How Much Does 100 Racks Cost? Real Prices for Shelving Units in 2025

When someone asks, how much is 100 racks? they’re not just curious-they’re planning something big. Maybe it’s a warehouse, a retail backroom, a distribution center, or even a home organization project scaled up to industrial levels. The answer isn’t a single number. It’s a range that depends on what kind of racks you’re talking about, where you’re buying them, and how they’re built.

What Exactly Is a Rack?

A rack isn’t one thing. In storage terms, a rack usually means a metal shelving unit designed to hold heavy loads. But there are many types:

• Standard pallet racks - the kind you see in warehouses, with upright frames and horizontal beams. These hold pallets of goods.
• Drive-in or drive-through racks - for high-density storage where forklifts drive into the rack structure.
• Selective racks - the most common type. Easy access, easy to reconfigure.
• Mezzanine racks - multi-level systems that add floor space vertically.
• Light-duty shelving - used in garages, workshops, or small retail. Often made of steel or wire.

When people say 100 racks, they usually mean 100 units of standard selective pallet racks. But if you’re thinking of 100 light-duty shelves for your garage, the price jumps from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands.

Price Breakdown: What 100 Racks Actually Costs

Let’s break this down by type. Prices are based on 2025 market data from major suppliers in North America, Europe, and Australasia.

Light-Duty Shelving (100 Units)

These are the kind you buy at hardware stores. Think 4-shelf units, 36” wide, 150-200 lbs capacity per shelf.

• Unit cost: $60-$120 each
• 100 units: $6,000-$12,000

Brands like Homak, InterMetro, or Amazon Basics fall here. These are easy to assemble, no tools needed. Perfect for home garages, craft rooms, or small retail displays.

Medium-Duty Shelving (100 Units)

These are sturdier, often with welded steel frames, 500-1,000 lbs per shelf. Used in workshops, auto shops, or small warehouses.

• Unit cost: $200-$400 each
• 100 units: $20,000-$40,000

Brands like Metro Super Erecta or InterMetro Pro are common. These need basic tools to assemble. You’ll need a forklift or pallet jack to move them.

Industrial Pallet Racks (100 Units)

This is where the big money comes in. One pallet rack unit = two uprights + two beams + decking. One unit can hold 2,000-5,000 lbs.

• Unit cost: $350-$800 each
• 100 units: $35,000-$80,000

But here’s the catch: 100 units doesn’t mean 100 standalone racks. In a real warehouse, you connect them into rows. So 100 units might mean 25 rows of 4 units each. That’s 25 bays. You’ll also need:

• Beam safety clips ($5-$10 per beam)
• Backrests or guard rails ($20-$50 per unit)
• Footplates or anchor bolts ($10-$25 per upright)
• Installation labor ($15-$30 per rack)

So for 100 industrial rack units, you’re looking at $50,000-$110,000 total installed. That’s not counting decking (wood or metal), signage, or lighting.

What Drives the Price Up?

It’s not just the metal. Here’s what adds cost:

• Height - 10-foot racks cost less than 20-foot ones. Taller racks need thicker steel and engineering certification.
• Load capacity - a rack rated for 5,000 lbs per level costs 30-50% more than one rated for 2,500 lbs.
• Finish - powder-coated steel costs more than bare steel. Galvanized is pricier but lasts longer in damp environments.
• Customization - non-standard beam spacing, color, or branding adds $20-$100 per unit.
• Shipping - 100 racks weigh 5-15 tons. Shipping from the Midwest to Auckland? That’s $3,000-$8,000 extra.

One client in Wellington bought 100 standard 10-foot racks from a local supplier. Total cost: $42,000. Same racks imported from China? $28,000 - but shipping took 12 weeks and customs added $6,000 in duties.

Where to Buy 100 Racks

There are three main paths:

1. Local warehouse suppliers - like Rack Warehouse NZ, Storage Solutions NZ, or Pro Rack. Faster delivery, local support, installation services. Prices are 15-25% higher than imports.
2. Online industrial marketplaces - Alibaba, IndustrialShelving.com, or eBay Business. You get lower prices, but you’re on your own for shipping, assembly, and compliance.
3. Secondhand or refurbished - many warehouses sell used racks. You can find 100 units for 40-60% off. But check for bent beams, worn pins, or missing safety clips. A $10,000 deal can become a $20,000 repair job if safety’s compromised.

Most businesses in New Zealand go with local suppliers. Why? Because OSHA-style safety standards are enforced. A collapsed rack isn’t just a cost - it’s a liability.

Hidden Costs Nobody Tells You About

People forget these:

• Foundation - if your floor isn’t level or reinforced, you need concrete footings. Adds $50-$150 per rack.
• Insurance - your commercial property policy may require certified racks. Uncertified racks could void coverage.
• Training - if you’re using forklifts, OSHA and WorkSafe NZ require operator training. That’s $200-$400 per person.
• Permits - in some areas, installing racks over 10 feet tall requires a building permit. Auckland City Council charges $300-$700 for a storage structure permit.
• Future expansion - buy racks that can be extended later. Replacing 100 racks in 3 years? That’s double the cost.

When 100 Racks Is Too Much (Or Not Enough)

Let’s be real. Do you really need 100 racks?

If you’re storing 10,000 boxes of canned goods, maybe. If you’re organizing 500 tools in a garage, 10 light-duty shelves will do.

Here’s a quick rule: 1 pallet rack unit holds 1-2 pallets. So 100 units = 100-200 pallets. That’s roughly 5,000-10,000 standard-sized boxes.

If you’re storing less than that, consider:

• Vertical storage with mezzanines
• Mobile shelving systems
• Modular bins on casters

One Auckland bakery reduced their rack count from 120 to 65 by switching to stackable bins with labels. Saved $22,000 upfront and gained 20% more floor space.

Pro Tips Before You Buy

• Measure your ceiling height. Leave 12-18 inches for sprinklers and lighting.
• Check aisle width. You need at least 4 feet for manual carts, 8 feet for forklifts.
• Ask for load charts. Every rack should come with a stamped capacity label.
• Don’t buy from a company that won’t give you a warranty. Good racks come with 5-10 year structural warranties.
• Get a site plan drawn. Even a rough sketch helps suppliers quote accurately.

And one last thing: don’t cut corners on safety. A single rack failure can collapse an entire row. In 2024, WorkSafe NZ fined three companies over $120,000 total for unsafe storage setups. The fix cost less than the fine.

Final Answer: How Much Is 100 Racks?

It’s not a number. It’s a range:

• Light-duty: $6,000-$12,000
• Medium-duty: $20,000-$40,000
• Industrial pallet racks: $50,000-$110,000 (installed)

For most small businesses in New Zealand, 100 medium-duty shelves hit the sweet spot. For warehouses? Industrial racks are non-negotiable. And if you’re just organizing your garage? Skip the 100 racks entirely - 10 units will do the job better, cheaper, and safer.