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Pallet racking for small warehouses: what to budget
If you need 20 to 200 pallet positions, you are in the territory where fixed costs matter most. Here is how to work out a sensible range from public figures.
One supplier's rough project budgets
QLD Storage Systems gives rough project ranges by size: up to about 10 bays A$2,000–A$5,000, up to about 20 bays A$5,000–A$10,000, and over 20 bays A$10,000 or more (QLD Storage Systems). The scope is not specified and it is a single source.
| Item | Published range (A$) | Evidence | Public sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rough project budget, up to about 10 bays Scope not specified by the source. Treat as a starting point only. | A$2,000–A$5,000 per project | 1 source, unconfirmed | QLD Storage Systems source notes: rough project budget, up to about 10 bays |
Worked ranges for small installs
These are our arithmetic using the published per-position ranges. They are examples, not quotes. For a figure on your own numbers use the calculator.
| Positions | Supply only (A$50–A$250) | Installed, basic (A$80–A$200) | Installed, engineered (A$280–A$520) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 | A$1,200–A$6,000 | A$1,920–A$4,800 | A$6,720–A$12,480 |
| 48 | A$2,400–A$12,000 | A$3,840–A$9,600 | A$13,440–A$24,960 |
| 100 | A$5,000–A$25,000 | A$8,000–A$20,000 | A$28,000–A$52,000 |
Small jobs often cost more per position than large ones. Last checked Nov 2026. Prices vary, get quotes.
Why the installed prices disagree. Two public guides give very different "installed" prices for standard selective racking: one (December 2024 data) says A$80–A$200 per position for supply, install and basic engineering certification (Pallet Racking & More); another (2026, QLD/NSW metro) says A$280–A$520 per position for a fully engineered, certified install (Pallet Racking Maintenance). Public kit listings and supplier guides put kit or supply-only prices at A$50–A$250 per position.
The older "installed" range overlaps the supply-only ranges. Our reading, which we cannot confirm, is that cheaper quotes often cover little more than kit plus basic labour, while the higher range prices in site survey, engineered design, anchoring, signage and AS 4084 sign-off. Each of those installed figures comes from a single source, so treat both as unconfirmed and ask every supplier to itemise what is included.
Practical tips
- Know your pallet size, weight and count before asking for quotes. Include forklift or pallet-jack type and aisle width.
- Check ceiling height, sprinklers and lighting clearances.
- Ask whether a basic kit is certified for your intended loads and whether an installer certifies the finished layout.
- Look at used racking and mezzanines for extra capacity (Used vs new, Mezzanine floor cost).
- Budget for an annual inspection (Inspection cost).
Estimate your rangeHow to compare quotes
Related guides
- Selective racking guideThe standard system: what it is and what it costs.
- Compare quotesA checklist to line quotes up like for like.
- Cost per pallet positionSupply-only vs installed vs engineered, per position.
- Racking types comparedSelective, drive-in, push-back and cantilever.
Prices vary, get quotes. Every range on this page comes from public pages we read in Nov 2026 and links to its source. They are indicative, not quotes, and not advice. See budget sources for small sites.