Different Types of Metal Stillages: Which One Do You Need?

Understanding Metal Stillages

A metal stillage is a strong, reusable structure designed for storing, stacking, or transporting materials efficiently. Commonly used in manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, and construction, stillages help businesses handle goods safely while maximising floor space and reducing waste.

At Avatan, we design and manufacture a wide range of metal stillages, built from high-quality steel and engineered to suit every type of industrial environment. Choosing the right stillage depends on your space, handling equipment, and the materials you need to store.

Below, we explore the different types of metal stillages and their unique advantages.

Stackable Stillages

A stackable stillage is ideal for businesses looking to maximise vertical space. These units are designed with reinforced frames and corner posts that allow safe stacking without compromising stability.

Stackable stillages are widely used across manufacturing plants, warehouses, and distribution centres where efficient use of floor space is essential. They can hold anything from heavy machinery parts to boxed goods, and are easy to move using forklifts or pallet trucks.

Benefits include:

• Increased storage density through safe vertical stacking
• Quick access for loading and unloading
• Durable steel construction suitable for heavy loads
• Improved floor space management

At Avatan, our stackable stillages are available in a range of standard sizes or can be custom-built to meet your specific operational needs.

Foldable Metal Stillages

A foldable metal stillage (also known as a collapsible stillage) offers exceptional space efficiency when not in use. These units can be folded flat, making them ideal for operations that require return logistics or need to save space during off-peak periods.

Constructed from high-quality steel with hinged sides or removable panels, foldable stillages provide the strength of a fixed structure with the flexibility of a compact design.

Typical uses include:

• Returnable packaging and logistics loops
• Seasonal stock storage
• Export and transport where return space is limited

By choosing an Avatan foldable metal stillage, you can reduce transport costs, optimise warehouse storage, and improve overall efficiency without sacrificing durability or load capacity.

Pallet-Style Stillages

Pallet-style stillages combine the convenience of standard pallets with the strength of a steel frame. They are often used as a base for bulk materials, boxed goods, or components that require additional stability during movement and stacking.

These stillages are compatible with most forklifts and racking systems, offering a versatile and long-lasting alternative to wooden or plastic pallets.

Key features include:

• Heavy-duty steel base construction
• Forklift access from all sides
• Customisable dimensions for specific loads
• Long service life, even under demanding industrial use

Avatan’s pallet-style stillages are ideal for businesses needing a tough, reusable platform that can withstand repeated handling in high-volume environments.

Cage Stillages

A cage stillage (also called a mesh stillage) is designed to securely contain loose or irregularly shaped goods. With wire mesh or solid steel sides, these stillages prevent materials from falling or shifting during handling and transport.

Cage stillages are popular in manufacturing, automotive, retail distribution, and recycling industries, anywhere where safe containment is key.

Advantages of cage stillages:

• Secure storage for small or unevenly shaped items
• Excellent visibility of stored contents
• Stackable design for easy storage
• Durable construction for long-term use

Avatan’s cage stillages can be supplied in both fixed and collapsible versions, making them a flexible choice for a wide variety of industrial applications.