Racking assembly in Exeter
Professional racking assembly services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-160
Typical Duration
1-3 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Garage racking flat-packs promise easy assembly, but the reality is heavy components, confusing instructions, and the need to keep everything level while you're wrestling bolts. We'll get it assembled properly, level, and secured if needed. Based in Exeter, covering all of Devon.
Garage and workshop racking comes in various levels of heavy-duty, from light-duty wire shelving to industrial-grade steel racking. All need proper assembly - poorly built racking can collapse under load, waste your garage space through poor positioning, or simply be frustrating to use because it's not level or square.
We assemble all types of storage racking - boltless shelf systems, traditional bolted racking, wall-mounted systems, overhead garage storage, and heavy-duty industrial racking. We'll also help with positioning to maximise your space and can secure to walls where appropriate.
Racking Types We Assemble
| Racking Style | Assembly Time | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Boltless shelving (5-tier) | 1-1.5 hours | Simple assembly, rubber mallet needed |
| Bolted steel racking | 1.5-2 hours | More components, precise alignment critical |
| Wall-mounted systems | 1-2 hours | Wall type matters, proper fixings essential |
| Multi-bay systems | 2-3+ hours | Shared uprights, keeping square while building |
| Overhead storage racks | 1.5-2 hours | Ceiling type critical, load calculations needed |
Installation Considerations
Floor level: Concrete garage floors are rarely perfectly level. Racking needs adjusting so shelves don't slope and items don't gradually slide off.
Wall clearance: Racking tight against walls can be awkward to use. A small gap (5-10cm) makes accessing items easier and allows for wall irregularities.
Height planning: Position shelf heights based on what you're storing. No point having uniform gaps if you're storing paint tins on one shelf and long-handled tools on another.
Bracing: Some racking benefits from wall fixing or cross-bracing, especially tall units or those that will hold very heavy loads.
Access: Think about how you'll actually use it. Frequently needed items should be at easy-access heights, not on the top shelf behind everything else.
For multi-bay systems (several racking units connected), keeping everything square and aligned while building is critical. Once loaded, racking that's twisted or misaligned is difficult to correct.
Why Choose Us for Racking assembly in Exeter?
Maximises garage storage space
Properly leveled and secured
Safe for heavy loads
Saves hours of assembly time
What to Expect
1. Planning Discussion
We'll ask what racking you've got, your garage dimensions, and what you're planning to store. If you haven't bought racking yet, we can advise on what type suits your needs and space.
2. Assembly
We arrive with the right tools, assemble the racking system, ensure it's level and square, and position it where you want. For wall-mounted or overhead systems, we'll drill and secure using appropriate fixings for your garage construction.
3. Load Check
We'll test the completed racking is stable and secure, explain the load ratings, and advise on loading it safely. We'll also clear up any packaging waste.
🔧 DIY Tips
Start with one bay completely: For multi-bay systems, fully assemble the first bay before starting the next. This gives you a stable reference point for the rest.
Use a rubber mallet: Many racking systems use friction-fit beams that need tapping into place. A rubber mallet prevents damage to the finish. Banging with a hammer and wood block works but can mark the racking.
Keep it square: Check diagonal measurements are equal as you build. Racking that's even slightly twisted will bind when you try to adjust shelf heights later.
Don't overtighten: Bolted racking needs firm but not excessive tightening. Overtightening can distort the uprights and actually weaken the structure.
Level each shelf: Don't assume because the first shelf is level, the others will be. Check each shelf individually - floor irregularities affect different heights differently.
Consider cross-bracing: For tall racking or units on very uneven floors, cross-bracing dramatically improves stability. Some systems include it, others have it as an optional extra.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
Weight ratings for racking are usually for evenly distributed loads. Concentrate all the weight on one end of a shelf and it might fail even if the total weight is within rating. Spread loads across the shelf width.
For racking on bare concrete floors, the feet can scratch and mark when you move it. Rubber caps on feet prevent this and also reduce noise when loading/unloading.
Garage racking doesn't need to go to the ceiling. A tall unit (2m+) stores a lot but becomes awkward to access and requires ladders for top shelves. Sometimes two shorter units are more practical than one tall one.
Boltless racking (the type you tap together with a mallet) is quicker to assemble than bolted systems but generally has lower weight ratings. It's fine for light-medium storage but not ideal for very heavy items.
If your garage has stud walls rather than brick/block, wall-fixing racking needs different approaches. We need to hit the studs, not just the plasterboard/cladding. This affects positioning options.
For overhead garage storage (the racks that hang from the ceiling), ceiling construction matters enormously. Plasterboard ceilings or thin roof structures might not safely support heavy loads. We'll assess and advise honestly if it's suitable.
Some people prefer their garage racking on wheels for flexibility. This works for lighter systems but isn't appropriate for heavy-duty racking that will be fully loaded. Wheels suitable for 200kg+ loads are expensive and reduce the effective height (the wheel base takes up vertical space).
Adjustable racking is brilliant for adapting to different storage needs over time. Fixed-shelf racking is cheaper but less flexible. Consider whether your storage needs might change - moving house, different hobbies, seasonal items, etc.
Paint and chemicals should be stored on lower shelves, not high up. If containers leak or spill, you don't want them dripping down onto everything below. This is basic safety planning for garage storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does racking assembly cost?
Racking assembly costs £60 for the first hour, then £50/hour after. Simple two-bay racking takes 1-2 hours, larger multi-bay systems take 2-3+ hours. Heavy-duty racking that needs wall fixing adds time. We'll estimate based on your specific system.
Do you fix racking to walls?
Yes, and for heavy-duty racking or in areas where stability is critical (like where kids might climb), we recommend wall fixing. We'll use appropriate fixings for your wall type - masonry anchors for brick/block, studs for timber-framed garages.
Can you assemble racking on uneven floors?
Yes, most racking systems have adjustable feet to compensate for uneven concrete floors. We'll level the racking properly so shelves don't slope and items don't slide off. For very uneven floors, shimming might be needed.
What weight can garage racking hold?
This depends entirely on the racking system you've bought. Budget racking might be rated for 50-100kg per shelf, heavy-duty industrial racking can handle 300kg+ per shelf. We'll assemble it correctly, but the weight rating is determined by the system itself, not the assembly.
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