FAQ's :
Questions and Answers about The RACKIT™ Systems


Q: What materials are used to make RACKIT units?
A: All of the structural framing is made of American red oak, while the casing and drawer materials are high quality Finnish birch plywood. Drawer fronts are your choice of Birch, a light color wood with a subtle grain, or Oak, a darker wood with a more pronounced grain.

Q: In what colors/finishes can I buy RACKIT units?
A: All RACKIT units are finished with a natural color Danish oil finish that enhances the beauty of the wood. If you wish to change the color you can stain them darker with commercially available Danish Oil Stains. The oil finish also provides an excellent base for a professional paint job.

Q: Do you do custom work?
A: We are not a custom woodshop. However, the modular, stackable approach of the RACKIT Systems allows great flexibility to meet your needs, and you can add to and change your setup any time. We would be happy to advice you.

Q: How many records (CDs, DVDs, tapes, LPs, "45s") does each unit hold?
A: Please refer to the Specifications and Special Features sections in the Online Catalog.

LP collectors: Please note that the Record Rack and the Record Cabinet accomodates approximately 100 albums each (about 50 lbs) and that you can stack them 5-high on a Dolly or 6-high on a Base.

Q: Are discounts available?
A: Our prices are factory direct and do not allow us to offer wholesale, dealer, or quantity discounts. All our customers get the same low price at all times.

Q: How are the two RACKIT Systems different?
A: The RACKIT System 19 units are wider and deeper than Original RACKIT units. The Original System features waxed wood-on-wood drawer runners, while System 19 has state-of-the-art ball bearing drawer slides. Original RACKIT was designed around the 12" LP format, while System 19 was based on standard 19" equipment.


Q: Can I have stacks of RACKIT System 19 and Original RACKIT system side by side?
A: Yes! The two systems are made of the same materials and are completely compatible in style and color. You can stack them side by side, just not on top of each other.

Q: Is assembly required?
A: Drawer units and Cabinets are shipped fully assembled; all you need to do is hammer two Tablepins (small wooden dowels) into predrilled holes in the top of each unit for alignment when stacking. Racks do require some assembly; we provide the necessary tools (access to an electric screwdriver is helpful), good instructions, and advice if you get stuck.


Q: Do I need the Base and Dolly?
A: We recommend that each stack start with either a Base or a Dolly (not both). The Base is solid oak and is used for stationary installation. It raises the bottom unit 1½" inch, ensuring that drawers can be opened freely, and it provides a "toe-kick" protecting the unit and its contents.

The Dolly starts out as a Base, and then we add metal brackets and twin-wheel casters. It is used when you want to be able to move your RACKIT units -- for cleaning, rearranging or changing gear, rolling a stack of LPs into or out of a closet, or whatever reason.

Q: Why do I need the Tabletop?
A: We always recommend a Tabletop because in addition to being the finishing touch visually for each RACKIT System, it provides a sturdy surface for additional storage or display.


Q: How high can I stack my units?
A: We recommend up to 6 feet on a Dolly or 7 feet on a Base.

Q: How much weight can I put on the Dolly?
A: The Dolly's four twin-wheeled casters are rated 300 lbs. rolling load.

Q: Can I create my own desk, table or computer stand with the RACKIT System?
A:  Certainly! We have been using RACKIT units in our office for years to create desks, worktables, computer workstations as well as equipment stands for printers, telephone, fax, copy machine, etc. See "Design Ideas" and "Photos" for suggestions and ideas.

Q: Can I use RACKIT for my home theater?
A:  Yes! The modular building-block approach of the RACKIT System, with its Component racks, Rail-Mount Racks, drawers, and cabinets, combined with your own creativity, makes it possible to accommodate all elements of a home theater system.

Q: Can I use RACKIT for all my other stuff?
A:  Of course! Some of our customers use their RACKIT Systems for anything but records and tapes--books, vases, bowls, sculptures and drawers full of household items: silverware, socks, papers, and miscellaneous stuff.


Q: What about when I move?
A:  According to customer reports, RACKIT makes moving easier. There is no need to pack your media separately -- just unstack the loaded units, move them, and restack them in your new place.

Q: How do I figure out the shipping charge? What is a shipping unit?
A: Each item of the RACKIT Systems has been assigned a number of shipping units based on its size and weight. Simply multiply this number (found on the right side of the printable PDF order form) by the order quantity for each item. Add the totals for each individual item, and then add 1. Take this number and multiply by the appropriate rate based on your zip code (see order form, lower left corner for shipping rates), and you're done -- Or (the easy way) let our online orderform calculate it for you!

Q: Do you ship overseas?
A: We can ship to most destinations outside the USA via UPS or freight forwarders.

Q: Do you guarantee your products?
A: Yes, of course. If you are not entirely satisfied, you may return your order within 30 days of purchase for a full refund of the purchase price. Please call us at 800-821-4883 in advance for instructions.