VNA (very narrow aisle)
Very tight aisles can make more of the warehouse footprint available for pallet storage.
Find out more- 51 Years' Experience
- 5,000+ Completed Projects
- 3.5 Million Sqft. Since 2023
- CDM Principal Contractor
Explore your pallet racking options
With 51 years’ experience, Oakway helps businesses plan heavy duty pallet racking systems around their building, stock and day-to-day operation. Our consultancy considers available space, pallet sizes and loads, handling equipment and workflow to develop a layout that balances storage capacity with practical access.
From the initial consultation and feasibility work through layout design, supply and installation, Oakway can support you at each stage. We can develop and compare options for VNA (very narrow aisle), narrow aisle, wide aisle and used pallet racking, helping you assess what could work in your warehouse.
Narrow Aisle
A tighter layout than wide aisle racking, while keeping pallet locations accessible.
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Used pallet racking
Explore used stock where sizes, quantities and layout suit your project.
Find out moreFind the right pallet racking for your operation
The right pallet racking system depends on what you store and how your warehouse operates. Stock variety, pallet dimensions and load weights, available space, forklift equipment and picking processes all affect which layout will work best.
Use the guide below as a starting point. Oakway can help compare these four options against your building, stock and handling equipment.
VNA (very narrow aisle)
VNA racking uses very narrow aisles to make more of the warehouse footprint available for pallet storage while keeping individual pallet positions accessible. It can suit operations where storage density is a priority. Depending on the building, pallets and handling equipment, aisles can be as narrow as 1.9m.
The aisle dimensions and layout need to suit the building, pallets and handling equipment. Truck manoeuvrability, clearances and stock movement all affect whether a VNA layout fits the operation.
Narrow aisle
Narrow aisle racking uses less aisle space than a wide aisle layout while retaining access to pallet positions. It can suit warehouses seeking additional storage capacity while keeping individual pallets accessible. Aisles can be as narrow as 2m to 2.2m, depending on the trucks used and the warehouse layout.
The planned aisle width needs to suit the trucks used on site and the warehouse layout. Stock movement, picking and replenishment also affect how well the system will work day to day.
Wide aisle
Wide aisle pallet racking provides direct access to pallet locations, with room for forklifts to move between rows. It can suit operations handling mixed stock, frequent pallet movement or regular order picking. Aisles are typically 2.8m to 3.5m wide.
Wider aisles use more floor space than narrower layouts but allow more room for forklift movement and clear access to stock. The layout depends on the warehouse footprint, handling equipment and picking flow.
Used pallet racking
Used pallet racking may suit your project if available stock matches your required sizes, quantities and layout. Oakway lists used racking from a range of manufacturers, but stock and availability change.
Some used pallet racking may be available for delivery within 5-10 days, subject to current stock and project requirements. Contact Oakway to check availability and discuss layout advice, delivery and installation.
Pallet racking projects
First GB Logistics – Warehouse Fit Out
From limited space across two sites to one facility built for efficient operations and future growth.
First GB Logistics – Warehouse Fit Out - Find out more
PW Gates – Warehouse Fit Out
Delivering complete warehouse fit-out solutions, from initial consultation and design through to installation and completion.
PW Gates – Warehouse Fit Out - Find out more
KPMF Ltd – Pallet Racking
Future-proofing storage solutions for KPMF Ltd
KPMF Ltd – Pallet Racking - Find out more
Dependall – Pallet Racking
Castleford based storage and logistics business, Dependall Ltd, were looking for a partner to support their warehouse re-development.
Dependall – Pallet Racking - Find out moreProudly working with
Why choose Oakway for you pallet racking project?
With 51 years of experience and more than 5,000 completed projects, Oakway brings a proven track record to warehouse storage. We use our unique methodology to understand your operation and design a pallet racking system around your space, stock and handling equipment.
We tailor our installation team to each project, with up to 35 people on site when needed. We deliver racking to site within five weeks, compared with the industry standard of seven to eight weeks.
Warehouse layout planning and consultancy
Pallet racking works best when it is planned as part of the wider warehouse layout. Oakway’s consultancy considers your stock profile, pallet sizes, throughput, handling equipment and building constraints, then plans how goods move through receiving, storage, replenishment, picking and dispatch. Racking rows, aisle widths, loading areas and pedestrian routes are considered together, with room for future changes where possible.
If you are comparing options or planning a change, Oakway can develop alternative 2D layouts and a feasibility study covering potential capacity, key constraints, indicative costs and programme. The study can include recommendations and next steps to help your team assess the options before moving on to detailed design or installation. Illustrative 3D visuals can also be included where they are useful and agreed as part of the brief.
Find out morePallet racking safety and inspections
Pallet racking safety should be considered as part of the warehouse layout. Depending on your project, Oakway can incorporate rack protection, column guards, safety barriers, floor marking and traffic management.
Oakway also provides warehouse racking inspections, including pallet racking inspections. Contact the team to discuss the inspection options for your site.
Pallet racking FAQs
What type of pallet racking do I need?
It depends on your stock, pallet sizes and weights, handling equipment, available space and picking requirements. VNA racking uses very tight aisles; narrow aisle racking balances aisle space with pallet access; wide aisle racking allows more room for forklift movement; and used racking depends on current stock and whether it matches your requirements.
What affects the cost of a pallet racking system?
Cost depends on the system and layout, the size and height of the installation, pallet dimensions and loads, site conditions, handling equipment and the work needed to install it. Oakway can discuss the project requirements and prepare a quote based on the information available.
Does Oakway supply and install pallet racking?
Oakway supports pallet racking projects from understanding warehouse requirements and planning the layout through to supply and installation.
Can an existing pallet racking system be extended or matched?
That depends on the system, its condition and the project requirements. If you want to extend or replace existing racking, share the manufacturer or beam details, measurements and photos if available so Oakway can review the information with you.
Does Oakway sell used pallet racking?
Oakway lists used pallet racking. Contact the team to check current availability and whether the stock suits your required dimensions and layout.
Does Oakway offer pallet racking inspections?
Yes. Oakway offers warehouse racking inspections, including inspections of pallet racking. Contact the team to discuss what is appropriate for your site.
How long does pallet racking installation take?
Timing depends on the system, project size, stock availability and site conditions. Oakway can discuss the likely schedule when reviewing your requirements.
Will installation disrupt warehouse operations?
The impact depends on the site and installation plan. Discuss access, operating hours and any live warehouse activity with Oakway so these can be considered when planning the work.
What is APR Pallet racking?
APR stands for adjustable pallet racking. It uses upright frames and adjustable beams to create pallet storage levels, with direct access to each pallet position. Beam heights can be changed to suit different pallet sizes and load requirements.
Talk to a pallet racking supplier in the UK
Contact us
If you are comparing pallet racking suppliers or planning a warehouse project, tell Oakway what you need to store and how your operation works. Your location, pallet sizes and loads, handling equipment, plans or photos can help the team understand your requirements. You can get in touch even if you do not have a complete specification.
Call us on 01604 792255
or request a callback using the form.
You can also email us on: info@oakwaystorage.co.uk
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