Metal Cages and Pallets: Specs, Types and Buying Guide
Metal cages are steel wire or mesh containers used to store, stack and move goods safely in warehouses, factories and distribution centres. Paired with metal pallets, they turn loose stock into secure, forklift-ready unit loads that last for years.
This guide explains the main types of metal cages and pallets, the specs that matter, and how to choose the right one for your operation.
What Are Metal Cages and Pallets?
A metal cage is a rigid container made from welded steel wire or mesh. It can sit on its own feet, on castors, or on a pallet-sized base. A metal pallet is a flat steel or aluminium platform that replaces a wooden or plastic pallet.
The two are often combined. A metal pallet cage, for example, is a steel mesh cage built onto a pallet footprint, so it can be stacked in racking and lifted by forklift. Steel cages and steel pallets are popular because they are stronger, more hygienic and longer lasting than timber.
Types of Metal Cages
1. Metal Pallet Cages
Metal pallet cages are the most common type for bulk storage. Most are collapsible, so the sides fold down when the cage is empty. Our new folding wire pallet cage measures 1200 x 1000 x 1000mm and carries up to 800kg. For a full breakdown of sizes and load ratings, read our guide to pallet cages.
2. Heavy Duty Steel Cages
Heavy duty steel cages use thicker wire and reinforced bases for dense loads such as metal parts and automotive components. Our refurbished heavy duty pallet cage is rated to 1500kg with half and full drop-down gates.
3. Roll Cages
Roll cages are metal cages on castors, built to be pushed by hand. They move mixed loads from warehouses to shop floors and are a fixture of UK retail. Options include 3-sided A-frame roll cages, 4-sided A-frame roll cages and full security A-frame roll cages with lockable sides. See our guide to roll cages in the UK.
4. Stillages
Stillages are rigid steel frames for unit loads, often with posts or solid sides rather than mesh. They suit long, bulky or heavy items and are widely used for returns and reverse logistics.
5. Security Cages
Security cages are fully enclosed metal cages with lockable doors for high-value or controlled goods. Read more in our guide to safety cages.
Metal Pallets vs Plastic and Wooden Pallets
| Metal (steel) pallet | Plastic pallet | Wooden pallet | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | Highest; suits heavy loads | Medium | Medium |
| Lifespan | Many years | Long | Short; splinters and breaks |
| Hygiene | Easy to clean, no splinters | Easy to clean | Absorbs moisture |
| Weight | Heaviest | Light | Medium |
| Best for | Heavy, high-value or racked loads | Food and retail | One-way shipping |
For a closer comparison, read our guide to storage pallets.
Metal Cage Specs: What to Check
The right metal cage depends on four specs: footprint, load capacity, gate type and finish. The table shows the metal pallet cages we currently supply.
| Metal pallet cage | Condition | Size (W x D x H) | Load capacity | Gate | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Refurbished Heavy Duty Pallet Cage | Refurbished | 1200 x 1000 x 890mm | 1500kg | Half and full drop-down | BZP silver |
| Folding Wire Pallet Cage | New | 1200 x 1000 x 1000mm | 800kg | Half drop-down | BZP silver |
| Refurbished Folding Wire Pallet Cage | Refurbished | 1200 x 800 x 980mm | 500kg | Half drop-down | — |
Footprint. Match the base to your pallets and racking: 1200 x 1000mm (UK standard) or 1200 x 800mm (Euro).
Load capacity. Choose a cage rated above your heaviest load, and check the stacking limit too.
Gate. A half drop-down gate suits hand picking; a full drop-down gate makes loading bulky items easier.
Finish. A bright zinc-plated (BZP) finish resists rust, which matters in damp or outdoor yards.
Where Are Metal Cages Used?
Warehousing. Steel cages turn loose stock into stackable, rackable unit loads.
Manufacturing and automotive. Heavy duty cages hold parts and work-in-progress between production stages.
Retail distribution. Roll cages and pallet cages move stock from distribution centres to stores.
Returns and recycling. Cages collect, sort and store returned goods and packaging.
New or Refurbished Metal Cages?
New cages give you the full rated performance and consistent specs. Refurbished cages are inspected, repaired and restored to a clean, safe working condition at a lower price, and they keep good steel in use for longer. Read our full comparison: new or refurbished pallet cage.
Damaged metal cages can usually be repaired rather than scrapped. Our pallet cage repairs and roll cage repairs services restore cages on site or at our repair centre. You can also add an engraved ID plate to track your fleet.
FAQ
What are metal cages used for?
Metal cages store, stack and move goods safely in warehouses, factories and distribution centres. They keep loads contained and protect products during handling.
What is a metal pallet cage?
A metal pallet cage is a steel mesh cage built on a pallet-sized base. It can be stacked in racking and lifted by forklift or pallet truck.
How much weight can a metal cage hold?
It depends on the design. Our metal pallet cages range from 500kg to 1500kg.
Are steel pallets better than wooden pallets?
Steel pallets are stronger, more hygienic and last much longer than wooden pallets. They are heavier, so they suit heavy, high-value or racked loads.
Are metal cages collapsible?
Many are. Folding metal pallet cages collapse flat when empty to save space.
Can metal cages be repaired?
Yes. Bent mesh, broken hinges and damaged gates can usually be repaired on site or at a repair centre.
Find the Right Metal Cages for Your Business
Distribution Maintenance supplies new and refurbished metal cages, from folding pallet cages to 1500kg heavy duty models and roll cages, along with a full repair service from our depots in Harlow and Grantham.
Browse our new pallet cages, request a quote or contact our team today.
