Cherry’s selection of step wire decks are designed for selective racks with standard (exact matching) step beams. We recommend measuring your shelving prior to purchasing step wire decks. Here are the measurements you should take:

1) Measure from the outside wall of one step beam to the outside wall of the other step beam. This will help you determine the depth of your shelves. Wire decking dimensions are provided so that the depth is provided first and then the width. For example, one of our common step wire decks is 42” D X 46” W. By measuring the outer to outer dimension of the step beams (as represented below) you will be certain as to how deep your step wire decks need to be.

2) Measure the thickness of the top portion of one of your step beams.  The dimension should fit within the range provided below:

If the top portion of your step beams does not fall within the standard range (1.625” – 1.75”) then here are the 2 possible outcomes:

A)     If the thickness is greater than 1.75” then the channel supports of the step channel wire deck will not fit within the beam. 

B)      If the thickness is less than 1.625” then the channel supports of the step channel will not fit properly into the step beam and will lead to a loose fitting wire deck.  If the step support channels fail to reach and rest on the instep of the beam then they are unsafe to have on your shelving. 

3)  Measure the length of your beam from one end of the face to the other. See below: 

You now have the Depth, Top Beam thickness, and Total Length of the Beam.  From this information you can determine the size of step wire deck you will need for your shelves and you will also know whether or not the standard step decks will be compatible with your shelves.  As far as determining the width of the step wire deck (or any type of wire deck for that matter) here is an example to give you an idea:

Customer’s Shelving Dimensions (Beams)

Outer to Outer: 42” Deep
Step Beam Thickness: 1.625” (Falls within the range, therefore step beams are okay to purchase)
Beam Length: 96” 

Recommended Step Wire Deck Size:  42” D X 46” W

If your beams are 96” or 8 feet long you can fit 2 equal sized wire decks in that space. For this example, you divide 96 by 2 and you get 48”.   The recommended standard size wire decks for 8 foot beams are 46” wide.  This 2” difference provides that extra finger spacing which allows for easier installation and removal.  See below: