When moving into a new warehouse, it’s often a blank space that needs to be turned into something. This is where a warehouse fit-out comes in. The warehouse fit-out process is simply getting it fit for purpose, whatever that purpose may be.

But although there are similarities between all warehouses and their fit-outs, different warehouses are used for different things, so there will also be differences in each warehouse fit-out and what’s involved.

Let’s take a look at some of the things that are typically involved in a warehouse fit-out as well as some things that are often involved in a warehouse fit-out, but may not occur with every warehouse fit-out.

What’s Involved In Most Warehouse Fit-Outs?

Warehouses are used in such versatile ways, it’s hard to say what’s always part of a warehouse fit-out, but there are certain things that are part of a warehouse fit-out, at least most of the time.

Pallet Racking And Shelving

Pallet racking is usually a major part of a warehouse fit-out. This is because pallet racking is a convenient storage method in a warehouse setting. While not every warehouse is going to require some form of pallet racking, in our opinion, pallet racking is usually needed, at least in small amounts. Of course if a warehouse is storing things that have not been palletised, then pallet racking likely isn’t needed. However, shelving often is needed instead.

Basically speaking, pallet racking or shelving is often installed in warehouses and it’s part of the fit-out process. At the very least, some sort of storage solution needs to be installed as part of a warehouse fit-out. What that storage solution is will depend on what’s being storage in the warehouse.

Materials Handling Equipment

Just like with pallet racking, materials handling equipment is usually required in a warehouse situation, but the exact type of MHE will depend on what the warehouse is being used for. In common warehouse situations that use pallet racking, the warehouse will need one or more forklifts as well as areas storing and charging the forklifts. This is the same for any other type of materials handling equipment.

If the warehouse requires equipment like conveyors, the fit-out, of course, will include installing that equipment as well.

Safety Systems And Line Markings

Safety is the most important part of any workplace, especially warehouses. And because of this, making a warehouse safe is an important part of the fit-out process. Even a smaller warehouse fit-out will have a safety consideration to it.

These considerations and designs may include installing line markings and safety barriers throughout the warehouse. It may also include safety signage, mirrors, damage protection for pallet racking and other equipment, and more.

Although each warehouse fit-out can be different, all of them include installing some sort of safety measure.

Other Aspects Of A Warehouse Fit-Out

As mentioned, different warehouses are used for different purposes, so the fit-out may be different depending on what the warehouse is going to be used for. While the following examples aren’t installed into every warehouse, they’re things that are often required.

Mezzanine Levels

A common part of a warehouse fit-out is installing a mezzanine level for additional storage or some other use. Mezzanine levels and raised storage floors have a variety of uses and can incorporate pallet racking, shelving, and even office space. Some warehouses will incorporate a mezzanine level or raised storage area above a break area, packing area, or equipment storage area; this way the storage of goods isn’t “lost” to something else.

Warehouse Office Space

Some warehouses come with a dedicated office area, others are completely empty areas that may need one built whether on the warehouse floor or as a mezzanine. So, in this way, an office fit-out is often part of the warehouse fit-out process.

Obviously the size of the office and what’s included in its fit-out will depend on the nature of the business. The office portion of a warehouse could be as small as a single room with a desk all the way up to a large open planned office with multiple private offices and meeting rooms.

Cool Rooms And Clean Rooms

If a business will be storing food or any other perishable goods, they may require a cool room or freezer room to be installed as part of the warehouse. This may be a substantial part of the warehouse or only a small portion of it. Either way, it’s not uncommon to incorporate a cool room into a warehouse.

Similarly, some warehouses may install a clean room. Clean rooms can be needed for reasons ranging from highly sophisticated medical processing and manufacture to computer components. Of course this isn’t needed for every warehouse, but clean rooms and cool rooms are not unusual in a warehouse fit-out.

All Warehouse Fit-Outs Are Different

Every warehouse fit-out is different because every warehouse is used for something different. While there are similarities between warehouse fit-outs, it’s important to approach each one appreciating that it’s unique. If you’re looking to move your business to a new warehouse, feel free to get in touch to discuss your needs.