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between wide span shelving and boltless shelving?

Boltless shelving uses four individual angle posts with riveted shelf supports and is designed for moderate loads. Wide span shelving uses bolt together upright frames and structural beams that support higher capacities and longer spans. It is intended for heavier bulk storage applications.

Is wide span shelving the same as pallet rack?

No. Wide span shelving is designed for hand loaded inventory. Pallet rack systems are designed for forklift loaded pallet storage. While both systems use upright frames and beams, they serve different applications.

What decking options are available?

Wide span shelving can be configured with wood decking, wire decking or solid steel decking. Beam styles are also available with an upward support lip to help secure wood decking in place.

Can wide span shelving support a mezzanine or pick module?

Yes. Wide span shelving is commonly used in pick module systems and can be integrated beneath or within two level mezzanine structures when properly engineered.

Is anchoring required?

Anchoring is often recommended for added stability, especially in taller systems, but it is not universally required by OSHA in every application. Requirements depend on height, load and operational conditions.

How quickly can wide span shelving ship?

Standard configurations from Interlake Mecalux are available through a quick ship program. Many common sizes can ship within a short lead time depending on availability.

Is wide span shelving available new and used?

Yes. Midwest Material Handling supplies both new and used wide span shelving in Ohio based on availability and project requirements.