The single most common warehouse fit-out mistake we see in Bengaluru: racking is planned last, after flooring, lighting, and column layout are already fixed. That sequence guarantees compromises — reduced storage density, lighting that doesn't align with aisles, or racking that can't be installed at the planned height because the floor isn't flat enough.
Correct sequence: Racking and MHE plan → floor spec (flatness class, load rating) → column/aisle layout → lighting design → electrical and fire system zoning. Everything downstream should be designed around the racking plan, not the other way round.
Racking Types and What They Mean for Your Layout
| Racking Type | Aisle Width Needed | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Selective Pallet Racking | 3.2 - 3.6m | High SKU variety, moderate throughput, standard forklifts |
| Drive-In / Drive-Through | 3.5m+ at entry | High-density single-SKU storage, lower SKU variety |
| Narrow Aisle (NA) | 2.2 - 2.7m | Higher storage density, reach trucks |
| Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) | 1.6 - 1.8m | Maximum density, requires FM1/FM2 floor and guided trucks |
| Mezzanine Racking | Varies by level | Adding vertical storage without expanding footprint |
Why Racking Plan Comes Before Floor and Lighting
Floor flatness class depends on aisle width
Narrower aisles mean less margin for forklift mast sway, which means stricter floor flatness requirements. If you don't know your racking type before specifying the floor, you risk under-speccing flatness and being unable to run narrow-aisle equipment safely later. See our warehouse flooring guide for flatness class details.
Lighting layout should follow aisle centerlines
High-bay LED fixtures are most effective when aligned with aisle centerlines, giving even light distribution exactly where picking happens. If lighting is installed before racking is finalized, you often end up with fixtures positioned over racking uprights instead of aisles — creating shadowed pick zones.
Fire sprinkler and detection zoning depends on storage height and commodity class
High-bay storage above certain heights requires in-rack sprinklers, not just ceiling-level suppression, depending on what's stored. This is a fire-safety-code decision that depends directly on your racking height and product type — not something to retrofit after racking is installed.
Planning Checklist Before You Finalize Your BOQ
- Confirm racking type, aisle width, and maximum storage height with your racking vendor first
- Get a floor flatness survey matched to that racking type
- Design lighting layout around aisle centerlines, not a generic grid
- Confirm fire suppression requirements (ceiling-only vs in-rack) based on storage height and commodity class
- Leave expansion margin in your electrical and network infrastructure for future racking additions
The RC Workspace Approach
We coordinate racking, flooring, lighting, and fire safety as one sequenced plan — not four separate vendor decisions made in isolation. Our free pre-lease audit includes a racking-readiness assessment so you know exactly what your space can support before you commit.
Frequently Asked Questions
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