Mortuary Roller Racks for Funeral Homes: Buyer's Guide
Roller racks turn floor space in a walk-in cooler into tiered storage. This guide explains loading styles, tier heights, capacity ratings and tray compatibility, using real rack dimensions.
A walk-in cooler without racks holds as many decedents as fit on the floor, which is not many and not compliant in many states. Tiered roller racks stack decedents on trays two to four high so each has a separate position, never on the floor and never on top of another.
Quick answer: Pick the loading style first. Side-loading racks load along the long side and suit wide walk-ins. End-loading racks load from the short end in narrow rooms. Multi-load racks do both. Then match tier count to ceiling and lift height, choose per-tier capacity for bariatric cases (850 lb on our heavy racks), and buy trays in the width the rack is built for.
Loading Styles
| Style | How it loads | Best for | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side loading | From the long side | Walk-ins with a wide aisle | 4 Tier Side-Loading Mortuary Rack |
| End loading | From the short end | Narrow walk-ins and deep rooms | 4-Tier End-Loading Mortuary Rack |
| Multi-load | Side or end | Rooms that change layout | 4 Tier Multi-Load Mortuary Rack |
| Cantilever | Open front, stationary | Storage against a wall | Premium 3-Tier Cantilever Mortuary Rack |
Tier Heights and Lift Fit
Our 4 Tier Side-Loading rack puts the first tier at 21 inches and spaces tiers 16.25 inches apart, so the tiers sit at 21, 37.25, 53.5 and 69.75 inches. It is 31 inches wide and 85 inches long outside, rated 850 lb per tier, built from 10-gauge steel on 5-inch locking casters. Make sure your lift reaches the top tier. If it does not, choose a 3-tier rack.
Trays and Boards
| Tray | Size | Gauge | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23-inch standard | 78" × 23" × 2.75" | 18 ga | 300 lb |
| 27-inch oversize | 78" × 27" × 2.75" | 16 ga | 400 lb |
| 30-inch bariatric | 78" × 30" × 2.75" | 14 ga | 500 lb |
Figures are from our stainless steel mortuary body trays. Lighter options include the HD Mortuary Plastic Storage Board and laminated body boards.
4 Tier Side-Loading Mortuary Rack850 lb per tier
4-Tier End-Loading Mortuary RackEnd loading
4 Tier Multi-Load Mortuary Rack – Model 2000-4TMDSide or end
Premium 3-Tier Cantilever Mortuary RackStationary
Stainless Steel Mortuary Body Trays – 23", 27" & 30"23, 27 and 30 inch
HD Mortuary Plastic Storage BoardPlastic board
How Many Racks Fit?
Allow the rack footprint plus a loading aisle at least as long as a tray. A side-loading rack needs that aisle along its full length; an end-loading rack needs it at one end. For walk-in sizing by rack count, see the walk-in mortuary cooler buying guide and rack tier comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a mortuary roller rack?
A wheeled steel frame with two to four tiers that holds body trays inside a walk-in cooler, so each decedent has a separate, off-floor position.
How much weight can a mortuary rack tier hold?
It varies by model. Our heavy side-loading and end-loading racks are rated 850 lb per tier.
Side-loading or end-loading?
Side loading suits wide rooms with an aisle along the rack. End loading suits narrow rooms where you can only reach the short end.
Do trays come with the rack?
Trays are usually sold separately so you can choose standard, oversize or bariatric widths.
Questions about fit, freight or lead time? Call our Johnson City, Tennessee team at 1-888-792-9315 or email cool@mymortuarycooler.com.
