Plastic Shelving

HDPE Plastic Shelving for Commercial, Utility and Moisture Exposed Storage

Shelving.com’s plastic shelving collection includes DuraShelf HDPE shelving systems designed for storage areas where moisture, corrosion resistance and easy maintenance are important considerations. Choose from grid top and solid top shelving in multiple widths, heights and shelf configurations.

The collection includes freestanding base units as well as modular add on sections, making it possible to build a single shelving unit or extend a larger storage run as space and storage needs change.

HDPE plastic shelving can be useful in garages, utility areas, commercial kitchens, walk ins, stockrooms and other environments where traditional metal shelving may be more susceptible to moisture or corrosion.

Choose Grid Top or Solid Top Plastic Shelving

The first decision is often which shelf surface makes the most sense for the items being stored and the conditions in the room.

Grid Top Plastic Shelving

Grid top DuraShelf shelving uses an open shelf surface that allows air to move through the shelving and liquids to drain rather than collect on the shelf.

This design can be useful in humid, wet or frequently cleaned areas where airflow and drainage are important considerations.

Grid top options are available in several widths and shelf configurations, including base shelving units and compatible add on sections.

Solid Top Plastic Shelving

Solid top DuraShelf shelving provides a continuous shelf surface rather than an open grid.

This can be useful when stored items benefit from a flat, uninterrupted surface or when smaller containers and supplies need full shelf support.

Like the grid top systems, solid top shelving is available in multiple sizes and configurations for different storage layouts.

Base Units and Add On Plastic Shelving Sections

DuraShelf plastic shelving is available in both base units and add on sections.

A base unit creates the starting shelving system. Depending on the configuration, add on sections can then extend the storage run without requiring a completely separate freestanding unit.

This modular approach can be useful for facilities that need to:

• Start with a smaller storage area and expand later
• Build longer shelving runs
• Adjust storage layouts as inventory changes
• Add capacity without replacing the original system

Before ordering an add on section, confirm that the dimensions and configuration are compatible with the shelving system being expanded.

Plastic Shelving Sizes and Configurations

The plastic shelving collection includes several widths and shelf counts so buyers can select a system that fits the available space rather than working around a single standard size.

Current DuraShelf options in the collection include widths such as:

• 36 inches
• 48 inches
• 66 inches
• 96 inches

Configurations include lower two shelf base systems, three shelf systems, four shelf systems and add on sections.

Some models also include 24 inch deep shelving for applications that need additional shelf depth.

Check the dimensions of the individual product before ordering, especially when shelving will be installed around doors, equipment, coolers, work areas or existing storage systems.

Where Plastic Shelving Works Well

Plastic shelving can be useful anywhere moisture, corrosion, cleaning or environmental conditions make the shelving material an important part of the decision.

Wet and Humid Storage Areas

HDPE does not rust like traditional steel shelving, making plastic shelving worth considering in storage areas where humidity or moisture exposure is common.

This may include utility rooms, damp storage areas, cooler environments and other spaces where corrosion resistance is important.

Walk Ins and Foodservice Storage

Plastic shelving can also be considered for foodservice storage areas, including walk ins and other spaces where cold temperatures, moisture or regular cleaning affect the storage environment.

For foodservice projects involving several different storage areas, see our Food Service Shelving & Storage Solutions page.

Utility and Janitorial Storage

Moisture resistant shelving can be useful for storing cleaning products, facility supplies and other utility inventory.

Because chemical compatibility can vary, confirm that the shelving material is appropriate for any chemicals or products that will be stored on or near the shelving.

Garages, Workshops and Facility Storage

Plastic shelving provides another option for garages, workshops, maintenance areas and facility storage where corrosion resistance and low maintenance are priorities.

Its relatively lightweight construction can also make shelving easier to reposition when storage layouts change.

Plastic Shelving vs. Metal Shelving

Plastic and metal shelving can both work well, but the right choice depends on the environment and the items being stored.

Plastic shelving may be worth comparing when moisture, humidity or corrosion are recurring concerns. HDPE shelving does not rust and can provide a lower maintenance option in environments where metal finishes may be exposed to moisture.

Metal shelving may still be the better fit when the required size, configuration, load rating or application is better served by a particular metal shelving system.

Do not choose based on material alone. Compare the dimensions, stated capacity, construction and environmental suitability of the exact products being considered.

Explore Metal Shelving

What to Compare Before Choosing Plastic Shelving

Before selecting a plastic shelving system, consider how the shelving will actually be used.

Shelf Surface

Choose between grid top and solid top shelving based on the stored items and whether airflow, drainage or a continuous shelf surface is more useful.

Overall Dimensions

Measure available width, depth and height before ordering. The collection includes several widths and shelf configurations.

Number of Shelves

Consider how much vertical storage is needed and how the inventory will be distributed across the unit.

Base or Add On Configuration

Determine whether you need a freestanding base system or an add on section intended to extend an existing compatible shelving run.

Storage Environment

Consider whether the shelving will be used in a dry, humid, wet, cold or frequently cleaned area.

Load Requirements

Capacity can vary by product and configuration. Review the published specifications for the exact shelving unit rather than applying one general load rating to every plastic shelving system.

Modular Plastic Shelving for Changing Storage Needs

A modular shelving system can be useful when storage requirements are likely to change over time.

Base units provide the starting structure, while compatible add on sections can extend the system as more storage space is needed. Multiple widths and shelf configurations also make it easier to select shelving around the dimensions of the room rather than forcing one standard unit into every application.

The result is a storage system that can be planned around the space, inventory and environment instead of choosing plastic shelving based only on material.