Wire Decking for Pallet Rack
Wire decking is the most important pallet rack accessory. It provides a solid support surface for pallets, prevents products from falling through beams, satisfies fire code sprinkler requirements, and adds safety to every level of your racking system.
Talk with a pallet rack specialist. Call (800) 326-4403 or Email Sales@MH-USA.com
Why Every Rack System Needs Wire Decking
Without wire decking, pallets sit directly on two beams with nothing between them. A broken pallet board, a shifted load, or a small item can fall through — onto workers, forklifts, or inventory below. Wire decking eliminates this risk and provides four additional benefits that make it the most cost-effective safety upgrade for any rack system.
🛡️ Fall-Through Prevention
Wire decking creates a continuous support surface across the full beam span. Products can’t fall through gaps between beams. Broken or damaged pallets are supported instead of dropping their load. This is the #1 reason fire marshalsand safety inspectors require wire decking.
🔥 Fire Code Compliance
NFPA fire codes require sprinkler water to reach lower rack levels. Wire mesh decking allows water to flow through while still supporting pallets. Solid wood or metal shelves block sprinkler coverage and require additional in-rack sprinkler heads — far more expensive than wire decking.
💡 Light & Visibility
Wire mesh allows overhead lighting to reach lower levels. Solid shelving creates dark shadows that make locating and identifying inventory difficult. Better visibility means faster picking, fewer errors, and safer forklift operations.
📦 Versatile Storage
Wire decking supports non-palletized items — individual cartons, oddly-shaped products, and hand-stacked inventory that would fall through open beams. Turns pallet rack into flexible shelving when needed.
Wire Decking Types & Specifications
| Type | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Waterfall | Channel hangs over front and back beams; drops into place. Most common type. | Standard selective rack, most applications |
| Flared Waterfall | Extended flared channel for step beams. Wider channel sits on top of beam step. | Step beam rack systems |
| Inside Waterfall | Channel sits inside the beam opening. Flush top surface. | Applications needing flush surface |
| Universal / Lay-In | No waterfall channel — sits flat on beams. Works with any beam type. | Mixed rack systems, retrofits |
Standard sizes: Wire decking comes in widths of 36″, 42″, 44″, 46″, and 48″ to match standard rack depths. Lengths match beam spans — typically 48″, 72″, 96″, and 120″. Custom sizes available for non-standard configurations.
Finish: Galvanized steel is standard. The zinc coating resists corrosion in all warehouse environments including cold storage. No painting required.
Wire Decking FAQ
In most commercial warehouses, yes. NFPA 13 and local fire codes require sprinkler water to penetrate rack levels. Wire mesh decking allows water through while supporting pallets. Solid shelving blocks sprinkler water and requires additional in-rack sprinklers — much more expensive.
Standard wire decking supports 2,000–2,500 lbs per deck (uniformly distributed). Heavy-duty options go to 3,000+ lbs. The capacity you need depends on your pallet weights. We’ll match the right capacity to your loads.
Wire decking simply drops ontotherack beams — no tools required. Waterfall channels hook over the front and back beam flangesand gravity holds them in place. A full warehouse can be decked in hours.
Standard waterfall wire decking works with all standard teardrop pallet rack from any manufacturer. Proprietary or non-standard beam profiles may need specific decking types. We’ll confirm compatibility before ordering.
Wire decking pricing depends on size, gauge, capacity, and quantity. It’s one of the most affordable rack accessories — and one of the most important. Contact us for quantity pricing on your specific deck sizes.
Pallet Rack Accessories
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