When ordering warehouse rack, manufacturers often need to confirm some details with customers. Basic requirements include dimensions (length, width, height), load capacity, how many layers, quantity of shelving units, layout, and etc. Depending on the specific rack type, additional information may be required. However, when determining the exact quantity needed, manufacturers will also ask how many main shelving and additional shelving are required if the customer does not provide a detailed layout diagram. This is a common point of confusion for customers: What exactly are "main shelving" and "additional shelving"? Below, we'll use medium-duty rack as the example to detail their differences.
Main Shelving (Primary Rack)
A standalone unit featuring two upright frames and several components (like beams). It is designed to be installed independently and forms the foundational structure of any continuous racking line. Main shelving provides full structural integrity and load-bearing capacity on both sides.
Additional Shelving (Supplementary/Secondary Rack)
A additional shelving unit that shares one upright frame with an adjacent main shelving unit. It is an incomplete structure connected to the main shelving on one side of upright frame for support. Structurally, it differs from the main shelving only by having one fewer upright frame.
In rack layout, each row contains only one main shelving unit, with the remaining shelves being additional shelving units. Any number of additional shelving units can be connected to the left and right of a main shelving unit to form a row. Using additional shelving units allows flexible extension of storage capacity as needed.
Obviously, compared to the main shelving, the additional shelving lacks one upright frame, making it more cost-effective. Therefore, when a specific rack layout plan is confirmed, we highly recommend purchasing the "main shelving + additional shelving" combination for greater cost savings. However, some customers may require the flexibility to relocate shelving units, leading them to opt for purchasing only main shelving units. The specific warehouse storage solution ultimately depends on the customer's individual requirements.
