Rivet Shelving Glossary

Adder: A unit of rivet shelving designed to connect to a Starter Unit to form a row of shelving. An Adder Unit consists of two Tee Posts, 4 Double Rivet Beams (for the top and bottom shelves, one each for the front and back), Single Rivet (2 per level) or Double Rivet (4 per level) Beams as needed for the desired number of shelves. Single Rivet Adder Units will also require two side Single Rivet Beams to be shared as common between units.

Angle Post: Used as upright post for standard rivet shelving units. (1-1/2" x 1-1/2")

Capacity: The amount of weight a shelf can hold, assuming evenly distributed loads. Rivet shelving is typically listed by shelf capacity, but also has a total shelving unit capacity. Rivet shelving on this website is measured by shelf capacity in pounds.

Center Support: Center supports are used with double rivet beams in heavy duty shelves. They give added stability to beams and increase the shelf capacity.  Capacities are based on evenly distributed loads and take shelf structure materials into consideration, not shelf deck materials.)

Decking: Rivet shelving consists of a steel frame and must have decking added. Typically, this is Particle Board, but can be other materials including wire decking, steel decking, etc. More information on decking options.

Double Rivet Angle Beam: (Standard Duty): Used to establish unit stability and to provide shelf support on all four sides. More beam information.

Double Rivet Angle Beam: (Heavy Duty): Provides stability and increased load capacity in the longer lengths. More beam information.

Double Rivet Channel Beam: Designed to provide maximum left to right stability and higher capacity than standard or heavy-duty beams. Cannot be used at floor level. More beam information.

Double Rivet Shelving: A type of rivet shelving that utilizes a double rivet beam for its shelf levels. It typically features very high capacity load bearing shelves. See Double Rivet Illustration. Also, see the common equivalent, Long Span Shelving, which serves the same function as double rivet shelving.

Particle Board: 5/8" underlayment quality Particle Board is the standard decking material for rivet shelving. Shelving can be ordered with or without Particle Board.  More information on decking options. also, see Decking Materials: Should you order with or without decking?

Rivet Rack: Rivet shelving is often called Rivet Rack, Boltless shelving, and other names in industry jargon.

Shelf Openings: The space between shelf levels. For example, a seven shelf unit will have six openings.

Single Rivet Shelf Beam: Primarily used as an intermediate shelf support when maximum vertical space between levels is needed. More beam information.

Single Rivet Shelving: Utilizes a single rivet beam for its shelf levels. Single rivet units typically offer less capacity and more accessibility than double rivet units do. See Single Rivet Illustration. The RiveTier equivalent is commonly called Low Profile Shelving.

Starter Unit: A freestanding unit of rivet shelving. Connect Adder Units to Starter Units to create a row of shelving. A Starter Unit consists of four Angle Posts, 4 Double Rivet Beams (for the top and bottom shelves, one each for the front and back), Single Rivet (2 per level) or Double Rivet (4 per level) Beams as needed for the desired number of shelves. Single Rivet Adder Units will also require two side Single Rivet Beams to be shared as common between units.

Tee Post: Included with standard duty add-on units to function as a common post between starter and adjoining units. (3" x 1-1/2").

Tie Plate: Used to join angle post units side by side to insure proper row alignment.

Wall Tie: Used to secure units to the wall and provide space between the wall and units.