DOUBLE-DEEP PALLET RACKING
Double-deep pallet racking stores pallets two-deep per face, slashing aisle count by up to a third without sacrificing the SKU-by-SKU access of selective racking. Designed, supplied and installed UK-wide.
Less Aisle Footprint
Pallets Per Face
Selective Access
Years Experience
Double-deep pallet racking is the most cost-effective way to compress a selective racking layout without losing the SKU-by-SKU access that picking and replenishment teams rely on. Pallets are stored two-deep on either side of every aisle, halving the number of aisles required and recovering up to 30% of warehouse footprint, while every pallet is still accessible with a single double-reach truck movement.
UM Storage Systems has converted hundreds of UK warehouses from single-deep to double-deep over six decades of trading. We supply and install full systems, retrofit second-pallet rails into existing structures, and pair the racking with the right reach trucks through our MHE network.
How Double-Deep Racking Works
Two single-deep racks are placed back-to-back without an aisle between them, creating a four-pallet block accessed from two opposing aisles. A specialist double-reach truck — fitted with a pantograph or scissor mechanism — extends to retrieve the rear pallet, then collapses back into the aisle to deposit the load.
Because every pallet position is still individually addressable, double-deep retains the SKU diversity of selective racking, unlike drive-in or push-back which lock a whole lane to a single SKU. This makes it ideal for medium-rotation operations with hundreds or thousands of SKUs.
Double-Deep vs Selective vs Push-Back
Compared with selective racking, double-deep cuts aisle footprint by around 30% while retaining selective-style SKU access. Compared with push-back, double-deep is significantly cheaper per pallet position but requires a more expensive reach truck and gives a lower overall density.
The decision usually comes down to SKU count: double-deep wins for high-SKU, medium-rotation operations; push-back wins for low-SKU, high-volume operations. Our free survey will model both options against your data.
Truck Selection and Floor Specification
Double-deep operations require a pantograph or telescopic-fork reach truck rated to lift to your top beam height. Floor flatness must meet TR34 / FM2 to allow the truck to operate safely at full extension. We will assess your existing floor as part of the survey and recommend remediation if needed.
Aisle widths typically range from 2.7m to 3.0m depending on truck choice, compared with 1.6m for narrow-aisle and 3.5m+ for counterbalance — making double-deep an excellent middle-ground choice for many UK operators.
Installation, Inspection and Aftercare
Every double-deep system is engineered to BS EN 15512 with reinforced front uprights to absorb the offset loading caused by reach-truck operation. Beam connectors are upgraded to four-pin or welded specification on heavier installations, and full-height column protectors are fitted as standard.
Installation is carried out by directly employed crews, certified to CSCS, IPAF and SEIRS standards. Annual SEIRS inspections are available on a fixed-fee contract to keep your installation compliant with PUWER 1998 and HSE HSG76 guidance.
Key Features
Typical UK Applications
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much warehouse space does double-deep save?
Typically 25-30% of the floor area used by aisles in a comparable selective racking layout, because aisle count is halved while pallet positions are doubled per face.
Do I need a special forklift for double-deep racking?
Yes — a double-reach truck with a pantograph or telescopic fork. Standard counterbalance and reach trucks cannot retrieve the rear pallet position safely.
Can double-deep racking be retrofitted into my existing structure?
Often yes, if the existing uprights are SEMA-compliant and your floor meets TR34/FM2 flatness. We add a second row of beams behind your existing rack and reinforce uprights as needed.
Is double-deep suitable for cold storage?
Yes. We supply galvanised or epoxy-coated double-deep systems rated for use down to -30°C, with reach-truck-compatible aisle widths planned around your refrigerated envelope.
EXPLORE UM STORAGE SYSTEMS
Browse our full range of warehouse storage solutions, products, and expert resources.
Our Services
Products & Equipment
Racking Types
Guides & Resources
Storage Solutions
READY TO OPTIMISE YOUR WAREHOUSE?
Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our team will assess your requirements and provide a tailored solution.