Heavy-Duty Boltless Shelving Starter Units

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Heavy-Duty Boltless Shelving Starter Units

Heavy-Duty Boltless Shelving Starter Units for Warehouses and Stockrooms

A starter unit is a complete, freestanding heavy-duty boltless shelving unit, and it's the first bay in any row. Set it up on its own, or connect heavy-duty boltless shelving add-on units to extend the row along a wall or down an aisle.

These Lyon double rivet starter units are built from 14-gauge steel with a gray powder-coat finish. Each one stands 84" tall with 3 or 4 shelf levels, comes in 12", 18", 24", 36", and 48" depths and 36" to 96" widths, and ships with no decking or with 5/8" particle board decking.

Outfitting a warehouse or several rows?

Our team can help you plan sizes and the starters and add-ons for each row, and we offer free site visits and consultations. Request a quote or call 800-637-9508.

Heavy-Duty Boltless Shelving Capacity by Width

The width of a starter unit sets most of how much each level can hold. Depth only changes the rating on 12" deep units, so check both before you order.

Unit Width 12" Deep 18"–48" Deep Best For
36"w 800 lbs 800 lbs Shorter wall sections and end-of-row spaces
48"w 1,000 lbs 1,000 lbs The heaviest loads per level, such as boxed parts, hardware, and cased goods
60"w 775 lbs 800 lbs General stockroom and warehouse inventory with more room per level
72"w 750 lbs 800 lbs Longer runs of mixed inventory where shelf length matters
96"w 800 lbs 650 lbs Long or bulky cartons that need a wide opening more than a high weight rating

Capacities are per level for evenly distributed loads on units without decking.

Decking Options

Starter Units With or Without Particle Board Decking

Every starter unit in this collection is offered two ways. The frame is the same, so the choice comes down to what you're storing and whether you already have decking.

Choose No Decking When:

  • You're supplying your own decking or reusing decking you already have
  • Your items are large enough to span the beams on their own
  • You plan to add a different decking type separately

Choose Particle Board Decking When:

  • You want a flat, solid surface on every level right away
  • You're storing boxes, bins, or smaller items that need full support
  • You want center supports included on 60", 72", and 96" wide units

Need a different deck surface? Browse all boltless shelving decking.

Every Row Starts With One Starter Unit

A starter unit has four posts and stands on its own. Add-on units connect to an existing unit to continue the row, so a row of four bays is one starter plus three add-ons. Match the add-on's depth and height to your starter.

Hardware to anchor these units to the floor isn't included. If you plan to anchor your shelving, order anchors separately or call 800-637-9508 for help.

How to Choose a Heavy-Duty Boltless Shelving Starter Unit

A few decisions will narrow this collection down to the right starter unit for your space and inventory.

Check these before you order:

  • Depth: Match the depth to your largest items. 12" and 18" suit cases and bins, while 36" and 48" fit larger boxes and bulk stock.
  • Width: Pick a width rated for your heaviest level, using the capacity table above.
  • Shelf count: Choose 3 levels for taller items or 4 for more storage in the same 84" height. Beams adjust on 1-1/2" centers.
  • Decking: Order particle board decking or go without and supply your own surface.
  • Row length: Measure the full run, then plan one starter plus the add-ons needed to fill it.
  • Mobility: Need to move the unit? A boltless shelving casters kit is sold separately.

Heavy-Duty Boltless Shelving Starter Unit FAQs

Answers to common questions about adding levels, assembly, and shipping for heavy-duty boltless shelving starter units.

Can I add more shelf levels to a starter unit later?

Yes. Extra shelf levels, beams, and other components are sold separately in Lyon heavy-duty boltless shelving parts and shelf levels.

Do I need tools to assemble boltless shelving?

No. Assembly is tool-free, with no bolts or fasteners. The double rivet beams drop into the post slots and lock in place. A rubber mallet isn't required, but firmly tapping the beams with one helps make sure the rivets are fully set.

What's the difference between heavy-duty and light-duty boltless shelving?

Heavy-duty units use double rivet beams built for heavier loads per level. Light-duty units use single rivet beams for lighter storage. If your items are lighter, compare light-duty boltless shelving starter units.

How quickly do starter units ship?

These starter units are stocked in our warehouse and ship the next business day. They are also available for free local pickup at our Madison Heights, MI warehouse.

Boltless Shelving Resources

Compare systems and specifications before you plan your rows.

Boltless Shelving Specifications & Buying Guide

Review beam gauges, decking compatibility, and technical specs for boltless shelving systems.

Read the Guide →

Boltless Rivet vs. Industrial Clip Shelving

See how rivet-lock shelving compares with clip-style industrial shelving for strength, setup, and flexibility.

Read the Comparison →

Need Help Planning Your Boltless Shelving?

Tell us what you're storing and how much space you have, and our team will help you choose sizes, decking, and the starters and add-ons for each row.

Request a Quote Or call 800-637-9508
View Assembly Guides
Heavy-Duty Boltless Shelving Starter Units

Let Us Install For You

We don’t just sell stellar shelves. We design custom organized spaces that fit your needs, large or small.

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Let Us Install For You

We don’t just sell stellar shelves. We design custom organized spaces that fit your needs, large or small.

We Can Help You