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Selective Racking

Selective Racking Systems for Canadian Warehouses

Selective Racking is the most common palletized storage system used in Canadian warehouses today, giving you direct access to every pallet position without needing to move other loads out of the way. Built from high tensile steel and manufactured to CSA, ANSI, and RMI roll form rack specifications, NAS Group's Selective Racking systems adapt to a wide range of aisle widths, lift truck types, and storage densities, from Wide Aisle configurations that work with standard forklifts to Very Narrow Aisle systems built for maximum cubic utilization.

Depth
1 or 2 Pallets
Access
100% (Single Deep)
Rotation
FIFO / LIFO
SKU Selectivity
100% (Single Deep)
Perspective view of heavy-duty yellow Selective Racking uprights and load beams configured for high-capacity warehouse storage.

Key Features & Benefits

  • Direct, individual access to every pallet position, supporting FIFO or LIFO inventory rotation depending on configuration.
  • Manufactured from high tensile steel and independently tested to exceed CSA, ANSI, and RMI safety standards.
  • Four configurations (Wide Aisle, Narrow Aisle, VNA, and Double Deep) let you tune density and accessibility to your operation.
  • Compatible with everything from standard counterbalance lift trucks to specialized wire-guided VNA trucks.
  • Easy to install, reconfigure, or expand as your warehouse's storage needs evolve.
  • A wide range of accessories available to meet product-specific and workplace safety requirements.
Wide aisle view between blue Selective Racking frames featuring yellow step beams, row protectors, and aisle location signs marked X75.

Wide Aisle Racking

Wide Aisle Racking is the standard entry point into Selective Racking, using the same core components as every other configuration with aisle widths of 144 to 160 inches to accommodate standard 4-wheel counterbalance lift trucks. It offers 100% selectivity and full FIFO support, letting multiple trucks work an aisle at once. Installations up to 24 feet are common, making it a cost-efficient way to add vertical storage without specialized equipment.
Elevated view of empty blue Selective Racking with wire mesh decking installed across multiple storage levels.

Narrow Aisle Racking

Narrow Aisle Racking uses the same components as Wide Aisle but tightens the aisle to 108 to 132 inches, designed for reach trucks with a lower turning radius. This increases storage density while supporting rack heights beyond 24 feet and maintaining 100% selectivity and FIFO management, making it well suited to high-volume operations looking to push past 95% capacity utilization.
Ground-level perspective down a Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) Selective Racking system showing yellow floor guide rails and orange crossbeams.

VNA Racking

Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) Racking reduces aisle widths further, to 54 through 72 inches, and pairs with rail or wire-guided Swing Reach and Picker Trucks to reach heights of 50 feet or more. It delivers the highest storage density of the Selective Racking types while still offering 100% selectivity, making it a strong fit for food, pharmaceutical, e-commerce, and 3PL operations with diverse SKU counts.
High-density Double Deep Selective Racking system stocked with uniform boxed inventory along deep warehouse aisles.

Double Deep Racking

Double Deep Racking stores pallets two positions deep instead of one, cutting the number of aisles to gain over 50% more usable storage space. It runs on LIFO rotation and requires a Double Deep reach truck, but converts easily from existing single-deep Selective Racking and costs less than Pushback Racking or Drive In Racking, making it an economical way to add density when full pallet-by-pallet access isn't required.

Storage Solutions, Installed Across Canada

With teams based in Whitby, Ontario, and Calgary, Alberta, NAS Group designs, manufactures, and installs storage solutions for facilities nationwide. Find the service area nearest your facility.

View Areas We Serve

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Wide Aisle, Narrow Aisle, and VNA Racking?
The three systems use the same basic Selective Racking components, but the aisle width changes based on the forklift you're using. Wide Aisle needs 144 to 160 inches for standard 4-wheel lift trucks. Narrow Aisle drops that to 108 to 132 inches for reach trucks. Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) reduces the aisle further to 54 to 72 inches, letting specialized VNA trucks navigate tighter spaces and giving you significantly more usable storage from the same footprint.
How do I know if I need Double Deep Racking instead of standard Selective Racking?
Double Deep Racking stores pallets two deep instead of one, which increases storage density by more than 50% but requires forklifts with extended reach capability to access the back pallet. It's a good fit if you're working with a limited number of SKUs, have moderate turnover, and want more storage without sacrificing as much floor space to aisles. If you need to access every pallet individually at all times, standard single-deep Selective Racking is usually the better fit.
Which type of Selective Racking gives the most storage capacity per square foot?
Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) Racking generally delivers the highest storage density of the Selective Racking types, with installations reaching 50 feet or more and aisle widths as narrow as 54 inches. Double Deep Racking is a close option when 100% pallet accessibility isn't required. Wide Aisle and Narrow Aisle prioritize accessibility and forklift flexibility over maximum density.
Do I need special forklifts for Narrow Aisle or VNA Racking?
Narrow Aisle Racking works with reach trucks, which most warehouses already operate. Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) Racking requires purpose-built rail or wire-guided Swing Reach and Picker Trucks designed to operate in the tighter aisle widths, which is an added equipment consideration when comparing the systems. Wide Aisle Racking is the only option compatible with standard 4-wheel counterbalance lift trucks.
How much weight can Selective Racking hold?
Selective Racking capacity depends on beam length, beam profile, steel gauge, and upright frame configuration, so ratings vary from system to system. NAS Group engineers each system around your actual pallet weights and beam spans, and every installation includes As-Built documentation with rack load capacities.

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