What is a open-air storage?

An Open-air warehouse is an outdoor storage area where goods are stored in the Open-air without a roof.

What can be stored there?

Various goods and materials can be stored in Open-air warehouses. These include building materials such as wood, metal profiles or building blocks, but also industrial goods, agricultural products, machinery, vehicles or other bulky items. Open-air storage is particularly suitable for products that do not require special storage conditions and are weather-resistant.

Advantages

• Cost efficiency: Open-air warehouses are generally more cost-effective than closed warehouses, as no building structures need to be erected.
• Flexibility: Open-air warehouses offer a high degree of flexibility in the use of available space and can be easily expanded or reduced in size.
• Easy access: As the storage area is outdoors, the goods are usually easily accessible.
• No internal spaces: There is no risk of internal space restrictions - a major advantage when bulky or unwieldy goods are to be stored.

Disadvantages

• Weather dependency: As Open-air storage facilities are not covered, the stored goods are exposed to weather conditions, which can quickly become problematic for sensitive or perishable goods.
• Limited security: As they are more accessible than enclosed warehouses, they are more vulnerable to theft or vandalism.
• Limited storage conditions: Goods whose storage is subject to special conditions, such as controlled temperature, humidity or dust protection, cannot be stored in an Open-air warehouse.

What are the costs of an Open-air storage?

The cost of an Open-air warehouse varies depending on the location, size, rental prices and additional services such as security, insurance, etc. In general, however, the cost of an Open-air warehouse is lower than that of a closed warehouse.

When does Open-air storage make sense?

Open-air storage makes sense when the goods to be stored are weather-resistant and do not require special storage conditions. Open-air storage is a cost-effective solution if flexibility is more important than safety. Do you have a limited budget or only short-term storage requirements? Then open storage could be the right choice for you.

Open vs. semi-Open storage

An open warehouse is one without any roofing, while a semi-open warehouse is partially protected by a roof or canopy. In addition to the roof, semi-open warehouses require a paved base area and fencing.
Which variant is ultimately chosen depends on the goods to be stored.
Do you want to store machinery or wood, i.e. materials that are sensitive to the weather? Then you should opt for open storage.
If, on the other hand, you want to store weatherproof goods such as empties, gravel or sand, you can save costs and opt for open storage.