Cantilever racks and pallet racks are commonly found in modern warehouses, though they serve distinct purposes.
While they may seem alike at first glance – both being long, tall structures designed for holding bulky goods and larger inventory packages accessible primarily by forklifts – they actually offer unique advantages across various applications. Familiarizing yourself with the strengths of each can greatly enhance warehouse efficiency.
The Difference Between Cantilever Racks & Pallet Racks
Pallet Racks
Anyone who has spent time in a warehouse knows about pallet racks. These racks are great for saving space and allowing warehouses to utilize their vertical space to the fullest extent possible.
Because of their design, pallet racks are mainly used for storing pallets. These could be pallets holding smaller items that are shrink-wrapped together or individual storage bins for smaller pieces or parts. Pallet racks are designed to be easily accessible, with plenty of open space between each rack, similar to standard shelves.
However, the downside is that their shape doesn’t make them ideal for storing all types of warehouse items. They prioritize width over length, which means they’re perfect for fitting more pallets onto each rack. But if you have items of varying sizes, you might find it challenging to make the most of pallet racks.
Cantilever Racks
This is where cantilever racks come into play. Similar to pallet racks, cantilever racks are constructed to provide tall, broad shelving for items, but with a distinct advantage: they are designed for longer items.
Cantilever racks feature extended “arms” for storage, rather than flat shelves like pallet racks. This design makes them ideal for storing items such as lumber, piping, and other industrial products that require significant vertical space, akin to the shelving seen in larger hardware stores or lumberyards. Utilizing cantilever racks is much safer than attempting to prop large planks against walls and can substantially free up floor space.
However, the drawback of cantilever racks lies in their lack of versatility compared to pallet racking. Their design restricts them to effectively holding longer parts, as they do not offer the same flat storage surface for pallets and individual consumer goods.
Both types of shelving have their place in warehouses, depending on the inventory and space requirements.
How to Choose between Cantilever Racking and Pallet Racking?
The nature of your business is a key factor in determining the most suitable racking system. For instance, if your business specializes in selling lumber, pipes, or steel beams, cantilever racking would be the ideal choice as it is designed to efficiently store long, bulky, or irregularly shaped items.
On the other hand, if your business deals with a diverse range of products, pallet racking would be more advantageous due to its versatility.
We offer a wide selection of racking systems to cater to the specific needs of your business. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a pallet rack inspection.
FAQ’s
What are pallet racks primarily used for?
Pallet racks are mainly used for storing pallets, which can hold smaller items shrink-wrapped together or individual storage bins for smaller pieces or parts.
What is the main advantage of pallet racks?
Pallet racks are great for saving space and allowing warehouses to utilize their vertical space to the fullest extent possible.
What are the drawbacks of pallet racks?
Pallet racks prioritize width over length, which may make it challenging to store items of varying sizes effectively.
What types of items are best suited for cantilever racks?
Cantilever racks are designed for longer items such as lumber, piping, and other industrial products that require significant vertical space.
What is the main advantage of cantilever racks over pallet racks?
Cantilever racks offer extended “arms” for storage, making them ideal for longer items and providing more open space compared to pallet racks.
What is a drawback of cantilever racks?
Cantilever racks may lack versatility compared to pallet racking, as they are primarily designed for longer parts and may not provide a flat storage surface for pallets and individual consumer goods.
How should businesses choose between cantilever racking and pallet racking?
The nature of the business plays a significant role in determining the suitable racking system. Cantilever racking is ideal for businesses specializing in long, bulky, or irregularly shaped items like lumber, pipes, or steel beams, while pallet racking is more versatile and suitable for businesses dealing with a diverse range of products.