Pallet rack pallet supports are steel components installed between the front and rear load beams to provide additional support beneath stored pallets. They are commonly used in selective pallet racking when the pallet needs more support across its depth or when the warehouse wants additional protection against pallet damage or misplaced loads.
Although pallet supports are relatively simple components, choosing the correct type and quantity requires consideration of pallet construction, pallet dimensions, rack depth, load weight, beam configuration, and the overall rack design.
What Are Pallet Rack Pallet Supports?
Pallet rack pallet supports are horizontal steel supports positioned between the front and rear rack beams. They provide an intermediate bearing surface underneath the pallet and help reduce the unsupported span between the beams.
Unlike wire mesh decking, pallet supports do not normally create a continuous storage surface across the entire rack bay. Instead, they provide targeted support at selected positions beneath the pallet.
This makes pallet supports particularly suitable for full-pallet storage applications where the primary requirement is supporting the pallet itself rather than creating a shelf for loose cartons or individual products.
What Do Pallet Supports Do?
The main purpose of a pallet support is to provide additional support underneath a pallet when it spans the front and rear load beams.
- Support the pallet between the rack beams
- Reduce the unsupported span beneath the pallet
- Help accommodate pallets with weaker or more flexible construction
- Reduce the likelihood of pallet boards or runners deflecting excessively
- Provide additional support for full-pallet loads
- Help stabilize pallets during storage and retrieval
Pallet supports should not be treated as a substitute for correctly engineered beams or uprights. They are an accessory within the overall rack configuration and should be selected according to the pallet and rack design.
How Are Pallet Supports Installed?
A typical pallet support is installed across the rack depth, spanning between the front and rear beams. Depending on the design, the support may sit on or engage with the beam profile and may be secured to reduce movement.
Position the Support Across the Rack Depth
The support is positioned from the front beam toward the rear beam so that it provides bearing beneath the pallet.
Check the Beam and Support Fit
The support should match the beam profile and rack depth. A support that is too short, too long, or incompatible with the beam design may not sit correctly.
Secure the Support When Required
Some pallet support designs use flanges, tabs, clips, or fasteners to help keep the support in the intended position. The correct retention method depends on the support and beam design.
Verify Pallet Contact
After installation, check that the pallet sits correctly on the front and rear beams and the installed supports. The supports should not create an unintended obstruction that interferes with pallet placement or forklift operation.
Common Types of Pallet Rack Supports
Pallet supports are available in several structural profiles. Two commonly used designs are double-flanged supports and top-hat style supports. Other profiles may be available depending on the rack beam and project requirements.
| Support Type | Typical Characteristics | Common Application |
|---|---|---|
| Double-Flanged Pallet Support | Flanged ends fit over or around the rack beams | Selective pallet rack pallet support |
| Top-Hat Pallet Support | Formed steel profile with a raised center section | Full-pallet storage and additional pallet support |
| Structural Support Bar | Steel cross support installed between beams | Applications requiring additional pallet bearing support |
| Special Beam-Compatible Support | Designed around a particular beam profile | Rack systems with specific beam connection geometry |
The exact profile should be selected according to the rack beam and pallet requirements rather than based only on the appearance of the support.
Which Pallets Need Pallet Supports?
Not every pallet rack installation requires additional pallet supports. The need depends largely on the pallet's construction and how the pallet spans the rack beams.
Pallet supports can be particularly useful for pallets with relatively flexible bottom boards, pallets with large unsupported openings, older wooden pallets, or loads where additional bearing points are desirable.
Plastic pallets and some specialized pallet designs may also require a different support arrangement because their underside geometry can differ significantly from conventional wooden pallets.
The pallet should therefore be considered as part of the rack design rather than treating pallet supports as a universal accessory.
Pallet Supports for Wooden Pallets
Wooden pallets are commonly used in selective pallet racking, but their construction can vary considerably. Some pallets have multiple longitudinal runners, while others use different bottom-board arrangements.
If the distance between rack beams creates a large unsupported area beneath the pallet, additional pallet supports can help provide intermediate bearing points.
This is particularly relevant when the pallet carries a heavy concentrated load or when the pallet construction is not designed to span the full rack depth without additional support.
Pallet Supports for Plastic Pallets
Plastic pallets can have molded feet, runners, ribs, or other structural features underneath the pallet. These features affect where the pallet can safely bear on a rack.
Before selecting pallet supports for plastic pallets, check the pallet manufacturer's load specifications and underside geometry. The support arrangement should provide stable contact without interfering with the pallet's feet or runners.
How Pallet Size Affects Pallet Support Selection
Pallet dimensions are one of the most important factors when determining whether additional supports are appropriate.
A pallet that closely matches the rack depth may have a different support requirement from a shorter pallet stored on a deeper rack. Similarly, pallets with different orientations may place their runners or boards over different areas of the rack beams.
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Pallet Length | Determines how the pallet spans the front and rear beams |
| Pallet Width | Affects the load position and available bearing area |
| Rack Depth | Determines the distance between the front and rear beams |
| Pallet Construction | Determines where the pallet can safely receive support |
| Load Weight | Influences the support requirements of the pallet and storage configuration |
For this reason, pallet dimensions should be confirmed before finalizing the support arrangement for a new rack project.
How Many Pallet Supports Are Needed?
There is no single number of pallet supports that applies to every pallet rack installation.
The required quantity depends on the pallet dimensions, pallet construction, load characteristics, beam spacing, rack depth, and the manufacturer's design recommendations.
For some applications, two supports may provide the required intermediate bearing points. Heavier or more demanding configurations may require additional supports. The final quantity should be determined from the actual pallet and rack configuration rather than using a universal rule.
Pallet Supports vs. Wire Decking
Pallet supports and wire decking both provide support beneath stored loads, but they serve different purposes.
| Feature | Pallet Supports | Wire Decking |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Support pallets between beams | Create a broader storage surface across the rack bay |
| Coverage | Point or line support at selected locations | Broad surface coverage |
| Loose Cartons | Generally not intended as a storage surface | Can provide a suitable surface for certain non-palletized goods |
| Material Usage | Less material for targeted pallet support | More extensive rack-level coverage |
| Typical Application | Full-pallet storage | Pallet and mixed-load storage requiring broader coverage |
Industry rack guidance also distinguishes these two solutions: pallet supports provide targeted support under pallets, while wire decking creates a more continuous storage surface and can offer greater versatility for mixed storage applications. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Can Pallet Supports Replace Wire Decking?
Sometimes, but not in every application.
If the warehouse only needs additional support beneath full pallets, pallet supports may be a practical solution. If the rack level also needs to store cartons, cases, loose products, or pallets with significantly different dimensions, wire decking may provide greater coverage and versatility.
The decision should be based on the actual storage method rather than simply choosing the lower-cost accessory.
Do Pallet Supports Increase Rack Load Capacity?
Pallet supports should not automatically be treated as a way to increase the rated load capacity of the pallet rack.
The rated capacity of a rack depends on the complete structural configuration, including the upright frames, beams, connections, dimensions, bracing, and loading conditions. Pallet supports provide additional support to the pallet and can improve the way the load is supported, but they do not automatically change the manufacturer's rated rack capacity.
This distinction is important when planning a heavy-duty storage application. If the required pallet load exceeds the existing rack's rated capacity, adding pallet supports alone is not an appropriate substitute for redesigning the rack system.
Common Problems Caused by Incorrect Pallet Supports
Incorrectly selected or installed pallet supports can create practical problems even when the supports themselves appear strong.
- The support does not fully engage the beam
- The support is incompatible with the beam profile
- The support is positioned incorrectly for the pallet underside
- The support interferes with pallet feet or runners
- Too few supports are used for the actual pallet configuration
- The support moves during pallet loading or unloading
- The pallet is not centered correctly on the rack beams
These problems are why support selection should be integrated into the rack design rather than handled as a last-minute accessory purchase.
What Should Be Checked Before Ordering Pallet Supports?
Before ordering pallet supports for an existing rack, collect the basic technical information about the storage system.
- Rack beam profile and dimensions
- Rack depth
- Clear distance between front and rear beams
- Pallet length and width
- Pallet construction and underside design
- Maximum pallet weight
- Load distribution inside the pallet
- Existing decking or pallet support arrangement
Photos of the beam profile and pallet underside can also be useful when a replacement or retrofit support needs to be identified.
How to Specify Pallet Supports for a New Rack Project
For a new warehouse project, pallet supports should be specified together with the pallet rack rather than selected independently after the rack design has been completed.
The rack supplier should know the pallet dimensions, pallet type, maximum load, rack depth, beam configuration, and intended storage method. This information allows the support arrangement to be evaluated together with the complete rack structure.
For example, a warehouse storing one standardized wooden pallet type may require a different support configuration from a distribution center handling several pallet sizes and load conditions.
Choosing the Right Pallet Racking System
Pallet supports are only one part of a complete pallet racking solution. The rack itself should be selected according to pallet dimensions, load requirements, available warehouse height, aisle configuration, forklift type, and required storage density.
For warehouses requiring direct access to individual pallets, JINHUI Selective Pallet Racking Systems provide an adjustable configuration suitable for a wide range of warehouse storage applications.
For higher-load industrial applications, JINHUI Industrial Heavy Duty Pallet Racks can be configured around pallet dimensions, load requirements, rack height, beam levels, and warehouse operating conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pallet Rack Pallet Supports
What is a pallet rack pallet support?
A pallet rack pallet support is a steel component installed between the front and rear rack beams to provide additional bearing support beneath a pallet.
Are pallet supports required on every pallet rack?
No. The need depends on the pallet construction, pallet dimensions, rack depth, load characteristics, and rack design.
Are pallet supports the same as wire decking?
No. Pallet supports provide targeted support beneath pallets, while wire decking creates a broader storage surface across the rack level.
Do pallet supports increase the rated capacity of a rack?
Not automatically. They support the pallet and can improve load support, but the rated capacity of the rack must still be based on the engineered rack configuration.
Can pallet supports be used with wooden pallets?
Yes. They are commonly used with wooden pallets, provided the support arrangement is compatible with the pallet construction and rack configuration.
Can pallet supports be used with plastic pallets?
They can be used in suitable applications, but the pallet underside geometry should be checked before selecting the support arrangement.
Final Thoughts
Pallet rack pallet supports are simple but useful components for warehouses that need additional support beneath stored pallets. They can help reduce unsupported pallet spans and provide a practical alternative when full wire decking is not required.
The correct solution depends on the relationship between the pallet, rack beams, rack depth, load weight, and storage method. A support should never be selected solely by length or appearance.
For a new pallet racking project or a retrofit application, providing the pallet dimensions, pallet type, maximum load, rack dimensions, and operating requirements allows the rack supplier to recommend a suitable support configuration.
Contact JINHUI for a customized pallet racking solution:
WhatsApp: +86 185 0252 7163
Email: info@jhrack.com
Website: https://www.jinhui-rack.com/
