When cost and durability are important, storage racks can offer some easy shelving ideas to make the most of the space that you have. Typical shelves can be expensive and easily damaged, and they may not be designed to hold the exact items for which they were intended for in the first place. Racks, on the other hand, are versatile enough to work nearly anywhere, and they are available at at price far lower than most shelving units.
Shelves vs. Racks
Shelves themselves come in all types of styles, colors, materials, and sizes, with storage racks often being substituted when price is an issue. The primary difference between shelves and racks, however, is in the appearance. Shelves are generally considered furniture, which means they have a clean, finished appearance, while racks are almost purely functional, meaning they are intended to hold stuff, rather than display it attractively. This does not mean that racks cannot be used effectively, however, and a simple rack may offer a versatility that typical shelves lack.
Home And Office
Storage racks in the home are most often associated with closets, as the multiple shelf design is ideal for storing clothes, shoes, and anything else that is put away for storage. Pantries and laundry rooms are also ideal locations for racks, as are garages, workshops, and sheds. However, they can also be an attractive addition outside the closet and utility areas, particularly since standard metal finishes have expanded to include both painted and wrought iron looks. Selecting an attractive rack for use in the kitchen, for example, can create a wonderful display for dishes, condiments, or cookbooks, while racks placed in the bedroom or bathroom can be a great place to store extra clothing or towels.
In office and workplace environments, on the other hand, racks are commonly used in storage areas, as the wide shelf heights and heavy construction make them ideal for holding file boxes or excess office supplies. Racks also have a durability that is superior to typical shelves, which makes them suitable for areas that are not specifically climate-controlled. The cost may be the best reason for selecting racks over standard shelves, however, as the price of even large racks is often less than half of a typical shelving unit.
Selecting The Right Design
Racks come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and choosing the right design for the space you have is not a complicated process as long as you know what you are looking for. A few points to keep in mind when selecting storage racks are:
· Functionality. When the idea is to simply put things away, functionality often takes precedence. File boxes are usually uniform in shape and size, and many storage racks are designed specifically for the boxes. However, for storage of frequently used items such as tools, racks can be purchased that include slide out shelves, and many are equipped with wheels for easy portability.
· Construction Material. Typical racks are made of aluminum or steel, which provides a durability to withstand years of use. However for areas that may experience excessive moisture or heat, racks made of plastic may be more suitable. Plastic also has the advantage of being more resistant to damage from chemicals or grease, which makes them ideal for most industrial uses.
· Size. Racks can range from small shelving units to sizes that can fill an entire warehouse, and not all racks are capable of holding every size of item. While most racks can handle the smaller items such as file boxes and excess supplies, larger items such as pallets may require a wider shelf capacity. Specific pallet racks are available when pallet storage is needed, and may include a wire or corrugated deck to add stability when high storage is needed. 
Setup Solutions
The setup of racks is often the most important factor when it comes to the overall efficient use of space, and there are a number of rack solutions to choose from when it comes satisfying a particular need. Shelf racks are ideal for boxes and other stable items, and many include the option of wire baskets for items that do not sit securely in place. Cantilever racks, on the other, make a convenient rack solution for unwieldy items such as lumber, while sheet racks ideal for storing sheets of drywall, plywood, or even doors. When larger storage solutions are needed, stackable racks may be preferred, as additional these allow additional levels to be added when necessary.
Storage racks have become a practical alternative to shelves in many storage situations, as they are both practical and functional, and far more affordable than typical shelving units. Selecting the right size and materials is important, however, as both the environment and the storage items can make certain materials and designs more favorable than others. Storage racks are available from a number of retailers and suppliers both in the local area and online, with economical price making them a smart choice for easy shelving ideas.
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