Why Racking Prices Matter
Racking is the backbone of warehouse operations. In South Africa, where floor space and load demands drive every rand, knowing what really shapes racking prices helps avoid budget shocks and unsafe compromises.
At Dreymar Industrial, we design racking and shelving systems tailored to site conditions, SKU profiles, and long-term growth. Our approach is simple: engineered layouts, certified load ratings, and modular systems that protect people, optimise space, and deliver ROI beyond day one.
Key Takeaways
- Racking prices hinge on more than the sticker; materials, load capacity, configuration, finishes, density, and compliance (EN 15512, EN 15635, SANS) all shape cost.
- Budget by system type - selective pallet racking is lowest entry cost; drive-in boosts density; push-back and pallet flow raise throughput; cantilever fits long goods; mezzanines unlock vertical space.
- Compare quotes apples to apples - confirm pallet data, beam lengths, frame depths, finishes, accessories, services, and lead times. Always request engineering calcs, load signage, and warranties in writing.
- Plan total cost of ownership (TCO) - include installation, permits, inspections, protection hardware, and reconfiguration. Match finishes (powder coat vs hot-dip galvanizing) to the environment.
- New vs used racking - used can reduce upfront spend and lead time but carries fit, fatigue, and compliance risks. Always verify standards, compatibility, and prior load history.
Key Price Drivers
- Materials - Steel grade, thickness, and bracing density impact durability and price.
- Loads - Beam and upright capacities vary by pallet weight and dimensions.
- Configuration – Bay width, frame depth, and levels per bay affect steel tonnage and cost.
- Finishes - Powder coat suits dry interiors; hot-dip galvanizing resists corrosion in cold stores and coastal sites.
- Density & type - Drive-in, push-back, and pallet flow racking raise storage density but at higher per-pallet cost.
- Specialty systems - Cantilever and mezzanines carry added engineering and compliance fees.
- Compliance - EN 15512/EN 15635/SANS-aligned designs ensure safety but require certified engineering.
- Accessories - Wire mesh decks, safety barriers, and labels add upfront cost but cut damage and downtime.
- Services - Surveys, permits, load signs, and inspections are essential line items.
- Lead times - Custom beams, colors, or galvanizing extend timelines and influence cost.
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
Don’t judge racking by purchase price alone. TCO includes:
- Capital: frames, beams, anchors, and finishes.
- Installation: labour, offloading, and night-shift builds.
- Permits & inspections: municipal approvals, fire compliance, load plaques.
- Operations: aisle layout, pick paths, replenishment efficiency.
- Maintenance: torque checks, repairs, annual audits.
- Reconfiguration: beam height changes or aisle moves.
- Risk: penalties and downtime from non-compliant or uncertified designs.
Relative Cost by Racking Type
- Selective pallet racking: lowest cost, fastest lead time, highest flexibility.
- Drive-in racking: denser storage, but requires pallet uniformity and trained drivers.
- Push-back / pallet flow: medium to high density with higher hardware cost.
- Cantilever racking: best for timber, pipes, and long goods.
- Mobile shelving: saves space in parts rooms/archives, but adds rail and drive systems.
- Mezzanines: unlock vertical capacity, but require structural checks, fire design, and safe access.
Comparing Quotes: What to Check
- Scope: bay count, beam levels, frame heights, clear widths.
- Loads: per-pallet weight, beam deflection limits, bay capacities.
- Steel spec: upright and beam profiles, grade (S235/S355), and coating.
- Compliance: EN 15512 design, EN 15635 use, and SANS load combinations.
- Floor data: slab thickness, baseplate design, anchor type.
- Protection: barriers, guards, and spacers in high-traffic areas.
- Services: surveys, drawings, method statements, handover pack.
- Lead time & installation: phased plan, safe work hours, and clear warranty.
Typical South African Price Benchmarks
|
System |
Best For |
Price Range (ZAR) |
Unit |
Notes |
|
Selective pallet racking |
Fast access, mixed SKUs |
2,800–6,500 |
per bay |
2–4 beam levels, 1,000–1,200 kg pallets |
|
Selective pallet racking (heavy) |
High load / taller frames |
750–1,300 |
per pallet position |
Thicker beams, seismic bracing |
|
Drive-in / Drive-through |
High density, low SKU |
1,200–2,200 |
per pallet position |
2–6 deep, 3–6 high |
|
Push-back racking |
Medium density, higher throughput |
1,900–3,200 |
per pallet position |
2–4 deep carts, gravity return |
|
Pallet flow |
FIFO, dated stock |
3,200–5,800 |
per pallet position |
Brake rollers, lane dividers |
|
Carton flow |
Fast movers, piece picks |
3,500–7,500 |
per bay |
Roller tracks, pick fronts |
|
Cantilever |
Long goods |
4,500–12,000 |
per bay |
Arm length 800–1,500 mm |
|
Specialty systems |
Harsh/outdoor |
+15–40% |
uplift |
Galvanizing, stainless hardware |
Excludes VAT, transport, and installation. Add 8–15% for powder coat upgrades and 25–40% for galvanizing.
New vs Used Racking
- New – safer, compliant, warrantied; higher upfront but longer lifecycle value.
- Used – cheaper, faster to source; but carries risks (hidden fatigue, missing certs, compatibility issues).
Checklist for used racking:
- Verify design standards (SANS/EN).
- Inspect frames, beams, and welds.
- Check for rust, bent uprights, or missing clips.
- Confirm compatibility with your beam and upright profiles.
- Document capacity with labels and certificates.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Guessing load data or pallet geometry.
- Skipping floor slab verification.
- Mixing incompatible brands/components.
- Under-scoping accessories (guards, decks, labels).
- Ignoring inspections and compliance paperwork.
- Buying on lowest price only without lifecycle view.
Conclusion
Racking prices make sense once you frame them around total cost, compliance, and workflow. The cheapest rack upfront may be the most expensive long-term if it compromises safety or limits scalability.
At Dreymar Industrial, we engineer racking systems to South African standards, site realities, and future growth. From selective to cantilever to mezzanines, our goal is the same: safe storage that pays back over its lifecycle.
Planning a project? Share your load data and pallet specs with us. We’ll scope, price, and design a solution that fits your site and your budget.
FAQs on Racking Prices
What drives racking prices in South Africa?
Racking prices are shaped by steel grade and weight, load design, bay dimensions, finishes, safety compliance, accessories, installation scope, and services like inspections and permits.
How do I choose the right racking type?
Match racking to SKU mix and throughput: selective racking for fast movers, drive-in for higher density, push-back for medium density with good selectivity, cantilever for long goods, and mezzanines for vertical expansion.
Is used racking safe?
Used racking can be safe if inspected, certified, and compatible. Always confirm load ratings, inspect for rust, dents, or missing clips, and verify compliance documents before purchase.
What’s included in a professional racking quote?
A solid quote should include load data, pallet specs, frame and beam dimensions, finishes, accessories, installation, warranty terms, and compliance documents.
How do I compare vendor quotes fairly?
Standardise requirements across all vendors (load data, dimensions, coatings, accessories) and build a side-by-side matrix to compare like-for-like on pricing, lead times, and warranty coverage.