Open pallet rack levels work fine for full pallets that sit squarely on both beams. The moment you store smaller pallets, cartons or loose stock, you need a surface underneath. That is what pallet rack wire decking is for.
This guide covers how to size wire decking for pallet rack, what each deck can hold, and how decks fit your beams. Guardrail Online is based in Dallas, TX and supplies pallet racking components and rack protection to warehouses across the US.
Quick answer: Match pallet rack wire decking to your upright frame depth and your beam length. On standard step beams, use 46″ wide decks for 8′ beams, 52″ decks for 9′ beams and 58″ decks for 10′ beams, two decks per level. Our wire mesh decks come in 24″, 36″, 42″ and 48″ depths and are rated at 2,000 to 2,500 lbs per deck, evenly distributed.
Key takeaways
- Deck depth should match the upright frame depth; deck width is set by beam length.
- Two decks cover one level: 46″ decks for 8′ beams, 52″ for 9′ beams and 58″ for 10′ beams.
- Our decks are rated 2,000 to 2,500 lbs each, evenly distributed, and the level must also stay within the beam rating.
- Waterfall edges are designed to drop over standard step beams.
In this guide
- Why Use Wire Decking on Pallet Racks
- Wire Decking Sizes: Depth and Width
- Wire Decking Capacity Chart
- How Wire Decking Fits Step Beams
- How to Order the Right Wire Decking
- More Pallet Racking and Rack Protection Guides
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Use Wire Decking on Pallet Racks
Wire decking turns each beam level into a solid working surface. It is worth adding when:
- Pallets don’t fully span both beams, or pallet sizes vary.
- You store cartons, totes or loose items directly on the rack.
- You want to stop product from falling through a level into the aisle or onto the level below.
- You want light and sprinkler water to reach lower levels, which an open wire mesh allows and solid decking does not.
Wire Decking Sizes: Depth and Width
Two measurements decide which deck you need.
- Depth runs front to back and should match your upright frame depth. Our decks come in 24″, 36″, 42″ and 48″ depths, to fit the teardrop upright frames we stock.
- Width runs side to side along the beam. Decks are sized so two fit one level: 46″ decks for 8′ beams, 52″ decks for 9′ beams and 58″ decks for 10′ beams.
Wire Decking Capacity Chart
These are the sizes of pallet rack wire decking we stock, with each deck’s rated capacity (evenly distributed load).
| Deck size (depth x width) | Capacity per deck (lbs) | Fits beam length |
|---|---|---|
| 24″ x 46″ | 2,000 | 8′ |
| 36″ x 46″ | 2,500 | 8′ |
| 42″ x 46″ | 2,000 | 8′ |
| 42″ x 52″ | 2,500 | 9′ |
| 42″ x 58″ | 2,500 | 10′ |
| 48″ x 46″ | 2,500 | 8′ |
| 48″ x 52″ | 2,500 | 9′ |
| 48″ x 58″ | 2,500 | 10′ |
Deck capacity is only half the check. The total weight on a level must also stay within the rated capacity of the beam pair carrying it. Our pallet rack beam capacity chart lists those ratings.
How Wire Decking Fits Step Beams
Our decks are built from 2.5″ x 4″ welded wire mesh with a gray powder-coat finish. Each deck has 3 to 4 U-channel supports underneath for added strength. Waterfall edges at the front and back drop over the step on standard step beams, which keeps the deck seated on the beams. Decks weigh 9.4 to 25.7 lbs depending on size.
How to Order the Right Wire Decking
- Measure your upright frame depth (24″, 36″, 42″ or 48″).
- Check your beam length (8′, 9′ or 10′) and pick the matching width: 46″, 52″ or 58″.
- Confirm your beams are step beams; waterfall decks are designed for them.
- Check the heaviest load per deck against the deck rating, and the total per level against the beam rating.
- Multiply two decks per level by the number of levels and bays.
More Pallet Racking and Rack Protection Guides
- Pallet Rack Beam Sizes and Capacity Chart
- Column Protectors vs End of Rack Protectors
- Shop pallet racking components
- Shop rack protectors
Frequently Asked Questions
How much weight can pallet rack wire decking hold?
Our decks are rated per deck with the load evenly distributed: 2,000 lbs for the 24" x 46" and 42" x 46" sizes and 2,500 lbs for the other sizes we stock. The total load on a level must also stay within the beam pair's rated capacity.
Does wire decking work with fire sprinklers?
Wire mesh decking lets light and sprinkler water pass through each level, unlike solid decking. Requirements vary by building and jurisdiction, so confirm your storage layout with your local fire authority.
Which beams does your wire decking fit?
Our decks have waterfall edges designed to fit standard step beams, the most common beam style on teardrop pallet racking. Each deck has 3 to 4 U-channel supports underneath for added strength.
How many wire decks do I need per level?
Two decks per level when you follow the width guide (46" decks on 8' beams, 52" on 9' beams, 58" on 10' beams). Multiply by the number of levels and bays to get your order quantity.
Order Pallet Rack Wire Decking Online
Shop pallet rack wire decking in 24″ to 48″ depths, or browse all pallet racking components, including beams and uprights. Racking ships directly from the supplier and lead times are confirmed when you order. Questions about sizing? Contact our team.
Written by the Guardrail Online team. Deck sizes and capacities were checked against our wire decking product page in October 2026.
