Did you know that almost 10% of Americans are currently renting a self-storage unit? If you are debating on using metal shelving for storage but are not 100% sure yet, we are here to help you. We have put together this guide to share everything about choosing metal shelving.

Read on to discover the pros, cons, and everything there is to know about metal shelving.

Advantages

One of the pros of opting for metal shelves for storage is that they do not wear down or break easily. They are also easy to install yourself.

Using open metal shelving will also make your storage look organized and it will allow you to see what you have on your shelves without losing your items.

Cons

If you buy a cheap version of metal shelving, you will end up with corroded and rusty shelving units. Another con is that they can quickly get messy if you do not keep up with sorting and organizing your items.

Material Options

One popular material for shelving units is aluminum. Aluminum shelves are durable and lightweight. Making them a perfect choice to move around without breaking your back while you are organizing your storage unit.

Aluminum also has a protective oxide coating that makes it naturally resistant to corrosion. If you are all about helping the environment, then you’ll be glad to learn that aluminum is 100% recyclable, making it eco-friendly.

Another material commonly used for metal shelves is stainless steel. This material is versatile and durable. A major pro is that stainless steel is able to withstand high temperatures and heavy weight.

Chrome wire is another popular option because of its strength. If you are on a tighter budget then chrome wire is the way to go because it is more affordable than stainless steel.

If you want a more custom style, then you can look for wrought iron metal shelving units. This is on the higher end of the budget spectrum but it can bear practically any load no matter the weight and it is water-resistant.

Wrought iron will make your personal storage unit look aesthetically pleasing as an added bonus.

Open or Closed?

One last thing you want to take into consideration is whether you want open or closed shelving. If you choose closed shelving, it will give you extra security and will help keep your items from getting damaged or falling.

Open shelving will have no side panels or rear panels, which allows you to easily retrieve and find your items.

Is Metal Shelving for Storage Worth It?

Now you can make an informed decision on whether you should use metal shelving for storage. If you decide to use metal, you just have to choose which type of metal is best to hold your items.

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