Steel Stillages: Mesh vs Solid Sides, Sizes and Buying Advice

At a Glance

  • Steel stillages help businesses store, stack and move bulky or heavy goods.
  • Mesh sides provide visibility and airflow.
  • Solid sides are better for small or loose items that need full containment.
  • Half-drop sides allow regular access while keeping most of the load enclosed.
  • Detachable or open sides provide wider access for loading bulky goods.
  • Check the load dimensions, total weight, stacking requirements and handling method before ordering.

Steel stillages are robust containers used to store, stack and move bulky, heavy or awkward goods. Choosing the right stillage depends on the size of the load, whether smaller items need to be contained and how workers need to access the contents.

Mesh-sided stillages provide visibility and airflow, while solid-sided stillages offer greater containment. Half-drop, detachable and open-sided designs can make goods easier to reach, particularly when stillages are stacked or used for regular picking.

What is a steel stillage?

A steel stillage is a reusable storage and handling container with a strong steel frame. Unlike a flat wooden pallet, a stillage has sides that help contain, protect and organise the load.

Businesses commonly use steel stillages for:

  • Bulky or heavy finished products
  • Components and manufacturing materials
  • Work in progress
  • Warehouse stock
  • Goods awaiting dispatch
  • Items that need to be moved by forklift

Stillages can help keep warehouse floors and walkways clearer while allowing suitable goods to be stored vertically. However, the stillage, load and stacking arrangement must all be appropriate for the intended use.

Should you choose mesh or solid-sided steel stillages?

The main difference is how the sides contain the stored goods.

Stillage type Main advantage Often suitable for
Mesh sides Contents remain visible and ventilated Larger components, finished goods and stock that cannot pass through the mesh
Solid sides Smaller items are fully contained Loose components, small products and goods that could fall through mesh
Open side Unrestricted access from one side Frequently picked or loaded items
Half-drop side Easier access while most of the load remains enclosed Goods requiring regular access
Detachable side One side can be removed completely Bulky goods or loads requiring wider access

Mesh stillages make it easier for warehouse staff to identify the contents without opening or unloading them. Their open construction also allows airflow around the stored goods.

Solid steel sides are generally more suitable where smaller goods could fall through mesh panels. They can also conceal and contain the contents more fully.

Comparable industrial stillage guidance also distinguishes solid sides as suitable for smaller items and mesh sides as useful where airflow and visibility are important. See this steel stillage comparison from ESE Direct.

When should you choose a half-drop side?

A half-drop side lowers part of the panel while leaving the remaining section in place. This can be useful when workers need regular access without removing a complete side.

These options may suit stock that needs to remain enclosed but is accessed regularly during picking, production or dispatch.

When is a detachable side more useful?

A detachable side can be removed completely, creating a wider opening for bulky products or loads that are difficult to reach through a smaller access point.

The Steel Stillage with Mesh Sides and One Detachable Side may suit loads that need to remain visible but require full side access.

The Steel Stillage with Solid Sides and One Detachable Side provides greater containment while retaining the option to remove one complete side.

A detachable side may be preferable when goods are loaded mechanically, are particularly bulky or need to be accessed across the full width of the stillage.

What size steel stillage do you need?

Do not choose a stillage based only on its maximum load capacity. Measure the goods and consider how they will be loaded, stored, moved and removed.

Check:

  1. The height, width and depth of the goods
  2. The total loaded weight
  3. Whether loose items require solid containment
  4. How frequently the contents will be accessed
  5. Whether a forklift or pallet truck will be used
  6. Whether the stillages will be stacked
  7. The available warehouse, aisle and racking space

The usable internal dimensions matter because the external size of the stillage does not represent the full storage space available inside it.

Can steel stillages be stacked?

Many steel stillages are designed for stacking, helping businesses make better use of vertical warehouse space. However, this does not mean every loaded stillage can be stacked in every situation.

Before stacking, confirm:

  • The manufacturer’s instructions
  • The safe working load
  • The permitted stacking arrangement
  • That the load is stable and evenly distributed
  • That the locating feet and corner posts are undamaged
  • That the floor or racking can support the combined weight
  • That suitable handling equipment is being used

The Health and Safety Executive’s warehousing and storage guidance provides further information about mechanical handling, storage systems and warehouse safety.

Common steel stillage buying mistakes

Avoid these common problems:

  • Choosing mesh sides for items small enough to fall through
  • Buying solid sides when rapid visual identification is important
  • Choosing fixed sides when frequent access is required
  • Ignoring the usable internal dimensions
  • Assuming every stillage can be stacked in the same way
  • Exceeding the stated load capacity
  • Failing to consider forklift access and aisle space

Choosing the right steel stillage

Choose mesh sides when visibility and airflow matter. Choose solid sides when smaller goods require stronger containment.

Select half-drop, detachable or open-sided access according to how frequently the goods need to be reached and how they will be loaded.

Explore the 3JC steel stillage range or contact the 3JC team with the dimensions, total weight and preferred access method for help choosing a suitable stillage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a steel stillage?

A steel stillage is a reusable storage and handling container with a strong steel frame and sides that help contain and organise the load.

Should I choose mesh or solid-sided stillages?

Choose mesh sides when visibility and airflow are important. Choose solid sides when smaller or loose items need stronger containment.

What is the difference between half-drop and detachable sides?

A half-drop side lowers part of the panel while leaving the remainder in place. A detachable side can be removed completely to provide wider access.

Can steel stillages be stacked?

Many steel stillages are designed for stacking, but the load capacity, stacking guidance, floor condition and handling method must all be checked first.

What should I check before buying a steel stillage?

Check the size and weight of the goods, the required side type, access method, forklift or pallet-truck use, stacking requirements and available warehouse space.