Standard Pallet Racking Upright Sizes

The upright is the primary component of any pallet racking system.

Today we’re talking about the standard (or most common) upright sizes.

• The most common upright depth (front-to-back) is 42”, while 36” and 48” deep uprights are also standard sizes.
• Uprights come in a much greater variety of heights. The common height range is 8’ to 24’.
• The vast majority of uprights are 3” wide (across the front face of the post).

Why are 36″, 42″ and 48″ standard depths?

Uprights are designed to accommodate pallets, which are relatively standardized in the USA.

For example the 42” upright is ideal for 48” deep pallets, providing 3” of overhang on the front and back. Since 48” deep pallets are so common, so is the 42” deep upright.

• 36” deep uprights are ideal for 42” deep pallets.
• 48” deep uprights support 48” to 56” deep pallets.

Are there other depths?

Of course there are many other depths.

24”, 30” and 44” are not uncommon. We have stocked uprights up to 72” in depth. Uprights less than 24” in depth will probably never be used with pallets, but can be useful for hand stacking situations.

Is there a standard upright height?

There is no standard upright height. Uprights are usually manufactured in 2’ increments, from 8’ to 24’ tall.

However uprights can theoretically be manufactured or cut to any height as long as the upright is sufficiently strong to hold the intended load. (Load limits have to do with the steel gauge, the post design, and the beam spacing).

Why are uprights usually 3” wide?

Almost all racking styles have uprights with 3” width on the outer face of the post. This convention makes it easy to calculate the length of a racking row.

There are exceptions. For example some uprights have 4” wide posts. In this case, that extra width provides a lot more strength for carrying higher loads at higher heights.

Summary

The racking industry has lots of built-in standards. This is great for ease of configuration, installation, reusability, etc. It’s a good idea to use standard components when your product and space allow.

However you are not limited to the standards. Alternative dimensions can accommodate products or spaces with unique needs.