Do I need column protectors?

If forklifts work the aisles, yes in almost every layout. Most rack damage starts at a struck base column; protectors absorb impact that would otherwise compromise the upright.

What is a flue space and why does fire code require it?

A flue space is the vertical gap that lets sprinkler water reach a fire deeper in the rack. Fire code requires those gaps in most high-piled storage; flue spacers and labels help keep them open.

What are wire decks for?

Wire decks support loads on the beams, reduce fall-through, and typically allow better sprinkler water flow than solid decks — often required for fire-code compliance.

RACKING ACCESSORIES

Safety and code hardware that keeps racking standing.

Protectors, decks, flue hardware, and signage are not optional extras in most high-piled layouts — they are how the system survives impact and passes inspection. Below is what each item does and when it matters.

Talk to a designer Racking systems

Column Protectors

Guards that wrap the base of upright columns to absorb forklift impact. The most common rack failure starts at a struck base column; protectors are inexpensive insurance against a collapse. If trucks work the aisle, you want them.

Wire Decks

Welded-wire shelves that sit on the beams to support non-palletized or unstable loads, improve fire-sprinkler water flow versus solid decks, and stop items falling through. Often required by fire code for flue and sprinkler reasons.

Flue Spacers

Devices that hold the correct gap (the "flue space") between back-to-back rows and between loads, so sprinkler water can reach a fire lower in the rack. A fire-code requirement in most high-piled storage, not an optional add-on.

Flue Labels / Load-Spacing Labels

Floor and beam markings that show operators where to leave the required flue space so it does not get blocked by an over-deep pallet. Compliance depends on operators actually keeping the flue open.

End-of-Row Guards / End-Row Protectors

Heavier steel guards on the exposed ends of rack rows where aisle traffic is highest. They take the hit at the most-struck point in the layout.

Pallet Supports

Cross bars added between beams to carry pallets that do not span the beams well, or to support undersized, damaged, or push-back-style loads safely.

Guide Rails

Floor-mounted rails that steer trucks straight down drive-in and narrow lanes, protecting both the rack and the truck from side impact.

Pallet Stops / Back Stops

Stops at the rear of a beam level that keep a pallet from being pushed off the back into the flue or the next aisle.

Fire-Prevention Signage

Rack-load and commodity signage required by fire code in many jurisdictions, communicating maximum load and storage rules at the rack.

Common questions

Do I need column protectors?: If forklifts work the aisles, yes in almost every layout. Most rack damage starts at a struck base column; protectors absorb impact that would otherwise compromise the upright.
What is a flue space and why does fire code require it?: A flue space is the vertical gap that lets sprinkler water reach a fire deeper in the rack. Fire code requires those gaps in most high-piled storage; flue spacers and labels help keep them open.
What are wire decks for?: Wire decks support loads on the beams, reduce fall-through, and typically allow better sprinkler water flow than solid decks — often required for fire-code compliance.

Spec the hardware with the system

Accessories are designed into the layout with the uprights and beams — not bolted on as an afterthought. Tell us your aisle traffic and fire-code constraints and we will design the package accordingly.