Timber products are a versatile and sustainable product used extensively in the construction industry. While timber is such a versatile resource, if not stored correctly it is at risk of damage, reducing the products value. Timber products can also present handling issues; bulky and heavy, so difficult to store and access. All warehouses and storage yards handling wood products need timber storage solutions they can rely on for fast and efficient picking, inspection, and dispatch.
Bespoke storage racking systems are designed to serve a variety of purposes. Whether you are considering extending your indoor storage or installing outdoor timber storage, here are seven key benefits to bespoke storage.
Indoor and Outdoor Timber Storage
Storage racks can be installed both inside or out, in a warehouse or yard. A storage rack built for outdoor use is ideal to store timber products in all weathers. Many firms avoid storing wood outside for obvious reasons – it spoils. Should you have external space where you need to keep wood dry while out in the open, outdoor timber storage can be installed with a canopy to ensure timber products remain dry with sufficient airflow to stay in perfect condition.
Save Space with Storage Racks
Timber storage racking systems are designed to fit the specifications of your storage facility, maximising every metre of available space. A bespoke storage rack will make the most of your vertical space, significantly reducing storage footprint. Timber products are usually long and heavy, meaning standard storage racks do not always provide the full-length support timber requires to avoid warping in storage.
Reducing the floorspace required for storing timber, by making full use of vertical space in a warehouse or timber yard, maximises profit per square metre.
Built With Your Space in Mind
Bespoke timber solutions are designed to maximise available space and improve accessibility. It may appear cost-effective to purchase and install a one-size-fits-all shelving or storage system, however, storage capacity is usually restricted by a low maximum weight limit.
Timber racking systems are available in a single- or double-sided configuration, up to 10 metres high. The base of a timber rack uses an L-shaped upright, minimising footprint while increasing maximum Safe Working Load (SWL).
Timber Storage Built for Heavy Loads
Timber racking utilises heavy-duty cantilever racking, manufactured using high-quality steel, either hot-rolled or cold-formed steel, depending on required storage weight. Using high-quality steel ensures racking is a robust, safe, and long-lasting solution.
A specialist timber storage rack comprises cantilever racking arms up to 2.5 metres in length, able to provide support along the length of a timber product, to a maximum SWL of 2,500kg. Cantilever arms spread the weight of timber products across at least two arms, to ensure stored timber is secure and stored horizontally to maintain product quality.
Accessible Storage Racking Systems
Accessibility is the foundation of safe and efficient timber handling. Whether timber products are stored in a warehouse or yard, the integration between racking systems and handling equipment, is a key consideration when selecting a timber storage rack.
Loaded and unloaded using forklift truck, timber products are usually stored in various lengths, so racking configurations need to be flexible and positioned to always allow for safe product handling. Timber racks can be configured as wide-aisle cantilever racking and narrow-aisle guided cantilever racking systems, to accommodate a variety of handling equipment.
Easy to Load Timber Storage
Bespoke racking is designed for easy to access all around by forklift truck. Available in a variety of sizes, with different lengths of cantilever arms and overall racking height, specialist storage is easier to load and retrieve timber products of any size.
Timber storage racking is adjustable from 76mm to 150mm vertically, for flexible storage which maximises capacity across a racking installation.
Timber merchants may find it difficult to set up accessible storage for the very fact that wood is bulky, often supplied in awkward to store lengths. A perfect-fit storage rack will support health and safety considerations, in addition to increasing efficiency of stock handling.
Easy to Move Timber Racking
Should you need to relocate your racking systems, cantilever racking is simple to move as a product range develops and storage requirements change over time. Timber storage racking systems can be relocated with relative ease if space needs to be redesigned, or a premises move is required. The flexibility of storage racking provides merchants with a future-proofed storage investment. Being fully adjustable and relocatable, with a high maximum SWL lending itself well to dual use or repurposing for a different storage use altogether.
Choosing a Bespoke Storage Solution
Prodek engineers are storage and handling experts, working across a wide spectrum of industries. A site survey will allow Prodek engineers to supply a range of options to fully maximise available space and safe working practices.
Our Made in Sheffield cantilever racking provides a long-lasting timber storage solution, highly robust to provide safe product storage and a quick return. Designed for rapid installation, Prodek storage racking systems are installed quickly with minimal disruption to daily operations.
One-size-fits-all racking may seem beneficial from a cost perspective, however, in the medium to long term it will restrict storage capacity, and safe and efficient product handling. An off-the-shelf racking system will not maximise available space and will not offer the flexibility to scale with your business as it grows. To find out more about Prodek timber storage, or get a quote for your warehouse or timber yard storage, get in touch with Prodek for a no-obligation review of your storage needs.
