Cantilever racks are a versatile and practical storage solution, frequently used in industrial and construction supply environments. The system consists of sturdy vertical uprights and horizontal arms, designed to support non-palletized, irregularly shaped, or long items. Its main advantages are the safe, efficient storage of inventory off the ground with easy access for forklifts.
Why Cantilever Rack?
Applications
- Heavy, bulky items: Construction materials like plywood, lumber, sheetrock, as well as pipes, steel, coils, wrapping, and oversized skids.
- Home goods: Furniture, rugs, and fabric.
- Recreational: Boats, water sports gear, and ski equipment.
Benefits
- Suitable for indoor or outdoor storage.
- Maximizes vertical space.
- Enhances warehouse safety by minimizing clutter.
- Protects inventory from damage.
- Allows efficient access and accurate inventory picking.
Though the design of cantilever racking remains mostly consistent across systems, the materials differ. Cantilever racks are typically made from either structural or roll-formed steel. Structural steel, being heavier and more expensive to produce, ship, and install, offers greater durability and load capacity compared to roll-formed steel. To help determine the best fit for your needs, here’s a breakdown of the key differences:
Structural Cantilever
- Supports medium to heavy-duty loads—over 1,500 lbs per shelf.
- Uses hot-rolled steel channel or I-beam arms and uprights.
- Heavier to ship due to load weight.
- Requires nuts and bolts for assembly.
- More durable—resistant to equipment impacts and weather damage.
- Can support a roof or structure for outdoor use.
Roll-Formed Cantilever
- Suitable for light to medium-weight loads.
- Features lighter steel components.
- Easier to ship due to lighter load weight.
- Quick bolt-less installation.
- Easily reconfigurable for changing inventory needs.
- Less resistant to damage compared to structural steel.
Breaking It Down – Cantilever Rack Components
A cantilever rack system consists of two upright columns mounted on bases and connected by bracing. Depending on space and capacity requirements, these systems can be either single-sided or double-sided.
Standard arm options include straight or inclined arms with an upward slope. Alternatively, axel arms, which can also be straight or inclined, allow for the attachment of rollers at the endpoints. These rollers enable easy rolling off of materials such as carpeting, fabric, or wrapping.
The arms are adjustable on the columns in small increments (about +/- 4”), allowing for flexible storage of different inventory types, unlike the uniform storage bays found in traditional pallet racking systems.
Optional accessories include vertical pipe stops at the ends of the arms to prevent inventory from sliding off.
Note: Structural steel cantilever components cannot be mixed with roll-formed cantilever components due to incompatible attachment mechanisms.
FAQ’s
What are cantilever racks typically used for?
Cantilever racks are ideal for storing long, bulky, or irregularly shaped items that are not suited for traditional pallet racks. They are often used for construction materials like plywood, lumber, pipes, and steel, as well as home goods like furniture and rugs, and even recreational equipment such as boats or ski gear.
What is the difference between single-sided and double-sided cantilever racks?
Single-sided cantilever racks are designed to be placed against a wall, offering storage on one side only. Double-sided racks, on the other hand, allow for storage on both sides of the upright columns, making them more efficient in open spaces by maximizing storage capacity.
Can cantilever racks be used outdoors?
Yes, cantilever racks can be used for both indoor and outdoor storage. Structural steel cantilever racks are particularly suited for outdoor applications due to their durability and ability to support additional structures, like roofs, which help protect inventory from the elements.
What are the main benefits of using cantilever racks?
Cantilever racks offer several key benefits, including maximizing vertical storage space, improving warehouse safety by reducing floor clutter, protecting inventory from damage, and allowing easy forklift access to items. This makes them a practical solution for efficiently managing irregularly shaped or oversized inventory.
How do structural and roll-formed steel cantilever racks differ?
Structural cantilever racks are made from hot-rolled steel and are highly durable, able to support heavy-duty loads exceeding 1,500 lbs per shelf. They are more resistant to damage but heavier and more expensive to manufacture and install. Roll-formed cantilever racks, on the other hand, are lighter, easier to assemble, and ideal for light to medium-weight loads, but they are less resistant to impacts or environmental wear.
Are cantilever rack arms adjustable?
Yes, the arms on cantilever racks are adjustable in small increments, typically around 4 inches. This flexibility allows you to customize the rack to accommodate different inventory types and sizes, unlike traditional pallet racks that have fixed storage bays.
What accessories are available for cantilever racks?
Common accessories for cantilever racks include vertical pipe stops that prevent inventory from slipping off the arms. These are especially useful for keeping items like pipes, lumber, or steel securely in place during storage.
Can I mix structural and roll-formed cantilever components in the same system?
No, structural and roll-formed cantilever components cannot be mixed due to incompatible attachment mechanisms. Each type of system uses different methods for connecting the arms and uprights, so they need to be kept separate to ensure safe and proper assembly.
How does cantilever racking improve warehouse safety?
Cantilever racking helps reduce floor clutter by lifting bulky and irregular items off the ground, which minimizes tripping hazards and improves the overall organization of the warehouse. Additionally, items are securely stored on arms with optional stops, reducing the risk of inventory shifting or falling during storage or retrieval.
What are the arm options available for cantilever racks?
Cantilever racks come with a variety of arm options, including straight and inclined arms. Inclined arms have an upward slope to help secure items in place, while axel arms allow rollers to be attached, enabling materials like fabric or carpet to be easily rolled off the rack.
Conclusion
Cantilever racks are a highly versatile and efficient storage solution for industries dealing with long, bulky, or irregularly shaped items. Whether you’re storing construction materials, home goods, or recreational equipment, cantilever racks offer a safe and organized way to maximize vertical space and improve warehouse safety. With the option to choose between structural and roll-formed steel, businesses can find a system that meets their specific capacity and durability needs. By investing in the right cantilever rack system, you can streamline operations, protect your inventory, and enhance productivity.