Metal vs. Wood: The Essence of Liquor Store Shelving

Choosing liquor store shelving isn't just about displaying bottles; it's about safety, profit margins, and customer experience. Metal and wood shelving each have their advantages, so how do we choose the right shelving for our liquor stores?

Retail Liquor Store Fixtures: Durability

Glass bottles are heavy, and the structural integrity of liquor shelving is a matter of life and death. Steel shelving (such as that with 16mm steel uprights and reinforced supports) can easily support over 500 pounds (approximately 227 kg) per foot. They won't warp due to proximity to condensation or collapse under the weight of holiday rushes. Solid oak can do this too—but only with concealed steel supports. Without reinforcement, it's pure risk; humidity fluctuations near air conditioning units can cause surface cracking, compromising safety.

Retail Liquor Store Fixtures: Aesthetics

Wood has a more upscale look and a more human touch. Wood grain, warm tones, and hand-polished shelves exude a sense of sophistication, conveying the message that "this wine deserves respect." Metal materials offer a sense of practicality; you can decorate it with wooden end caps or LED lights, but this requires a very good design. For tasting rooms or fine wine sections, the value of wood far exceeds its cost.




Retail Liquor Store Fixtures: Cost

Cost is a crucial factor to consider. Metal shelves have lower upfront costs, but this is a misconception.

The pitfalls of metal: Cheap powder coatings easily peel off near the bottle caps, and rust can creep in unnoticed. Within three years, you'll need to replace the uprights, not just repaint.

The advantages of wood: With commercial sealants and proper humidity control, it can last over 15 years. Sand down scratches, reseal annually, and it will improve with age, like fine whisky.

We can choose according to our needs.

Retail Liquor Store Fixtures: Security

High-value liquor requires robust security. High-end display cases shouldn't give a "prison" impression. This is where wood shines: custom-made glass display cases with concealed locks, shatterproof glass, and seamless mortise and tenon joints create an impression of indestructibility.