Mesh Decking: The Unsung Hero of Safer, Smarter Warehouses

The Small Detail with Big Impact

It’s easy to overlook mesh decking. After all, it’s just the wire grid beneath your pallets, right? But what if that “simple” upgrade is actually doing five jobs at once?

Mesh decking doesn’t just hold product, it improves airflow, reduces dust buildup, supports fire safety compliance, increases visibility, and accelerates picking. In other words, it’s one of the most practical tools in your warehouse toolkit.

A Story from the Floor

Not long ago, a Canadian distributor came to IWS with a serious issue: safety reports kept flagging blocked sprinkler access. Their racks were stacked high, inventory was dense, and their solid decking blocked airflow between levels.

The solution wasn’t a million-dollar rebuild. It was mesh decking.

By swapping out their solid shelves for mesh, they instantly improved airflow, reduced dust accumulation, and helped the facility align with fire safety requirements. Operators also noticed something unexpected, pickers were moving faster because they could see through to product below, making visual checks easier and reducing errors.

Sometimes the smartest changes aren’t flashy. They’re functional.

Five Ways Mesh Decking Works Harder Than You Think

1. Improves Airflow

Mesh decking allows air to circulate freely through racking systems — a key factor for effective fire suppression. According to the National Fire Code of Canada and guidance from Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS), proper airflow beneath sprinkler systems helps ensure that water can reach every level of stored goods during a fire. It’s one of those behind-the-scenes safety details that inspectors and insurance providers look for first, and mesh decking makes compliance easier to achieve.

2. Supports Fire Code Compliance

Meeting safety standards isn’t optional, especially with Canada’s ongoing seismic and structural code updates. If you’re in Ontario, you’ve likely seen the Ontario Building Code Part 4 updates for 2025, which tighten requirements for warehouse rack stability and load performance. Mesh decking supports compliance by improving load distribution and airflow where it matters most.

3. Reduces Dust Build-Up

Solid shelving acts like a dust magnet. Over time, that dust can create air-quality and health issues, especially in high-traffic warehouses. The Government of Canada’s Occupational Health resources note that better airflow and reduced dust accumulation directly lower the risk of respiratory irritation in industrial spaces. Mesh decking naturally solves part of that problem, by letting debris fall through instead of collecting on flat surfaces.

4. Enhances Visibility

Workers can see through racks, making it easier to identify SKUs quickly. Better visibility means fewer picking errors, faster fulfillment, and less frustration for operators trying to locate inventory during busy shifts.

5. Boosts Picking Efficiency

In high-volume operations, even saving a few seconds per pick adds up. Mesh decking enables faster, more confident picks and reduces backtracking—turning wasted minutes into productivity.

The Hidden Costs of Overlooking Decking

Many warehouses think about racking in terms of beams, frames, and load capacity—but overlook decking entirely.

The reality?

• Safety risks: Blocked sprinklers and unstable pallets increase hazards.

• Slow picks: Poor visibility creates bottlenecks.

• Non-compliance: Failing inspections means fines or shutdowns.

• Unnecessary maintenance: Dust buildup clogs systems and adds cleaning costs.

Mesh decking is a small line item that solves big problems.

Why Mesh Decking = Smart ROI

Unlike automation or large-scale redesigns, mesh decking is one of the most cost-effective upgrades available. It delivers:

• Immediate safety improvements

• Compliance support for codes and insurance requirements

• Lower labour costs through faster picking

• Cleaner operations with less buildup and easier maintenance

At IWS, we help clients match decking types to their specific operations, whether it’s light-duty shelving or heavy pallet loads. The result is always the same: smarter, safer, smoother warehouse flow.

The IWS Difference

At IWS, we don’t just sell racking parts, we engineer full systems that work together. When it comes to decking, we consider:

• Load capacity needs

• Fire safety standards

• Inventory type (pallets, cartons, oversized goods)

• Worker ergonomics and pick rates

• Scalability for growth

Because decking is part of the bigger picture: your warehouse design, your throughput, and your bottom line.

Beyond Decking: Building Smarter Systems

Mesh decking is one piece of the puzzle. Paired with the right pallet racking solutions, forklifts like the Bendi Forklift and vertical storage options such as the Hänel Lean-Lift®, it becomes the foundation for efficiency and safety. When your storage, layout, and equipment work together, you move from simply “adding space” to unlocking real operational strategy.

A Practical Upgrade for Every Warehouse

If your warehouse is dealing with:

• Sprinkler coverage issues

• Dust accumulation

• Picking errors

• Safety concerns around pallet support

…it may be time to revisit your decking. Sometimes, the biggest wins come from the simplest fixes.

Ready to Rethink Your Decking?

Mesh decking may not be the flashiest investment, but it’s one of the most practical. At IWS, we help Canadian warehouses maximize every square foot by combining products like pallet racking, forklifts, and vertical storage with smart upgrades like decking.

Contact IWS today to start designing a safer, smarter space.