Warehouse efficiency starts with the right storage system. If your business handles long, heavy, or non-standard items, long-span shelving may be exactly the solution that transforms your logistics processes. In this article you will find everything you need to know before making a decision – from technical specifications to installation safety requirements and cost calculations.
Long-span shelving consists of specialised metal shelving systems for warehouses, designed for storage with wide spacing between support columns – typically from 1.5 m to 4+ metres. Unlike standard pallet racking, in which vertical beams divide each bay, long-span systems have minimal intermediate support points or place them entirely at the edges of the structure.
It is precisely the modularity of shelving systems that makes this solution popular in manufacturing companies, building materials warehouses, and the metalworking sector.
Many companies discover too late that their “non-standard” loads are actually a perfectly standard problem with a proven solution. Here are five cases where long-span metal warehouse shelving is indispensable:
If your warehouse constantly raises the question “where do we put these long items?”, the answer is most likely the right shelving system – not a larger warehouse.
When selecting metal shelving for a warehouse, material quality is not merely a technical detail – it directly affects safety, operating costs, and long-term return on investment.
High-quality cold-rolled steel (typically grade S235 or S355) provides:
Powder coating provides an attractive appearance and protection against mechanical damage during daily use. Hot-dip galvanising is preferable for outdoor environments or high-humidity settings – for example, in food production or chemical warehouses. Both methods significantly extend the service life of shelving compared to untreated metal.
Investment in a quality steel structure typically pays for itself within 3–5 years, taking into account reduced maintenance costs and a longer service life.
Installing long-span shelving is not complex, but it must follow a strict protocol. Improper assembly is the leading cause of warehouse racking failures in Europe – and the consequences of each such failure can be both material and tragic in human terms.
Before requesting a warehouse shelving price, it is worth carrying out a quick preliminary calculation. This will help determine how many bays are needed and what the approximate investment will be.
Step 1 – determine the available warehouse floor area for shelving:
A_shelving = A_total × 0.6
60% is the typical storage area coefficient (the remainder covers aisles, loading zones, and fire safety corridors).
Step 2 – calculate the required number of bays:
N_bays = A_shelving / (L_bay × D_bay)
Where: L_bay = bay length (m), e.g. 2.5 m; D_bay = bay depth (m), e.g. 0.6 m
Step 3 – calculate the number of levels:
N_levels = (H_warehouse − 0.5) / h_level
Where H_warehouse is the ceiling height and h_level is the required spacing between levels.
Warehouse of 500 m², ceiling height 6 m, stored goods up to 3 m in length:
This formula is indicative – an accurate calculation requires taking into account load weights, warehouse layout, and equipment type.
VVN offers a complete range of long-span shelving solutions, including both European-manufactured steel structures and local installation and after-sales service.
The warehouse shelving price in VVN’s offer depends on the number of bays, load class, and chosen surface finish. By contacting a VVN specialist, you will receive an accurate quotation for your specific project – with no hidden charges.
Not yet certain which shelving system is right for your warehouse? Request a free expert visit from the VVN team.
Contact VVN today – complete the enquiry form at vvn.lv or call our consultants. The first step towards a more efficient warehouse is just one call or message away.
Long-span shelving is not merely a storage space – it is an investment in warehouse productivity, safety, and long-term efficiency.
