How to choose your warehouse shelving: the complete 2026 guide
In short
To choose warehouse shelving, start from three criteria: the nature of the loads (pallets, long loads, picking), the turnover of SKUs and the available height. Pallet racking covers most needs; cantilever is essential for long loads; dynamic shelving optimises flows with high turnover.
The main families of shelving and their uses
Conventional pallet racking remains the most widespread solution in French warehouses: it offers direct access to 100% of the pallets and adapts by simply adjusting the beams. It is the default choice when the number of SKUs is high.
| Type of shelving | Typical loads | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|
| Pallet racking (conventional) | Pallets of 500 to 1,500 kg | Versatile storage, direct access to each pallet |
| Cantilever | Long loads: tubes, profiles, timber, panels | Building-materials merchants, metalwork, joinery |
| Dynamic shelving (FIFO) | Pallets or bins on rollers | High turnover, first-in / first-out management |
| Medium-duty picking shelving | Loads of 100 to 600 kg per level | Manual order picking |
| Drive-in racking (accumulation) | Homogeneous pallets in large quantities | Few SKUs, large volumes per SKU |
Criterion no. 1: the nature and weight of the loads
Each shelving unit is dimensioned for a maximum load per level and per upright frame, calculated in accordance with the European standard EN 15512 (design of static steel racking). A loaded Euro pallet commonly weighs between 300 and 1,000 kg; the beams of a standard rack typically support 2,000 to 3,000 kg per pair.
For long loads (beyond 2 to 3 metres: cladding, tubes, structural timber), pallet racking becomes unsuitable: cantilever racking, with its cantilevered arms and no front upright, allows obstacle-free handling along the entire length.
Criterion no. 2: the turnover of SKUs
The flow management rule determines the technology. Direct-access storage (conventional racking) is suitable when each SKU must remain accessible at all times. Dynamic FIFO shelving (first in, first out) is essential for date-sensitive or high-turnover products: the pallets move forward by gravity on inclined rollers, which reduces forklift operator travel.
Accumulation storage (drive-in) sacrifices direct access in order to increase density: it is only justified if you store many pallets of a small number of homogeneous SKUs.
Criterion no. 3: the height and configuration of the building
The usable height depends on the height under the roof truss, the handling equipment and fire safety rules. A reach truck commonly serves levels up to 10 to 12 metres; beyond that, three-way trucks or stacker cranes are required.
Aisle sizing is just as structuring: about 3.5 metres for a counterbalance truck, 2.7 to 3 metres for a reach truck, less than 2 metres for a three-way truck in a guided aisle. Reducing the aisle width increases storage capacity by 20 to 40% for the same floor area, at the cost of more expensive machinery.
Safety and compliance: what the regulations require
In France, metal shelving units are work equipment within the meaning of the Labour Code: the employer must keep them in a compliant condition (article R4322-1). The European standards EN 15512 (design), EN 15620 (tolerances), EN 15629 (specification) and EN 15635 (operation and maintenance) govern their design and use.
The EN 15635 standard recommends an expert inspection at least every 12 months, in addition to weekly visual inspections carried out in-house. Each shelving unit must carry a load notice indicating the maximum permissible loads.
Budget: the orders of magnitude in 2026
- Conventional pallet racking: around €80 to €150 excl. VAT per pallet location, supplied and installed.
- Cantilever: around €250 to €600 excl. VAT per linear metre depending on the load per arm.
- Medium-duty picking shelving: around €60 to €120 excl. VAT per linear metre of shelf.
- Dynamic shelving: 2 to 4 times the price of a conventional location, offset by the productivity gain.
- To be added: upright protectors, foot guards, load notices and a layout study.
Frequently asked questions
Which shelving should I choose to store pallets?
Conventional pallet racking is the default choice: direct access to each pallet, adjustable beams, around €80 to €150 excl. VAT per installed location. Drive-in or dynamic solutions are only justified for large volumes of homogeneous or high-turnover SKUs.
Which standard applies to warehouse shelving in France?
The series of European standards EN 15512 (structural design), EN 15620 (tolerances and deformations), EN 15629 (equipment specification) and EN 15635 (operation and maintenance), supplemented by the Labour Code, which requires work equipment to be kept in compliance.
What aisle width should be provided between two racks?
About 3.5 m for a counterbalance truck, 2.7 to 3 m for a reach truck and less than 2 m for a three-way truck in a narrow guided aisle. The exact width depends on the turning radius of the machine and the size of the pallets.
Can second-hand shelving be installed?
It is possible but risky: you must check the origin, the compatibility of the components (mixing brands is prohibited), the absence of deformation and have the manufacturer’s load notices. Second-hand shelving without documentation cannot be used to justify compliance.
Who must inspect shelving and how often?
The EN 15635 standard provides for an inspection by a competent person at least every 12 months, as well as regular (weekly) visual checks by the designated in-house shelving safety officer (PRSES). Any damaged element must be classified green, orange or red and dealt with accordingly.
Do shelving units need to be anchored to the floor?
Yes. Manufacturers and the EN 15512 standard require the upright feet to be anchored to the floor with suitable fixings, dimensioned according to the calculated forces. An unanchored pallet rack presents a risk of collapse in the event of a forklift impact.
Sources & references
Related guides
How much does warehouse racking cost in 2026?
Allow €80 to €150 excl. VAT per pallet location for conventional racking installed in 2026. Ranges by type, budget examples and price factors.
Medium-duty shelving or pallet racking: which should you choose?
Medium-duty shelving serves manual picking up to 600 kg per level; pallet racking stores full pallets. The comparison to help you choose well.
Racking inspection: who, when and how?
NF EN 15635 requires three levels of racking monitoring, including an expert inspection every 12 months. Method, tolerances and the role of the PRSES.