RiveTier® Boltless Steel Shelving: Specs, Unit Types and Quotes
RiveTier is the boltless steel shelving line made by Western Pacific Storage Solutions (WPSS). As an authorized WPSS dealer, we compare post and beam styles, unit types and decking with you, then quote a layout sized to your room.
14 gauge
Steel in primary posts and beams
Up to 8 ft
Long span shelf width
Up to 21 ft
Long span height without splicing
1 mallet
Only tool needed to assemble
What RiveTier Shelving Is
RiveTier is a boltless steel shelving system made by Western Pacific Storage Solutions (WPSS), which describes itself as the original manufacturer of RiveTier. Like every rivet shelving line, a RiveTier unit is built from slotted steel posts and beams with rivets on each end. The rivets drop into keyhole slots in the posts and lock tight when you tap the beam down with a rubber mallet. There are no nuts, bolts or clips, and the mallet is the only tool the system needs.
WPSS forms the primary posts and beams from 14 gauge steel. Because the frame is rigid without sway or cross bracing, a RiveTier unit stays open on all four sides, so cartons, bins and long items can be loaded and picked from the front, back or ends of a run.
RiveTier sits inside our wider boltless shelving range, which in turn is one family within our shelving solutions. If you are comparing brands rather than shopping for RiveTier specifically, our rivet shelving guide covers the other rivet lines we quote.
Two claims from the manufacturer are worth knowing when you compare quotes. WPSS states that RiveTier assembly runs 30 to 40 percent cheaper to install than traditional bolted shelving, because there is no hardware to start and torque. It also states that RiveTier is designed to be compatible with other major boltless products. We still confirm fit part by part before mixing RiveTier with shelving you already own, because slot shapes and rivet spacing vary between brands and even between product generations.
- No nuts, bolts or clips: beams lock into keyhole slots with a rubber mallet
- 14 gauge steel primary components
- No sway or cross bracing, so all four sides stay open
- Freestanding units, connected runs, or multi-level catwalk and mezzanine systems
- Disassembles and reconfigures as your storage changes
Buying RiveTier Through an Authorized WPSS Dealer
Material Handling USA is an authorized dealer for Western Pacific Storage Solutions. WPSS designs and builds RiveTier, and it sells through dealers who handle layout, quoting, freight and, where you want it, installation. Buying through a dealer matters for a system like this because a RiveTier order is a list of posts, beams, decks and supports that has to add up to a stable, correctly rated unit.
Here is what we do on a RiveTier project:
- Turn your room measurements and inventory into a run layout of starters and adders
- Pick post style (LURH, LURHD or common T post), beam style and decking for each run
- Get capacity ratings for your configuration from the manufacturer instead of guessing from a brochure
- Quote freight, and quote installation when you want a crew
- Match add-on parts to RiveTier you already own
WPSS also builds RiveTier into larger systems: multilevel shelving with catwalks, put walls and the RiveTier AMR rack for robot-ready shelving. If your project touches any of those, say so on the quote request so we can plan the shelving and the structure together.
RiveTier vs Generic Rivet and Boltless Shelving
“Rivet shelving” and “boltless shelving” are generic names for a type of storage. RiveTier is one specific brand of it, made by WPSS. Every rivet line works the same basic way: beams with rivets on each end drop into keyhole slots in steel posts. The differences that matter sit in the details.
- Named post and beam styles. RiveTier uses WPSS’s LURH, LURHD and T posts with SSLP, Z, SS and SSC beams. Generic lines use their own profiles.
- Published ratings. A RiveTier rating comes from WPSS for a given beam and design, not from a generic chart.
- Fit with what you own. WPSS says RiveTier is designed to work with other major boltless products, but slots and rivet spacing differ, so we check before mixing.
So when a quote says “rivet shelving” without a brand, ask whose it is. When you want RiveTier specifically, ask for RiveTier on the quote. Our rivet shelving guide covers the other rivet lines we quote, and the boltless shelving hub compares every boltless family we sell.
RiveTier Post Styles
WPSS publishes three post styles. Angle posts form the ends of a unit or run, and common T posts sit between bays so neighbouring units share one post instead of two. On a long wall of shelving that saves a post at every bay, which is a large part of why rivet shelving stays economical in big rooms.
| Post | Profile | Steel | Published use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard duty (LURH) | 1-1/2 in. x 1-1/2 in. | 14 gauge | Applications up to 12 ft high |
| Heavy duty (LURHD) | 1-7/8 in. x 1-7/8 in. | 14 gauge | Up to 12 ft high, large capacity and mezzanine applications |
| Common T post (TUR) | T section | 14 gauge | Adder units in rows up to 12 ft high |
How the connection works. Each post carries a vertical line of keyhole slots. WPSS’s RiveTier III sell sheet lists beam adjustment on 1-1/2 inch centers, so shelf levels can be moved in small steps to suit product heights without redesigning the unit.
Choosing a post. Standard duty posts cover most stockroom, parts room and archive shelving. Step up to heavy duty posts when units run taller, carry heavier long span shelves, or support a walkway or platform. If you are unsure, tell us the height, shelf count and heaviest items, and we will specify the post on the quote.
Starters and adders. A starter unit has four posts. Each adder unit borrows two posts from its neighbour and adds two more, using T posts where the bays meet. Ask for a run layout rather than a stack of separate units when you are filling a wall.
RiveTier Beam Styles and Published Capacities
WPSS publishes four beam styles, from a concealed low-profile beam for light storage to long span beams for heavy, wide shelves. The capacities below are the manufacturer’s published maximums per shelf; the actual rating depends on width, depth, decking and supports, so we confirm it on every quote.
| Beam | Profile and deck | Best for | Published capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low profile (SSLP) | Lowest profile; particle board hidden from view | Lightweight storage where a clean, metal-shelf look matters | Up to 350 lb per shelf |
| Z beam | Lower than the SS beam; front flush with the shelf top | Mid-range spans, wider than SSLP and shorter than SS | Not stated here; see note |
| Long span (SS) | Taller beam; particle board fully exposed | Heavy loads and large items on spans up to 8 ft | Up to 1,400 lb per shelf, more with accessories |
| Long span (SSC) | Described by WPSS as its highest capacity RiveTier beam | When capacity and size are critical | Up to 1,400 lb per shelf, more with accessories |
Low profile beams keep the deck nearly flush and hide its edge, so a RiveTier unit looks like closed metal shelving at a lower cost. WPSS lists low profile shelving for spans up to 4 feet. It suits supply rooms, retail backrooms, office storage and mobile systems.
Z beams are the hybrid. WPSS says the reduced profile gains 1-1/16 inches of vertical clearance per shelf compared with the SS beam, and the beam front sits flush with the shelf top to protect the edge. Z beam shelving is listed for spans up to 6 feet.
Long span beams are what most people picture as industrial rivet shelving: a taller steel beam with the deck dropped inside. They are the choice for motors, cased goods, tires and bulky cartons.
The same physics apply to every rivet line: a taller, thicker beam carries more weight over a longer span. Our single rivet vs double rivet beam guide walks through a full published capacity table by width, and the heavy duty boltless shelving and wide span boltless shelving pages cover the heaviest and widest configurations.
A note on published capacities
WPSS’s product page summaries do not fully agree: they give two different Z beam maximums, and the SSC, described as the highest capacity beam, carries the same 1,400 lb figure as the SS. We do not resolve that here. Your RiveTier quote carries the rating for your exact beam, width, depth and decking.
Capacity is per shelf, evenly distributed
Published ratings assume the load is spread across the deck. Point loads, overhanging items and missing deck supports all reduce what a shelf can safely hold. WPSS’s long span assembly instructions set the bottom beam no more than 3 inches above the floor, require shelf supports (STS) on heavy duty units, and caution that T posts are not suitable for high rise, heavy duty or seismic applications, where LURHD posts may be needed instead.
RiveTier Unit Types
WPSS offers nine RiveTier unit types. These are the ones we are asked about most, with the manufacturer’s published figures.
Multi-level systems. Because long span RiveTier reaches 21 feet without splicing, it can be built two or three levels high with catwalks between, turning one floor of shelving into two or three. This is common in distribution and archive buildings where floor space is fixed. WPSS’s own 3PL case study describes a three-level RiveTier system of more than 1,485 shelving units with a stair tower. Elevated walkways bring building code, egress and fire protection questions, so plan these with your building official early; our mezzanine team can help.
RiveTier generations. You may see RiveTier I, II and III on quotes. Distributors describe RiveTier II as using common T posts and mitered beams that remove the need for separate left-to-right and front-to-back beams, and WPSS’s RiveTier III sheet lists widths of 48 to 96 inches, depths of 12 to 48 inches, heights up to 144 inches and heavy-duty options up to 1,000 pounds per shelf. Parts are not always interchangeable between generations, so tell us which one you own before adding to it. If you are searching for RiveTier II parts to extend an older room, a photo of a post end and a beam end, plus the post height and beam length, is usually enough for us to start matching.
Decking Options for RiveTier Shelving
WPSS literature lists particle board, melamine, wire mesh decking, metal shelves and fire retardant board for RiveTier. Each changes how the shelf behaves:
- Particle board is the economical default and spreads load well for boxes and cartons.
- Melamine adds a wipe-clean surface for retail and light commercial rooms.
- Wire mesh lets light and air through and helps sprinkler water reach lower levels.
- Metal shelves resist moisture and suit oily parts and maintenance rooms.
- Fire retardant board is used where a fire marshal or insurer asks for it.
Deck choice also affects freight and assembly: steel and 3/4 inch board are heavier to ship and handle. See our boltless shelving decking options page for a fuller comparison.
Bin dividers, shelf dividers and drawers turn an open RiveTier level into small-parts storage, which is how many parts rooms run. Extra beams, deck supports and replacement decks can be added later; browse our boltless shelving accessories or send us a photo of your existing units and we will match the parts.
Planning a RiveTier Layout
List what you store
Note the heaviest and largest items, carton sizes and how often each is picked. This decides the beam and deck.
Measure the room
Record clear height, sprinkler heads, lights, doors and columns. Leave aisles wide enough for carts or pallet jacks.
Choose spans and depths
Wider shelves mean fewer posts but heavier beams. Ask whether heavy loads or wide shelves need shelf supports.
Lay out runs
Use starters and adders with shared T posts along walls and back-to-back in the middle of the room.
Confirm anchoring and delivery
Ask your building official about anchoring, and confirm who unloads freight and with what equipment.
Many buyers assemble RiveTier themselves, since WPSS designs it so a rubber mallet is the only tool required. For large rooms, tall units or multi-level systems, professional boltless shelving installation keeps runs straight and level and gets the room back in use sooner.
Considering used rivet shelving instead? Used savings are typically used up by installation: parts rarely fit well after disassembly, and the installer time spent straightening and fitting them often costs more than new. Reusing shelving you already own can work, but new is sometimes still cheaper after fix-up time. A quick call to our sales team with pictures helps decide; our used vs new boltless shelving guide covers what to inspect.
Related Project: RiveTier for an Auto Parts Store
Our RiveTier auto parts store project for a parts retailer in Cedar City, Utah is a useful planning example. The buyer already knew the line and sent a component list itemized down to posts, beams and particle board decks, which is the fastest way to get an accurate RiveTier quote. Read the project page for the details of that order rather than treating it as a template for yours; every room has different heights and loads.
Parts rooms are a natural fit for rivet shelving: a parts room needs a very large number of reachable shelf feet at a low cost per foot, not pallet positions. Shared posts along long runs keep the steel count down, and open sides keep every part visible.
For related applications see automotive shelving, parts room shelving and records storage shelving. Need a bench in the same room? Boltless workbenches use the same style of beams and posts.
Buying in Utah? Our Salt Lake City team quotes, delivers and installs boltless and rivet shelving statewide. See boltless shelving in Salt Lake City or call 801-328-8788. Everywhere else in the U.S., call (800) 326-4403.
RiveTier Applications
The photos below are RiveTier installations from the manufacturer’s gallery. They show the main jobs the system is built for. Each card links to our page for that use.
WPSS also lists work areas built from RiveTier components, such as packing stations, assembly tables and QC benches. For a bench in a parts room or shipping area, see our boltless workbenches. Other common uses include retail backrooms, government and public sector storage, and manufacturing supply areas. Tell us what you store and we will suggest the unit type.
RiveTier vs Other Storage Options
| Option | Strengths | Watch for | Choose it when |
|---|---|---|---|
| RiveTier rivet shelving | Mallet assembly, four-sided access, long spans, tall units without splicing | Capacity depends on beam, span and deck | Hand-loaded cartons, parts and records in quantity |
| Other rivet shelving brands | Similar design, wide choice of sizes | Confirm connection geometry and rated compatibility before mixing parts | Matching an existing room or a specific spec |
| Closed steel shelving | Enclosed sides and backs, many bin options | More hardware, slower to assemble | Small parts needing containment and security |
| Pallet rack | Thousands of pounds per level, forklift loading | Needs forklifts, anchoring and permits | Palletized loads rather than hand-loaded items |
Still deciding? The main boltless shelving hub compares boltless, wire shelving and pallet rack side by side, and our team can lay out the same room in two systems so you can compare cost and capacity directly.
Shop Comparable Rivet Shelving Online (Other Brands)
RiveTier is quoted to order through our WPSS dealer team, so it is not sold as a click-to-buy item. For comparison, our online store carries rivet rack starter units and add-on bays from Lyon and a boltless shelving unit from Interlake. An add-on bay needs a starter unit to attach to. They are close matches in style, not RiveTier parts, and we do not recommend mixing them into a RiveTier run without checking fit.
Request a RiveTier Shelving Quote
Tell us your room size, clear height, what you store and your timeline. Our WPSS dealer team will follow up with a RiveTier layout, configuration-rated capacities and pricing. Prefer to talk? Call (800) 326-4403.
RiveTier Shelving FAQs
What is RiveTier shelving?
Is MH-USA an authorized RiveTier dealer?
Who makes RiveTier shelving?
How much weight can a RiveTier shelf hold?
How wide and tall can RiveTier shelving be?
Is RiveTier compatible with other boltless shelving?
What decking is available for RiveTier?
Do RiveTier units need cross bracing?
Can I assemble RiveTier shelving myself?
Do you sell RiveTier shelving in Utah?
Get a RiveTier Shelving Quote
Send us your room dimensions, what you store and the shelf sizes you have in mind. We will specify posts, beams and decking for the load and confirm freight.