Wire Decking vs. Pallet Supports: What’s Required?

If you’re installing or modifying pallet racking, one common question comes up quickly:

Do you need wire decking, pallet supports, or both?

The answer depends on your pallet type, load stability, safety requirements, and fire code considerations. Choosing incorrectly can create unnecessary cost — or worse, a safety risk.

Here’s how to think about it.

What Is Wire Decking?

Wire decking consists of welded wire mesh panels that sit on top of rack beams. They create a continuous surface across the bay and allow pallets or individual cartons to sit evenly.

Wire decking is commonly used when:

  • Pallets are inconsistent in size or condition

  • Loads are partially palletized

  • Cartons are stored directly on racks

  • You want additional fall protection for product

  • Fire codes require open mesh decking for sprinkler penetration

Wire decking improves safety and flexibility — but it isn’t always strictly required.

What Are Pallet Supports?

Pallet supports (also called crossbars) are metal bars that run front-to-back between beams. They support the bottom deck boards of a pallet.

Unlike wire decking, pallet supports do not create a continuous surface. They simply reinforce the pallet where it spans between beams.

Pallet supports are commonly used when:

  • You’re using standard 48x40 pallets in good condition

  • Loads are uniform and consistently palletized

  • You want additional pallet reinforcement without full decking

  • Engineering calculations require added beam support

They’re typically a lower-cost option than full wire decking.

When Is Wire Decking Required?

Wire decking is often required when:

  • You’re storing cartons or loose items without pallets

  • Your fire code requires open decking to allow sprinkler water to penetrate

  • You want to reduce the risk of product falling through the rack

  • Pallets are damaged, inconsistent, or block-style with limited beam contact

Many insurance providers and fire inspectors prefer wire decking because it improves both load distribution and safety visibility.

If you’re unsure how fire protection impacts your design, see:

→ How to Design Around Fire Codes & Sprinkler Requirements

When Are Pallet Supports Enough?

Pallet supports are often sufficient when:

  • You’re using standard GMA pallets

  • Pallets are oriented correctly (stringers perpendicular to beams)

  • Loads are stable and fully palletized

  • Engineering calculations show beams can handle the load

In these cases, pallet supports act as reinforcement rather than a platform.

If you’re evaluating load capacity in detail, see:

→ How Much Weight Can Pallet Racking Hold? (Load Capacity Explained)

Fire Code Considerations

This is where many warehouse operators get surprised.

Solid shelving can block sprinkler water. Wire decking, by contrast, allows water to flow through the rack levels.

Depending on:

  • Commodity classification

  • Ceiling height

  • Sprinkler design (ESFR vs. in-rack systems)

  • Local code enforcement

You may be required to use wire decking instead of solid surfaces.

This is not a guesswork area. It should be reviewed with your fire protection engineer or local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).

Cost Comparison

In general:

  • Pallet supports = lower material cost

  • Wire decking = higher upfront cost but more versatility

However, if wire decking prevents product damage, improves compliance, or eliminates the need for in-rack sprinklers, it can be cost-effective long term.

If you’re evaluating total project costs, see:

→ What Affects the Cost of Warehouse Racking?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Assuming pallet supports replace engineering calculations

  • Ignoring fire code requirements

  • Using damaged pallets without added support

  • Storing cartons on beams without decking

  • Mixing pallet types without re-evaluating support needs

Small oversights here can create serious safety and liability issues.

So — What’s Required?

There isn’t a universal answer.

You likely need:

  • Wire decking if you need flexibility, fire compliance, or fall protection

  • Pallet supports if you’re reinforcing consistent palletized loads

  • Both in certain higher-capacity or safety-sensitive environments

The right answer depends on your pallet condition, load type, sprinkler system, and local code enforcement.

If you’re unsure, we can review your rack configuration, pallet type, and storage plan to determine what’s required — and what isn’t.

Need help specifying decking or supports for your rack system?

Contact us to review your layout and avoid costly mistakes before installation.

Request a Quote

Or give us a call at (630) 765-5476.