A connecting shelving run is two or more shelving bays joined into one continuous line that shares uprights, so a long wall needs fewer frames than the same number of separate units. Steel Power's 0.5m-deep connecting runs come in nominal lengths from 2.4m to 4.0m, each listed at 1600kg in total; for 3.6m to 6.0m walls the long runs are shelving-and-workbench systems, listed at 2000kg (0.5m deep) or 3000kg (0.6m deep). Whatever the total, plan the load per shelf: on the 1600kg runs, plan on no more than 200kg on each bay's shelf, spread evenly, unless Steel Power confirms a higher per-shelf rating for the listing you buy.
This guide shows every connecting run size in the range, explains how to read the load figures on the listings, and walks through planning a 3m, 4m or 6m wall. Prices are as at 31/10/2026.
Shop the range: all connecting shelving · 3m runs · 4m runs · 6m systems
What makes a run "connecting"
A standalone bay has its own pair of upright frames at each end. In a connecting run, neighbouring bays share the upright frame between them. The product pages describe this as combining multiple bays into one continuous unit, which reduces the number of uprights and saves space along the wall. Two practical effects follow:
- The run is slightly shorter than its name. Shared uprights mean the assembled length is listed a little under the nominal size: about 2.35m for a 2.4m run, 3.15m for a 3.2m run and about 3.95m for a 4.0m run. Plan your wall to the actual figure.
- It reads as one piece of furniture. A continuous line of shelves at matching heights is tidier than separate units with doubled-up frames, and it is easier to tie back to the wall at several points.
Each bay is assembled the same way as a single unit: bolted upright frames with clip-in beams locked by safety pins. The official instructions are on the instruction page.
Connecting run sizes: 2.4m to 4.0m
All runs in this table are 0.5m deep with four shelves per bay and are listed at 1600kg in total.
| Nominal run | 1.8m high | 2.0m high | Actual assembled length (as listed) | Total (as listed) | Per-shelf wording on the listing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4m | from $188 | from $228 | approx. 2.35m | 1600kg | 200kg (1.8m-high) / 400kg (2.0m-high) |
| 2.7m | from $228 | from $268 | 2.65m | 1600kg | 400kg |
| 3.0m | from $268 | from $308 | approx. 2.95m (2.0m-high listing) | 1600kg | Not stated (1.8m-high) / 200kg (2.0m-high) |
| 3.2m | from $258 | from $288 | 3.15m | 1600kg | 400kg |
| 3.5m | from $298 | from $328 | 3.45m | 1600kg | 400kg (1.8m-high) / 200kg (2.0m-high) |
| 4.0m | from $328 | from $348 | approx. 3.95m | 1600kg | 400kg |
The 1.8m-high runs suit a garage with a low ceiling or a roller-door mechanism close to the wall; the 2.0m-high runs give more clearance between shelves. Either way, check the actual length against your measured wall before ordering.
How to read the 1600kg figure
A connecting run's total is the capacity of the whole run, not of any one shelf, so the figure that matters when you load it is the per-shelf rating. On these listings the per-shelf rating is worded two ways for runs with the same 1600kg total: some say 200kg per shelf, others say 400kg per shelf, and one does not state a per-shelf figure.
Both wordings add up to the same total if the run is built from two bays. Two bays of four shelves at 200kg per shelf is 1600kg; four full-length shelf levels at 400kg each, where each level spans both bays, is also 1600kg. The connecting runs also list the same 0.6mm uprights and beams as Steel Power's single 0.5m-deep bays, which are rated at 200kg per shelf.
| How you read it | Per shelf | Shelves or levels | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per bay shelf | 200kg | 2 bays × 4 shelves = 8 | 1600kg |
| Per full-length level across both bays | 400kg | 4 levels | 1600kg |
Our advice is to plan on the conservative reading: no more than 200kg on each bay's shelf, spread evenly across the shelf, with the heaviest items on the lowest level. Where a listing states 400kg per shelf, ask the Steel Power team to confirm how that figure applies to the specific run before you load beyond 200kg on any one section. For the general principle behind per-shelf and total figures, see our explainer on per-shelf vs total-unit load ratings.
Planning a 3m, 4m or 6m wall
Around 3m of usable wall
Start from the straight length you can use once fixtures and car-door swing are allowed for; our guide to measuring a single or double garage shows how. For a clear 3m, the 3.0m run (about 2.95m assembled on the 2.0m-high listing) is the closest fit. If you have a little more room, the 3.2m run is listed at 3.15m assembled; if you are slightly short, the 2.7m run is 2.65m.
Around 4m of usable wall
The 4.0m run is listed at about 3.95m assembled, from $328 (as at 31/10/2026) for the 1.8m-high version. Because it is 0.5m deep, it suits a wall you walk past. If the 4m wall is where you want to work, look at the 4.2m and 4.4m shelving-and-workbench systems in the next table, which build a work surface into the run.
Around 6m of usable wall
For a full 6m wall the range offers 6.0m systems that combine shelving bays with a workbench section. The 0.5m-deep versions are listed at about 5.9m assembled and the 0.6m-deep version at about 5.84m. If a door, window or meter box breaks the wall, two shorter runs are often a better fit than one long one. Keep in mind that each separate run needs its own end frames.
Long runs from 3.6m to 6.0m: shelving with a workbench
Above 4.0m the connecting systems include a workbench section. The 0.5m-deep systems are listed at 200kg per shelf and 2000kg in total; the 0.6m-deep systems at 300kg per shelf and 3000kg in total. The workbench-with-pegboard systems add a pegboard above the bench; the listings that state a per-shelf figure give 300kg per shelf.
| Nominal run | Shelving + workbench, 0.5m deep, 1.8m high (2000kg total, 200kg per shelf as listed) | Same, 2.0m high | Shelving + workbench, 0.6m deep, 2.0m high (3000kg total, 300kg per shelf as listed) | Workbench with pegboard, 0.6m deep, 2.0m high (3000kg total as listed) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6m | from $268 | from $318 | — | from $500 |
| 3.9m | from $288 | from $328 | from $450 | from $520 |
| 4.2m | from $358 | from $398 | from $480 | from $540 |
| 4.4m | from $298 | from $338 | from $460 | from $545 |
| 4.5m | from $368 | from $408 | from $490 | from $560 |
| 5.0m | from $378 | from $418 | from $500 | from $580 |
| 5.2m | from $418 | from $438 | from $520 | from $585 |
| 5.5m | from $428 | from $448 | from $530 | from $600 |
| 6.0m | from $438 | from $458 | from $540 | from $620 |
As with the shorter runs, the total is shared across every shelf in the system, so load each shelf to its listed per-shelf rating and keep the heaviest items low.
Before you order a long run
- Depth versus the car. A 0.5m-deep run leaves more room for car doors than a 0.6m-deep one. Measure to the widest point of the fully opened doors.
- Anchor it. At 1.8m or 2.0m high and 0.5m deep, these runs sit at or near the four-to-one height-to-depth ratio where anchoring is recommended. Our guide to anchoring steel shelving covers floor anchors and wall bracing; a long run can be tied back to the wall at several points.
- Extending later. The listings describe the runs as expandable, with compatible add-on lengths of 1.2m, 1.5m and 2.0m. If you plan to extend, confirm the exact add-on parts with Steel Power before you rely on it. Extra shelves and uprights are sold separately if you only want more levels.
- Installation. A connecting shelf installation service is listed from $75 per unit (as at 31/10/2026) in Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, and Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong, with a separate shelving-and-workbench installation listing from $85 (as at 31/10/2026).
Shop the range
- Connecting Shelf List: every connecting run and long system.
- By length: 2.4m, 2.7m, 3m, 3.2m, 3.5m, 4m, 3.6m, 3.9m, 4.4m, 4.5m, 5.2m, 5.5m.
- 6m: the 1.8m-high 0.5m-deep system from $438 (as at 31/10/2026) and the 2.0m-high 0.6m-deep system from $540 (as at 31/10/2026).
- Garage workstations with pegboard for a working wall.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is connecting shelving?
It is shelving where neighbouring bays share an upright frame, so a long wall is covered by one continuous run instead of separate units standing side by side. It uses fewer uprights and gives an unbroken line of shelves.
How much weight can each shelf hold on a 1600kg connecting run?
The 1600kg figure is the total for the whole run. The listings word the per-shelf rating as either 200kg or 400kg per shelf, which both add up to 1600kg over two bays. Plan on no more than 200kg on each bay's shelf, evenly distributed, unless Steel Power confirms the 400kg wording applies to your listing.
Is a 4m connecting run one 4m-long shelf?
No. It is a run of bays joined by shared uprights, listed at about 3.95m assembled. Each shelf sits between a pair of uprights, which is why the per-shelf rating, not the 1600kg total, is the number to load to.
What is the longest run in the range?
The longest systems are listed at a nominal 6.0m. They combine shelving bays with a workbench section and are available 0.5m deep (2000kg total, 200kg per shelf) or 0.6m deep (3000kg total, 300kg per shelf), as listed.
Does a long connecting run need anchoring?
At 1.8m to 2.0m high and 0.5m deep, these runs are at or near the height-to-depth ratio where anchoring is recommended. Tie the run back to the wall at several points or anchor the feet to the slab, and always load the heaviest items on the lowest shelves.
Can I add another bay later?
The listings describe the runs as expandable with 1.2m, 1.5m and 2.0m add-on lengths. Confirm the exact parts with Steel Power before planning around an extension.