Van Racking Ideas for Carpenters

Van racking ideas for Carpenters

Carpenters have a wide variety of tools, specialist equipment and materials that they carry on their vehicles. It is not really a question as to if Carpenters actually need racking but more of what do they need. The dilemma can be easily solved with some thought and planning.

Van floor and lining

To safely bolt racking in a van a good quality floor is needed, ideally at least 12mm marine grade material. VRS replacement floors are 12mm marine grade are resin coated and marble grey finished, often referred to as phenolic flooring. VRS floors are anti slip and easy to keep clean plus enhances the appearance, above all it makes for an altogether nicer space to work in. Standard ply lining is suitable for racking to be fixed too but there are better options. For instance polyethylene lining kits are lighter than ply and easily wiped clean to keep the inside looking smart.

What sort of racking and storage works for you?

With an idea of what needs to be accommodated think about how items will be stored. Tools can be stored in Steel drawers, a comprehensive choice of depths,widths and heights are available. Mix the drawer options up a bit for maximum flexibility. Fixings are easily stored in transparent pull out drawers, because the units are compact its possible to pack a lot of units into a design. Lin bin style open storage units offer great capacity as a storage solution. Transparent drawers and Lin bin style provide the added benefit of being able to easily view stock onboard. As a result you can see stock easily meaning you don’t overbuy. Euro crates are excellent because they provide deep storage capacity and therefore suitable for larger items.

Steel or plastic service cases are popular and available in different sizes with or without colour coded insert containers. Choose between fixed units or van shelving that slides out for service cases. Open shelving units with removable mats and dividers provide maximum flexibility.

Check out our racking product guide for further help with choosing the products that you might like to have in your van.

Do you need a workbench and vice?

Workbenches often feature in a Carpenters racking design because it is convenient to complete the smaller tasks with tools on board. Have a look at our slide out vice platforms, they are compact and do not take up valuable space when not in use.

Van racking ideas for Carpenters – Racking layout

Now that you have planned what you need to carry on the van and have some ideas on how to best store it. Time to think about how you would like your van racking organised. Think about how you work with the van, time can potentially be saved by having the most frequent used tools close to a side door. Some Carpenters like the idea of side access drawers because it provides fast access to essential tools . There are all sorts of possibilities available which is why the planning stage is the key to a system that works well.

What’s the advantage of having a steel system as opposed to timber?

Definitely a logical question, as a Carpenter you would naturally lean towards making your own racking shelving system from wood. We have conversations with Carpenters who have previously built their own racking systems with varying degrees of success. The main issue has been the time and effort it takes, normally evening and weekends as they are too busy during the working week. When they change vehicles the process usually has to be started again as wear and tear has taken its toll! Steel racking can normally be transferred easily from one vehicle to another, we are always happy to advise on suitability.

Ask us for a CAD Drawing

As the project starts to come together now is the time to ask Van Racking Solutions to produce a costed design. View what the racking will look like in the van and the associated costs. Based on feedback we can make design adjustments until it’s just how you want it to be. The service is completely free of charge and without obligation. We are always happy to provide a quote based on full installation or advise on the suitability of a DIY fit.