Wire shelving units are a visually pleasing and budget friendly option for both businesses and homeowners. Chrome and Epoxy are the most common types of wire shelving units due to their durability, versatility and large load capacity. However, figuring out which option is best suited for you can be confusing. When looking to buy shelving units, it is important to recognise your primary use for the product, and consider, then assess which option is best for you. Here’s few important variables to consider when choosing racking:
• Load capacity – what is going to be stored on the shelf?
• Environment of your space, cold, dry/wet, outside / inside?
• Size /shape of the room – e.g., display, coolroom, garage
• Assembly – can i do it myself?
So what’s the difference?
Chrome Wire Shelving Although chrome shelving is usually the slightly more expensive option, it is commonly considered to be the most aesthetically pleasing. This is primarily due to the smooth texture and reflective silver surface. This sleek look is also amplified by the poles sitting within the shelving, creating a streamline appearance. This makes chrome shelving ideal for locations where it will be on display, such as showrooms or retail stores. They are also commonly used in array of commercial environments such as storerooms, kitchens, and offices. Chrome shelving not only looks good, but is incredibly well made and very sturdy. However, it is also important to consider that chrome shelving is only suitable for dry environments where this is no humidity or dampness.
Epoxy Wire Shelving Epoxy shelving is cheaper and provides a sleek alternative look to chrome shelving. It is also incredibly versatile as it has a temperature range of 0°C to 300°C and can be used in both wet and dry environments. The rubberised coating allows for it to be water resistant, which protects against rust and corrosion. This makes Epoxy perfect for environments that may be wet, damp, humid or those that fluctuate often in temperature. Some common uses for epoxy shelving units include wire shelving for cool rooms, garages, sheds, food storage and warehouses. Epoxy also prevents the buildup of bacteria, ensuring that it is a safe storage option against germs. In conjunction with this, epoxy is resistant to chemical exposure which is important if using a range of chemicals within the food service industry.
Points to consider before making a purchase:
LOAD CAPACITY Both chrome and epoxy shelving have the potential to be strong, but this varies greatly from brand to brand. When shopping for your shelving it is essential to consider the load capacity of each shelf and the thickness of the steel used. It is worth taking the time to compare brands, even if they look the same a closer examination will show a difference in quality. (We would like to add here that Brayco uses a thicker diameter of steel than most competitors, so they are very sturdy and have a large loading capacity of 150kg per shelf.) As with any shelf unit, it is also necessary to note that it is important to ensure that the weight is distributed evenly across the shelf to avoid excessive stress on your shelf and for safety when used for storage of larger loads.
ENVIRONMENT For high moisture or cool rooms you will need to choose the epoxy shelving with the rubberised coating. These are idea for garage, coolrooms, even for such locations as a bottle shop storage or wine cellar.Look for adjustable feet as many floors are uneven and this useful feature will guarantee optimal stability of the shelving.Looking for a mobile unit? Opt for castors. These create versatility and portability, but your overall load capacity is reduced so consider the use and suitability before choosing to go mobile. Perfect to store table linen, that can to be moved to and from the dining room for a convenient storage/delivery unit. Or use an epoxy unit for pool towels that can be wheeled inside at the end of the day.
LOCATION / SHAPE OF THE ROOM Are you just looking for one unit, or to fill a whole wall, or even 2 or 3? This shelving is easily tailored to each customer’s space and needs with the new S hook accessory. Create straight, L or U configurations which allow for no corner posts for more space and better access.Simply hook the S hook onto the end of each shelf and hang the next shelf onto it, no end poles needed. S hooks are available in chrome and epoxy to match each type of shelving.Add shelf dividers to the end of each bay to keep your load from falling off the end – a handy accessories to look for when choosing your unit.
ASSEMBLY A distinct advantage of both chrome and epoxy units is the simple assembly. The unique clip design allows a shelf to be located anywhere along the height of the pole, and any number of shelves added.
These best-selling wire shelving kits come complete with everything needed to quickly create extra storage space (4 shelves included). Shelving units can be assembled in minutes. Add as many shelves as you like!
Simply snap the black clips in position on the uprights, then drop the shelf over the uprights onto the clips and press into place, no tools are required. Your hardest task will be making sure the 4 clips are at the same height so the shelf is level, this is an easy fix by counting the conveniently placed grooves in the poles and ensuring each clip is fixed to the same height.
Brayco has an extensive range of sizes available for both epoxy and chrome from 457mm to 1524mm long in 1800mm height, with extras including castors, extra shelves, S hooks and shelf dividers.
For the full range of Brayco wire shelving including all sizes and pricing, click the link https://brayco.com.au/shelves/coolroom-dry-store/