Choosing the right van shelving isn’t just about storage - it’s about how your van works for you. Whether you're an electrician, plumber, joiner, or courier, your shelving system affects everything from fuel efficiency to job readiness.
At Vanimal, we manufacture custom-fit plywood racking systems for the UK’s best-selling vans. Here’s how plywood stacks up against metal - and why more tradespeople are switching to ply.
Weight & Fuel Efficiency
- Plywood is significantly lighter than steel or aluminium alternatives.
- Less weight = better fuel economy
- Easier to install and reposition
- Metal shelving adds bulk, especially in full-length systems.
- May reduce payload capacity
- Can affect handling in smaller vans
Noise & Vibration
- Plywood absorbs vibration, reducing rattles and road noise.
- Ideal for tools, fixings, and loose items
- Quieter ride = less fatigue
- Metal shelving amplifies sound, especially when unlined or loosely packed.
- May require rubber inserts or foam padding
Durability & Repairability
- Plywood racking is tough, but also repairable.
- Damaged panels can be replaced individually
- Resistant to rust and corrosion
- Metal shelving is rigid and impact-resistant
- But dents, bends, or rust often require full replacement
Cost & Value
- Plywood systems are typically more affordable upfront
- Lower material and manufacturing costs
- Easier to customise without specialist tools
- Metal systems often carry a premium
- Higher production costs
- May require professional installation
Fitment & Flexibility
- Vanimal’s ply racking is CNC-cut for precision fitment
- Compatible with every popular van, big or small, new or old.
- Easy to install with easy-to-assemble panels and fixings
- Metal shelving can be modular but less adaptable
Sustainability
- Vanimal uses FSC-certified plywood, sourced responsibly
- Renewable, recyclable, and lower carbon footprint
- Metal production is energy-intensive
- Recycling is possible but less efficient
For most UK tradespeople, plywood van shelving offers the best balance of weight, cost, noise reduction, and flexibility. At Vanimal, we’ve refined our ply racking systems to deliver professional-grade storage that’s easy to install, built to last, and proudly made in Yorkshire.
Explore Vanimal’s custom-fit plywood racking systems — available for the UK’s best-selling vans, with free nationwide delivery.
