Browse and Buy with Confidence
Explore our extensive range of pallet rack backing options and find the perfect match for your warehouse. Start shopping today and step into a safer, more efficient storage environment.
In a busy warehouse, a robust pallet rack system is the foundation of an efficient operation. However, the open back of a standard rack presents a significant safety risk from falling items. Pallet rack backing is an essential safety component that encloses the back of the racking, preventing products from being accidentally pushed through and falling into aisles, work areas, or flue spaces.
Why is Pallet Rack Backing an Essential Safety Component?
Installing pallet rack backing is a proactive measure that addresses several critical safety and operational concerns in a warehouse.
Preventing Product Falls and Inventory Damage
The most direct benefit is fall protection. A forklift operator can accidentally push a pallet too far, or loose items can shift and fall from the back of a rack. Backing acts as a physical barrier, containing these items, preventing costly inventory damage, and keeping the area below clear and safe.
Protecting Personnel in Aisles and Work Areas
Falling objects are a major cause of serious workplace injuries. Backing protects employees working in or transiting through aisles behind the racks. It is a fundamental part of creating a safe warehouse environment and is a key element in many essential pallet rack safety guidelines.
Maintaining Fire Code Compliance (Flue Space)
Fire codes mandate a clear longitudinal flue space between back-to-back rows of racking. This gap allows heat and smoke to vent upwards and enables the building’s sprinkler system to effectively suppress a fire. Pallet rack backing serves as a physical stop that prevents pallets from overhanging into this critical flue space, ensuring you remain compliant with warehouse fire safety regulations.
Creating a Secure Enclosure
In addition to safety, backing can be used to create a secure, cage-like enclosure for high-value inventory. When combined with side panels and a gate system, it provides a robust security solution.
Act Today for a Safer Tomorrow
Don’t wait for an incident to occur. Enhance your warehouse safety now with our premium pallet rack backing. Get in touch with us for a comprehensive safety assessment and personalized recommendations.
A Detailed Comparison of Pallet Rack Backing Types
The right type of backing depends on your application, budget, and the type of materials you are storing.
1. Steel Wire Mesh Backing
This is the most common and robust type of pallet rack backing. It consists of steel wire mesh panels, typically in a 2″ x 2″ grid, welded into a steel angle frame.
Best For: Heavy-duty applications, securing heavy or valuable items, and facilities requiring maximum durability and protection.
Pros: Extremely strong and durable, provides excellent visibility of inventory, and allows for unrestricted airflow for sprinkler systems.
Cons: Higher initial cost compared to netting options and can be heavier and more rigid to install.
2. Nylon Mesh Netting
Nylon mesh backing is a cost-effective, lightweight netting solution that provides reliable fall protection for lighter-weight applications.
Best For: Preventing falls of full cartons or uniformly shaped items, applications where cost is a major factor, and retrofitting existing racks.
Pros: Lightweight, easy to install, and significantly more affordable than steel mesh.
Cons: Not as durable as steel, can be cut or torn, and is not suitable for stopping heavy pallet push-throughs.
3. Cargo Style Netting
This is a heavy-duty netting, similar to the cargo nets used in trucking. It is made from high-strength webbing and provides a flexible, yet strong, barrier.
Best For: Containing bulky, uneven, or irregularly shaped loads. It is also a good option for varying load sizes.
Pros: Highly flexible and strong, conforms to the shape of the load, and offers excellent durability.
Cons: The larger grid pattern may not contain very small loose items.
- Explore
4. Steel Gates
While not a full backing solution on its own, steel gates can be integrated into a wire mesh backing system to provide controlled access to specific rack bays for security purposes.
Best For: Securing high-value inventory, controlling access to specific materials, or creating a secure storage locker within a rack bay.
Pros: Provides the highest level of security and access control.
Cons: Only applicable for specific bays, not for continuous backing.
Our page on pallet rack safety netting offers more detail on mesh and netting solutions.
Expert Guidance Just a Click Away
Uncertain about the right backing for your needs? Our seasoned professionals are ready to assist you. Schedule a consultation and make an informed decision for your storage space.
Featured Solution: WireCrafters RackBack® Steel Wire Mesh
The WireCrafters RackBack® system is a leading example of a high-quality steel wire backing solution. It is engineered for simple installation and maximum safety.
Construction: Made of 2″ x 2″, 10-gauge steel welded wire mesh within a 1 1/4″ x 1 1/4″, 13-gauge steel angle frame.
Installation: Panels bolt directly to the pallet rack uprights using specialized mounting brackets. The angle frame design gives installers clear access to the hardware, speeding up the process.
Mounting Options: Flush mount brackets keep the backing tight against the rack, while offset brackets are available to accommodate pallets that overhang the beams.
Flexibility: Panels can be stacked to reach any desired height and can be started at any beam level where protection is required.
Availability: Standard-sized panels are often available to ship within 48 hours.
Maintaining Fire Code Compliance (Flue Space)
Fire codes mandate a clear longitudinal flue space between back-to-back rows of racking. This gap allows heat and smoke to vent upwards and enables the building’s sprinkler system to effectively suppress a fire. Pallet rack backing serves as a physical stop that prevents pallets from overhanging into this critical flue space, ensuring you remain compliant with warehouse fire safety regulations.
Creating a Secure Enclosure
In addition to safety, backing can be used to create a secure, cage-like enclosure for high-value inventory. When combined with side panels and a gate system, it provides a robust security solution.
How to Choose the Right Pallet Rack Backing
Consider these factors to select the best system for your facility:
Assess Your Product Type and Weight:
For heavy pallets or high-value items, steel wire mesh is the best choice. For lighter-weight, full-case picking operations, nylon netting may be sufficient.
Evaluate Your Budget:
Nylon netting offers a significant cost savings over steel mesh, making it an attractive option for large-scale projects with budget constraints.
Consider Your Facility's Risks:
In areas with heavy forklift traffic and a high risk of impact, the durability of steel mesh is a worthwhile investment.
Check Installation and Mounting Needs:
Determine if your pallets overhang the beams. If so, you will need offset mounting brackets, which are compatible with most backing systems.
Our Top Brands Of Pallet Rack Backing
We partner with industry-leading brands to bring you the highest quality pallet rack backing solutions.
Carron Cargo Pallet Rack Netting
Trust in Carron for top-tier pallet rack safety netting, designed for durability and easy installation.
- Explore
WireCrafters Steel Wire Backing
Choose WireCrafters for robust steel wire backing options, ensuring superior protection and longevity.
- Explore
Vestil Nylon and Steel Backing
Vestil offers a diverse range of backing solutions, combining the best of both nylon and steel for comprehensive safety.
- Explore
Folding Guard Qwik-Fence® Pallet Rack Backing System
Opt for Folding Guard’s innovative backing systems for quick installation and unparalleled security.
- Explore
Steel Wire Rack Backing
- Firstly, consider the strongest and safest Pallet Rack Backing products for unmatched durability and reliability.
- Additionally, these options feature an easy bolt-on design for hassle-free installation.
- Moreover, convenience is key, as our stock panels are also ready to ship within 48 hours.
- To summarize, our pallet rack backing solutions combine strength, ease of installation, and rapid availability to meet your needs efficiently.
RackBack® Specs
- RackBack® Pallet Rack Backing System is made of 2″ x 2″ x 10 gauge steel welded wire mesh, welded into a 1 1/4″ x 1 1/4″ x 13 gauge steel angle frame.
- Panels have predrilled mounting holes on six inch centers and are provided with flush mount or offset brackets to allow for pallets that overhang the beams.
- An “Above the Top” kit allows panels to extend above the rack to contain loads stored on top beam. Custom sizes for the RackBack® Pallet Rack Backing System are available.
- Free design and layout assistance is available. Call 800-326-4403
Key RackBack® Features
- Standard sized panels 4′-0″ or 5′-0″ high, match beam length in width.
- Custom size panels available.
- Panels made of 2″ x 2″ x 10 gauge welded wire mesh.
- Flat steel stiffeners welded behind mesh for extra rigidity.
- Pallet Rack Backing Panels attach directly to rack with mounting brackets.
- Multiple attachment points (seven) on ends of each Pallet Rack Backing panel.
- Offset brackets allow for load to overhang rack beams.
- Mount Stack RackBack® panels one on top of the other to reach desired height.
- “Above the Top” mounting allows panels to extend above top rack beam.
- Angle frame design gives installer clear access to hardware, speeding installation.
Assembly hardware is inaccessible from the exterior of the partition.
Standard 3/8″ assembly hardware is the heaviest in the industry.
- RackBack® Pallet Rack Backing System may be started at the floor, or at any level, where protection is required.
- Pallet rack backing panels can be mounted to support posts-if stand alone system desired.
- Heavier options available.
How It Works
Experience the streamlined process of Material Handling USA’s Warehouse Solutions, guiding you from consultation to implementation with personalized solutions and ongoing support.
Why Choose Us?
Over 30 Years Of Experience
We design and install the right storage solutions for your specific needs
Custom
Options
We offer a range of customizable options to meet your unique needs
Customer Satisfaction
We are committed to excellent service and support, ensuring satisfaction with every purchase
Competitive Pricing
We offers competitive pricing, making it easy to find a solution that fits any budget
Sharon L. Hancey
First District TCE of Administrative Office of the Courts
The team was very supportive
“ They were extremely attentive in assessing our needs in Logan. They provided several plans to show us our shelving options. ”
Julie Froff
Assistant Clerck of
Third District Court
We Also appreciated, at the time of installation, the courteous and professional manner in which the installers conducted themselves.
“ We have been using the system now for about six moths and are happy to report that it has been a wonderful addition to our office. It is easy to operate and keeps our filing area neat and organized, and most importanly, providers us with unlemited space for growth at this time. We are completely satisfied with your product. ”
Lila Abersold
Visual Arts Coorndinator of Utah Arts Council
They were also great to work with.
“ The track and system Material Handling USA recently installed is working very well Your isntallation people were able to adjust the tracks on the uneven floor in our storage space. ”
Nancy Herd
Human Resources Manager of Ray Quinney & Nebeker
You guys are great! Thanks so much for working so hard to getus into our new space.
“ Thank you a million times for the these killer Jazz tickets! I am just so excited to go and rub shoulders with every other "pretentious" person in Material Handling USA! How Awesome! ”
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Pallet Rack Backing
Pallet rack backing is a safety feature designed to prevent items from falling off racks, thereby protecting both products and personnel.
Consider the nature of the items stored, the expected load weight, and the specific safety requirements of your facility.
While some backing options are designed for easy, DIY installation, we recommend professional installation for optimal safety.
Measure the height and width of your racks, accounting for any overhang from stored items, to ensure a proper fit.
Yes, many of our backing options come in standard sizes but can be customized to fit the unique dimensions of your storage system.
Regular inspections are crucial. We recommend a thorough check at least once a year or following any significant impact or change in loading.
Specific materials like galvanized steel are suitable for outdoor use, but consider environmental factors such as corrosion or UV exposure.
Maintenance is generally minimal, but regular checks for damage or wear and tear are important to ensure ongoing safety.
Yes, OSHA and other safety organizations have guidelines on storage rack safety, which can include the use of backing.
Contact us directly through our website or call our customer service at 800-326-4403 to discuss your needs and place an order.
Material Hanling USA – Pallet Rack Specifications
NationWide Shelving offers high-quality, tear-drop design pallet racks compatible with major manufacturers such as Interlake, Space Rack, USP, Lodi Metal-Tech, Steel King, and Husky.
Key Features & Specifications
Uprights:
- Regular Duty: 16-gauge steel, 16,100 lbs. capacity per upright.
- Heavy Duty: 14-gauge steel, 23,300 lbs. capacity per upright.
- New 3” x 3” column design with 5” x 8” seismic base plates for stability.
- Bolt-together design allows easy replacement of damaged components.
Beams:
- Improved safety clip for easy replacement.
- Adjustable every 2 inches for flexibility.
- 3.5”, 4”, and 5” beams use 3-pin connectors, 6” beams use 4-pin connectors.
Decking Options:
- Wire Mesh Decking: Reduces dust, improves light circulation, and increases sprinkler efficiency.
- Steel Safety Supports: Provide extra reinforcement for pallets and hand-stacking applications.
Accessories:
- Bay Dividers: Vertical organization with easy installation.
- Frame Guards: Protect rack columns with heavy-duty steel construction.
- Label Holders: Adhesive and magnetic holders for quick relabeling.
Installation & Durability
- Designed for forklift access and heavy-duty hand stacking.
- Available assembled or K.D. (knocked down) for flexible shipping.
- High-visibility color-coded system: Light green uprights, orange beams.
