Storage is the backbone of operational efficiency, no matter the industry. Whether it's a hospital, restaurant, lab, or warehouse, the right shelving can significantly improve workflow, safety, and space management.
Despite its importance, shelving is often an afterthought. This results in solutions that fail to meet the specific needs of the application at hand.
Each industry presents unique challenges that require unique solutions. For instance, a hospital's Sterile Processing Department (SPD) requires storage that supports sterile conditions. A busy restaurant kitchen needs shelving that withstands intense daily use, frequent cleaning, and wet environments like walk-in coolers.
Not all shelving is created equal. That's why assessing your needs is crucial before selecting the best shelving for your business.
In this guide, we'll look at the most common types of shelving, including various materials and finishes. We'll also explore which types perform best in real-world settings. Whether you're planning a new layout or upgrading an existing setup, Metro is here to help you choose shelving with confidence.
Learn about commercial shelving:
- What to Consider When Buying Commercial Shelving
- Main Types of Shelving Systems
- Specialty Shelving Systems
- Mobile vs. Stationary Shelving
- Shelving Materials & Finishes
- Choosing the Best Material for Your Needs
- The Best Shelving by Industry/Application
- FAQs About Shelving
What to Consider When Buying Commercial Shelving
Choosing the right commercial shelving can feel overwhelming. Wire vs. plastic. Mobile vs. stationary. With many considerations, it can be a challenge to determine what will best serve your specific needs.
Selecting the right shelving system is about more than just dimensions and price. Finding a solution that fits your space, supports your workflow, and holds up to daily use is essential. This is especially important in demanding environments like hospitals, restaurants, warehouses, and laboratories.
Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating shelving for commercial or industrial use:
1. Shelving Finishes
Material is one of the most significant considerations when selecting shelving, as it directly impacts both performance and longevity. Your environment will help determine which shelving material is most appropriate:
- Chrome wire shelving offers a cost-effective solution for dry storage.
- Epoxy-coated cooler-grade wire shelving, like Metroseal, offers better corrosion resistance than chrome in wet environments.
- Stainless steel is durable and corrosion-resistant, suitable for cleanrooms or wet environments.
- Polymer/plastic shelving won't rust or chip and offers excellent corrosion protection and chemical resistance.
- For a hybrid solution, Metro Super Erecta Pro combines the strength of epoxy-coated wire shelving with removable polymer shelf mats.
2. Weight capacity
Every shelving unit has its limits, expressed as a maximum load rating per shelf/unit. Exceeding that limit can shorten the shelf's lifespan—or worse, lead to safety hazards.
Before purchasing, consider the following:
- How heavy are the items you'll store?
- Will weight distribution be even or concentrated in certain areas?
- Do you need high-impact, heavy-duty dunnage-style shelving?
Always allow a buffer between your expected load and the shelf's max rating. Heavier items should be placed between the bottom and middle of the unit. Be sure to factor ergonomics when choosing the best location for heavier items.
3. Mobility requirements
Do you need your shelving to stay in place or move frequently?
- Stationary shelving provides maximum stability for permanent storage or heavier loads.
- Mobile shelving on wheels offers flexibility for changing setups, quick cleanups, or shared spaces. Shelving carts are a quick way to safely move supplies within a facility.
- High-density shelving utilizes mobile shelving guided by tracks to increase storage capacity within the same footprint.
4. Shelf design
Shelving system design is important for durability and safety, especially in mobile or high-load applications.
Some shelving systems rely on clip-on assemblies, which engage only a portion of the upright post. While this style may work in lighter-duty or stationary settings, it can be more susceptible to stress in mobile or high-load applications, particularly if not reinforced.
Look for shelving systems with integrated frames and secure, full-post engagement. Designs with 360-degree shelf-to-post connections offer greater structural stability and better performance across mobile, stationary, and heavy-duty applications without the need for extra supports like wall braces or crutches.
What to look for in a well-designed shelving system:
- A unified, one-piece shelf frame
- Full post engagement for maximum stability
- Compatibility with mobile, stationary, and high-density applications
Metro shelving is the only shelving on the market with a Never Collapse Money-Back Guarantee.
5. Environment
Certain environmental factors will impact the best shelving for your application. Each of these factors will influence the ideal shelving material and its long-term durability:
- Humidity levels
- Temperature fluctuations
- Low and high temperature exposure
- Chemical exposure
- Cleaning processes
- UV exposure
- Foot traffic patterns
Wet, humid, cold, sterile, and other specialized environments will require specialized shelving to ensure lasting performance and compliance.
6. Compliance needs
Industry-specific regulations may affect shelving requirements.
For example:
- Foodservice: NSF certification ensures that shelving meets food safety standards. Wet environments, including walk-in coolers and freezers, require products that are NSF listed for all environmets.
- Healthcare: Requirements for cleanable, antimicrobial surfaces.
Main Types of Shelving Systems
Understanding the different types of shelving available helps you match your operational needs with the right storage solution.
Here are the most common types of commercial shelving:
Open Wire Shelving
Open wire shelving is one of the most versatile and popular commercial shelving options on the market. Its open aesthetic allows you to see everything you need at a glance and, depending on the material and finish, is often more budget-friendly than other shelving options.
The benefits of wire shelving systems:
- Allows for better airflow and temperature regulation
- Reduces dust and moisture accumulation
- Lightweight and easy to adjust or reconfigure
- Provides full visibility of stored items
- Available in multiple finishes for different environments
Metro Super Erecta wire shelving comes in a variety of materials and finishes to fit a wide range of applications, including foodservice, healthcare, and commercial.
Polymer/Plastic Shelving
Polymer shelving, sometimes called plastic composite shelving, is built for durability and cleanliness. Made from high-strength plastic, it is as strong
and durable as metal and wire shelving. Because it resists rust and corrosion, plastic shelving is especially well-suited for healthcare, cleanrooms, and humid environments like restaurant coolers.
The benefits of heavy-duty plastic shelving:
- 100% rust-proof
- Strong and extremely durable
- Easy to clean and sanitize
- Non-porous, smooth surfaces resist grime
- Many systems (like MetroMax) include antimicrobial protection
With a lifetime warranty against rust and corrosion, MetroMax provides superior performance and value in all industries. It is also the only no-rust shelving that is guaranteed never to collapse.
Solid Metal Shelving
Solid shelving has a flat surface, making it ideal for items that need a stable base or containment. Solid shelves prevent smaller items or liquids from falling through. This shelving is a top choice for sterile environments where spill containment is a concern.
The benefits of solid metal shelving:
- Flat surface prevents items from tipping or falling
- Contains spills and small components
- Easy to wipe down and sanitize
- Available in various styles, including louvered/embossed shelves
Metro Solid Metal Shelving is available in galvanized, stainless steel, and premium autoclave/cart washable stainless steel (Type 304 and Type 316 options).
Cantilevered Shelving
Cantilevered shelving uses wall-mounted or freestanding
vertical supports with horizontal arms that hold shelves. This design frees up floor space and eliminates front posts, providing easy access to all items on the shelves.
Benefits of cantilevered shelving:
- Provides up to 50% more storage capacity vs four post shelving
- Fully customizable and reconfigurable
- Supports efficient workflow in task-driven spaces
- Easy to clean under and around
Metro SmartLever cantilever shelving works with all Super Erecta shelf finishes. This lets you pick the finish and style that suits your needs. It's also compatible with SmartWall grid and accessory system to turn your shelving unit into a productive workstation.
Specialty Shelving Systems
Specialty shelving systems go beyond basic wire, plastic, and metal options. They help solve unique storage problems in special situations. These solutions help address specific space constraints, security requirements, and other needs.
Wall Shelving
Wall shelving adds more storage capacity without taking up valuable floor space. Unlike traditional mobile and stationary shelving, these storage systems are designed to hang on the wall and take advantage of often empty wall space.
Benefits of wall shelving:
- Zero floor footprint, maximizing usable floor space
- Customizable heights and configurations
- Easy access to frequently used items
- Ideal for areas with high foot traffic or limited space
Metro SmartWall is a unique productivity system. It uses storage shelves, grids, and accessories to create more storage space and improve efficiency. Wall space is often not used well in commercial kitchens, labs, and healthcare facilities. This is especially true above sinks, workstations, and storage rooms.
For harsher environments, Metro offers NEW SmartWall Life units with corrosion-resistant parts.
High-Density/Track Shelving
Limited storage space is an issue in every industry. High-density track shelving makes it possible to add more shelving in a smaller footprint. Mobile shelving units are guided by tracks, allowing units to move together to create a single access aisle where needed.
The benefits of track shelving:
- Saves floor space by eliminating fixed aisles
- Increases storage capacity by up to 50%
- Mobile units enable smooth and easy access to stored items
- Compatible with wire, polymer, or solid shelving systems
Metro offers high-density shelving in both overhead and floor track options. Top-Track and qwikTRAK are ideal for walk-in coolers, freezers, dry storage rooms, sterile processing departments, environmental rooms, etc.
Dunnage Racks & Shelving
Dunnage racks keep heavy items safely off the floor, away from dirt and other contaminants. In addition to maintaining sanitation standards and maximizing storage space, dunnage racks often have a higher weight capacity than standard racks.
The benefits of dunnage racks:
- Maintains compliance with health codes
- Withstands heavy loads without warping
- Improved air circulation under stored goods
- Protection from water damage, pests, and contaminants
- Easy to clean under and around
Dunnage racks are often used for food service bulk storage, warehouse inventory, and grocery stockrooms. At Metro, we have wire and plastic dunnage racks for mobile and stationary use.
Security Shelving
Security shelving protects valuable or sensitive items with enclosed storage and controlled access features. These systems balance protection with accessibility for authorized personnel.
The benefits of security shelving:
- Lockable design prevents unauthorized access
- Provides visibility while maintaining security
- Strong and durable for demanding environments
- Mobile models enable a portable, secure unit
- Easy to integrate into existing wire shelving systems
Metro offers Super Erecta wire security shelving in multiple finishes and MetroMax polymer security shelving for abrasive environments. Both wire and polymer security units are offered as traditional hinged doors or sliding doors for space-saving convenience.
Other Specialty Shelves
For other specific applications may benefit from the following specialty shelving solutions:
Mobile vs. Stationary Shelving
When choosing a shelving system, it's important to consider how often you'll need to access, adjust, or move your shelves. Both stationary and mobile shelving have their place, and the right choice depends on your workflow.
Stationary Shelving
Stationary shelving units offer stability and strength, making them a great fit for nearly any environment. They're ideal for heavy loads or when shelving doesn't need to move frequently.
The downside with stationary units is that if you do have to move them, it's more difficult.
Mobile Shelving
Unlike stationary shelving, mobile units have casters to move them as needed. Locking casters allow you to secure them in place. This flexibility is especially valuable in areas that require frequent floor cleaning or where storage needs change frequently.
These mobile carts are highly popular in all industries: fast-paced environments like kitchens where movable storage enables faster routine cleaning; laboratory environments like environmental chambers where mobility is needed as part of an emergency preparedness plan; healthcare environments to aid in cleaning and reconfiguring of storage spaces; industrial environments where carts move constantly or where easily reconfigurable work cells are desirable.
Shelving Materials & Finishes
What are the differences between chrome, stainless steel, epoxy, and polymer shelving?
With shelving, the material is one of the most important factors. When you consider a wire rack, wall shelves, or high-density storage, the material and finish matter. They affect durability, cleanliness, corrosion resistance, and overall performance. This is especially true in busy commercial settings.
Chrome
Chrome-plated wire shelving is one of the most popular options for dry environments. It's strong, cost-effective, easy to install, and aesthetically pleasing with its bright, shiny appearance.
Benefits of chrome wire shelving:
- Budget-friendly and widely available
- Bright finish looks clean and professional
- Adjustable and modular
- Good weight capacity
- Allows air circulation and light penetration
Best for:
- Dry storage rooms
- Retail backrooms
- Warehouses
- Material handling
- Retail displays
- Utility carts
Considerations:
- Prone to rust over time if exposed to water or chemicals
- Not recommended for high-moisture or humid environments
- Not recommended for wash-down applications or highly corrosive settings
Epoxy-Coated Shelving
Epoxy-coated Metroseal wire shelving has a protective layer of epoxy coating applied over a zinc-plated metal wire substrate. This creates a durable, chip-resistant surface with good corrosion protection. Wire epoxy shelving is better for use in moderately humid areas than chrome shelving.
Benefits of epoxy-coated wire shelving:
- Better moisture and chemical resistance than chrome
- Epoxy finish provides a protective barrier against rust
- Smooth surface that's easy to clean
- Long-term durability
- Good weight capacity
- Allows air circulation and light penetration
Best for:
- Walk-in coolers and freezers
- Dish rooms
- Chemical storage
- Environmental chambers
- Dry storage
- Utility carts
- Material handling
Considerations:
- Slightly higher cost than chrome
- Over time, the epoxy coating can wear down if scratched or damaged
- Not as durable as stainless steel or polymer in extremely harsh conditions
Stainless Steel Shelving
Stainless steel is one of the most durable types of shelving. It's non-corrosive, easy to sanitize, and highly resistant to chemicals, moisture, and bacteria. It's a preferred choice for harsh environments, although it comes with a price tag.
Benefits of stainless steel shelving:
- Superior resistance to rust, corrosion, and chemicals
- Handles frequent washing and sanitizing
- Maintains appearance over many years
- Extremely durable and long-lasting
- Available in various grades for different needs (304 and 316 are the most common)
Best for:
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Laboratories and cleanrooms
- Wet or sterile environments
- Exposure to extremely low or high temperatures
Considerations:
- Higher upfront cost
- Solid stainless steel is heavier than other shelving options
Learn more about 304 vs. 316 stainless steel shelving
Polymer Shelving (Plastic Shelving)
Polymer shelving is made from high-strength plastic and is designed for environments that demand cleanliness and rust resistance. Unlike metal, it won't corrode or react to chemicals. Plastic shelving is often lighter, making it easy to move and reconfigure.
Benefits of plastic shelving:
- Will not rust or corrode
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Lightweight and easy to reconfigure
- Dishwasher-safe for thorough cleaning
- Resistant to chemicals, salt, and moisture
- Load rating equal to wire
Best for:
- Walk-in coolers and freezers
- Dishwashing rooms
- Dry aging
- Chemical storage
- Sterile processing
- Lab environments
- Environmental chambers
- Stainless steel alternative
Considerations:
- Higher upfront cost than traditional wire shelving
- Not suitable for extreme freezer conditions within the pharmaceutical industry or autoclave high-temperature sterilization processes
Choosing the Best Material for Your Needs
When selecting the best material for commercial shelving, consider the following:
- Environment: Assess humidity levels, chemical exposure, and cleaning requirements. If you're working in a cooler, dish room, or areas subject to frequent cleaning, you'll want epoxy-coated, stainless steel, or heavy-duty plastic shelving like MetroMax.
- Cleanliness: For healthcare, foodservice, or lab use, choose a material that's easy to sanitize. Polymer and stainless steel are the most durable for heavy cleaning regimens. MetroMax shelving contains built-in Microban product protection that helps keep the shelving cleaner between regular cleanings.
- Weight requirements: Heavy loads require heavy-duty shelving. Ensure that your chosen shelving unit can handle the weight of your storage needs.
- Budget constraints: Balance initial cost against long-term durability. Chrome shelving is cost-effective for general dry storage but should not be used in wet or otherwise harsh environments. MetroMax 4 100% rust-proof shelving has a lifetime warranty against corrosion and is cheaper than stainless steel.
- Regulatory needs: Some industries have specific material requirements for food safety or cleanliness.
The Best Shelving by Industry/Application
Different industries have specific storage needs. Understanding those needs is important to choosing a shelving system that will last you a lifetime.
Here's a look at some of the best shelving solutions by application, including real-world considerations and Metro product recommendations.
Foodservice & Restaurants
The foodservice industry encounters numerous storage challenges, including heavy bulk ingredients, wet dish rooms, and cold freezers. Another thing to consider is NSF certification. The National Sanitation Foundation approves shelving that adheres to food safety standards for commercial foodservice.
NSF/ANSI 2 is the standard that establishes minimum food protection and sanitation requirements for food handling equipment, including shelving.
Recommended Shelving for Restaurants & Foodservice:
Dry storage: Chrome wire shelving works well for pantry items, canned goods, and packaged products. Epoxy-coated and plastic shelving are also good choices.
Walk-in coolers/freezers: 100% rust-proof plastic shelving, like MetroMax, is ideal for walk-ins. Epoxy-coated wire can also be used but is less rust-resistant over time.
Dish areas/wet zones: Polymer, epoxy-coated, and stainless steel shelving can withstand constant moisture and cleaning.
Look for NSF certification for shelving that comes in contact with prepped food or ingredients. Look for NSF-certified shelving for all environments for use in walk-in coolers, freezers, dish rooms, and other wet or humid storage areas.
Other Considerations:
- Adjustable shelving accommodates changing inventory needs
- SmartLever shelving systems can create efficient workstations
- MetroMax shelving with removable shelf mats allows for easy cleaning when spills occur
- Mobile units improve flexibility in busy kitchen environments
- Wall shelving adds additional shelving to available wall space
- Security shelving can be used for liquor storage
Healthcare & Medical
Healthcare environments require high standards of cleanliness and reliability. From medication storage to supply organization, shelving must support infection control protocols.
Recommended Shelving for Hospitals & Medical Facilities:
General medical supplies: Chrome or epoxy-coated wire shelving works well for packaged items in dry areas.
Sterile processing departments: Polymer shelving with smooth surfaces protects delicate sterile packs.
Operating room storage: Stainless steel or polymer with antimicrobial protection.
Patient care areas: Easy-to-clean polymer or epoxy-coated shelving.
Shelving with Microban helps keep shelves cleaner between regular cleanings.
Other Considerations:
- MetroMax removable shelf mats simplify cleaning and sanitizing processes
- Clear label systems improve inventory management and reduce errors
- Quick-adjust wire options like Metro Super Adjustable and EZ-ADD shelving promote dense storage units for organizing storage bins, including two-bin kanban
- High-density track systems maximize limited floor space
Retail & Grocery
Retail environments benefit from versatile shelving that can adapt to changing inventory and seasonal needs while maintaining an organized appearance.
General merchandise: Chrome or epoxy-coated wire shelving provides cost-effective solutions.
Display areas: NSF-certified polymer or epoxy-coated shelving for packaged food/goods display.
Backroom storage: Chrome wire shelving for dry goods storage. Use dunnage shelves for heavy items.
Cold storage: Polymer or epoxy-coated shelving resists moisture from refrigeration.
Other Considerations:
- Metro offers specialized retail and grocery products, including pickup stations, picking carts, basket shelving, and custom merchandising configurations
- Super Erecta Drop Mat Shelving is ideal for retail displays with its built-in shelf ledge
- Security shelving is beneficial in break rooms for employee storage
Labs & Cleanrooms
Laboratory environments require shelving that is hygienic, non-shedding, and resistant to chemicals or moisture.
General lab storage: Stainless steel or solid or open-grid polymer shelving. Metroseal may also be appropriate.
Chemical storage areas: Chemical-resistant polymer shelving prevents corrosion.
Cleanrooms: Stainless steel (304 or 316 grade) or advanced polymer systems designed for cleanroom environments.
Equipment storage: Heavy-duty solid stainless steel or MetroMax i solid shelves for valuable instruments.
Other Considerations:
- Solid shelving prevents small items from falling through and minimizes spills
- Smooth surfaces like MetroMax removable shelf mats are easy to clean
- Metro offers ESD storage solutions for static-sensitive environments
Need Help Choosing the Right Shelving?
Whether building a new space or upgrading an existing setup, the right shelving can make all the difference.
Metro offers the highest customer-rated shelving on the market. Our solutions are designed to meet the demands of food service, healthcare, retail, laboratories, and industrial environments.
Built for performance, designed for flexibility, and backed by decades of industry expertise, no one makes shelving like Metro.
Not sure where to start?
We're here to help. Contact us today or reach out to your local Metro rep to optimize your storage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shelving
Still have questions about finding the right shelving? Here are answers to some of the most asked questions about commercial shelving:
What Are the Cons of Wire Shelving?
Wire shelving is popular across industries because it is affordable, strong, offers good airflow, and is attractive. However, it is not the right choice for every application. Chrome wire shelving is durable in dry environments but is susceptible to rust if exposed to humidity, spills, or cleaning chemicals.
Due to the open wire design, wire shelving can be for very small, soft, or oddly shaped items, requiring shelf mats. And while wire allows airflow and can reduce dust accumulation on the shelf, it will not contain spills, and debris can fall to the floor.
Can wire shelving be used in walk-in coolers or freezers?
Yes, but not all wire shelving is suitable for cold environments. Avoid chrome in walk-ins—it's prone to rust. Instead, choose epoxy-coated wire or polymer shelving like MetroMax, which resists corrosion and holds up to freezing temperatures.
Does stainless steel shelving rust?
While stainless steel is highly rust-resistant, no metal is completely rust-proof. In extremely harsh or corrosive environments, low-grade stainless steel may eventually show signs of corrosion. 316 stainless steel offers superior rust resistance. However, for truly 100% no-rust shelving, we recommend MetroMax.
What shelving is best for sterile environments?
We recommend polymer shelving or stainless steel for sterile environments, including SPDs and cleanrooms. Both materials are easy to clean, durable, and chemical resistant. MetroMax heavy-duty plastic shelving has removable shelf mats that provide smooth, non-shedding surfaces.
How much weight can commercial shelving hold?
It depends on the shelving type, material, and manufacturer. For example, while other plastic shelving has a lower weight capacity than most wire shelving, that's not true for MetroMax:
- Metro Super Erecta wire shelves can hold up to 800 lbs per shelf (up to 2,000 lbs per unit)
- MetroMax i polymer shelving holds up to 1,000 lbs per shelf (up to 2,000 lbs per unit)
- SmartLever systems can support 2,800 lbs per section
Always check the load rating for your specific shelving model and distribute weight evenly for safety.
What causes shelving to rust?
Metal shelving can rust when exposed to moisture, humidity, or corrosive cleaning chemicals over time. Scratches or chips in the finish—common with epoxy-coated shelving—can also allow rust to form.
To prevent rust, select shelving designed for your environment. Stainless steel and polymer are the most corrosion-resistant shelving materials available.