Open Timber Decking vs Steel Mesh Decking in Pallet Racking: Key Differences Explained
A comprehensive comparison to help you choose the right decking for your pallet racking system — covering fire safety, load performance, hygiene, and long-term value.
When designing or upgrading a pallet racking system, choosing the right decking is essential for safety, load performance, compliance, and long-term operating costs. Two of the most commonly used options are open timber decking and steel mesh decking. While both provide a surface to support stored goods, their performance, durability, and safety characteristics differ significantly.
This guide explains the key differences between open timber decking and steel mesh decking to help you choose the most suitable solution for your warehouse or storage facility.
What Is Open Timber Decking?
Open timber decking is made from timber boards fixed to support bearers and installed across pallet racking beams. The boards are spaced slightly apart to allow limited airflow and visibility through the racking.
Open timber decking characteristics:
- Manufactured from solid or engineered timber
- Boards fixed to timber or steel bearers
- Can be custom-made for specific rack widths and load requirements
- Often treated for durability or pest resistance
Timber decking has traditionally been used in warehousing due to its availability and lower upfront cost, particularly in light-duty or temporary storage applications.
What Is Steel Mesh Decking?
Steel mesh decking is constructed from welded steel wire mesh supported by structural steel channels. It is designed to drop directly onto pallet racking beams and commonly features waterfall edges or flanges to prevent movement.
Steel mesh decking characteristics:
- Made from welded steel wire and steel supports
- Galvanised or powder-coated for corrosion resistance
- Designed for even load distribution
- Manufactured to standard pallet racking bay sizes
Steel mesh decking is widely used in modern warehouses due to its safety performance, durability, and compliance with fire protection standards.
Head-to-Head Comparison
How open timber decking and steel mesh decking compare across key performance factors.
Load Performance and Strength
Open timber decking can support significant loads, but its performance depends on timber quality, thickness, moisture content, and how evenly loads are distributed. Over time, timber can warp, crack, or weaken, especially in environments with high humidity or temperature changes.
Steel mesh decking provides consistent, rated load capacities and distributes weight evenly across the racking beams. It is far less susceptible to deformation or long-term degradation under sustained loads.
Winner: Steel mesh decking offers greater long-term strength and reliability.
Fire Safety and Compliance
Fire safety is one of the most critical differences between timber decking and steel mesh decking. Open timber decking is combustible and adds fuel to a fire. Depending on board spacing, it may also obstruct sprinkler water penetration, reducing fire suppression effectiveness.
Steel mesh decking is non-combustible and allows sprinkler water, heat, and smoke to pass through freely. This improves fire control and helps meet insurance and regulatory requirements. In many jurisdictions, steel mesh decking is preferred or required by fire authorities and insurers.
Winner: Steel mesh decking is the safer option for fire protection and compliance.
Hygiene and Maintenance
Timber decking can absorb moisture, trap dust, and potentially support mould or pests. Regular inspections are required to check for cracking, splintering, or rot.
Steel mesh decking does not absorb moisture, is easy to clean, and does not harbour pests. Damage or overloading is immediately visible, making inspections quicker and more effective.
Winner: Steel mesh decking is better for hygiene-sensitive and high-maintenance environments.
Installation and Flexibility
Open timber decking is often fixed in place, which can make rack reconfiguration time-consuming and labour-intensive.
Steel mesh decking is typically a drop-in solution, allowing fast installation, removal, or repositioning without tools. This flexibility is ideal for warehouses with changing storage requirements.
Winner: Steel mesh decking offers greater flexibility and ease of installation.
Cost Considerations
Open timber decking generally has a lower initial purchase cost, making it attractive for smaller operations or short-term installations.
Steel mesh decking has a higher upfront cost but usually provides better long-term value due to its longer lifespan, lower maintenance requirements, and improved compliance with safety standards.
Cost comparison: Timber is cheaper upfront; steel mesh is more cost-effective over time.
Environmental Considerations
Timber is a renewable resource when responsibly sourced, but its service life can be reduced by environmental exposure.
Steel mesh decking is fully recyclable and typically lasts much longer, reducing the need for frequent replacement.
Which Pallet Racking Decking Should You Choose?
Choose open timber decking if:
- Budget is the primary concern
- Loads are light and evenly distributed
- Fire risk is low and regulations are minimal
- The installation is temporary or low-use
Choose steel mesh decking if:
- Fire safety and regulatory compliance are priorities
- Loads are heavy, uneven, or variable
- Hygiene and visibility are important
- Long-term durability and flexibility are required
Final Thoughts
Both open timber decking and steel mesh decking can be used effectively in pallet racking systems. However, steel mesh decking is increasingly recognised as the safer, more durable, and regulation-friendly solution for modern warehouses. While timber decking still has a place in certain applications, steel mesh decking is often the smarter long-term investment for facilities focused on safety, compliance, and operational efficiency.
Rackstor UK Ltd
Timber vs Steel Mesh Decking FAQs
Is steel mesh decking more expensive than timber decking?
Can I replace existing timber decking with steel mesh decking?
Does timber decking affect my warehouse insurance?
Which decking type is better for food and pharmaceutical warehouses?
Do you supply and install both timber and steel mesh decking?
Need Help Choosing the Right Decking?
Rackstor UK supplies and installs both timber and steel mesh decking nationwide. Contact us for expert advice tailored to your racking system.