Cantilever Rack: The Solution for Non-Standard Products

If your facility handles oversized or non-standard products, cantilever racking is an ideal choice. Storing non-standard products can be a major hassle if you don’t have the right equipment to do so. Pallet racking, while considered the standard racking system for warehouses, often doesn’t accommodate non-uniform products like lumber or furniture. 

Attempting to store products on the wrong types of racking can cause damage that results in a massive loss of revenue, so it’s important to develop an understanding of the different types of racking available to you. 

When designing and outfitting your warehouse, you need to select the correct storage solutions and materials that suit the unique needs of your team and products. 

Keep reading to learn more about cantilever racking and how this solution can benefit your facility.

What is Cantilever Racking?

Cantilever racks are made up of simple, heavy-duty components. They are designed with steel uprights spaced by a sway brace and held together by nuts and bolts. 

Single-sided cantilever rack in warehouse
Cantilever racking can be used for non-standard materials with irregular shapes indoors or outside.

The arm components on cantilever racks vary in length anywhere from 24 inches to over 60 inches. These arms extend outward from the uprights and are what hold the product. Arm length and spacing can be customized to suit the needs of your product, making a cantilever system an ideal solution for industrial building materials and heavy, oversized or non-uniform products.

There are two types of configurations to consider when deciding on what kind of cantilever racking to purchase for your facility. They are as follows:

  • Single-sided: These racks can be affixed to a wall or anchored to the ground.
  • Double-sided: These systems are comprised of two racks joined together at the back. Those selecting double-sided systems should consider balancing the weight on both sides since each side of the system supports the other. 

Single- and double-sided cantilever racking systems are exceptionally stable, durable, and flexible. They allow for an increase in efficiency and help your team make the most of your valuable warehouse space.  

When to Use Cantilever Racking

Warehouse managers, owners and designers should consider cantilever racking as a method for storage in their facility whenever they have to store or manage non-uniform or heavy-duty products. 

Specialty cantilever rack with wire decking.

Some products for which cantilever racking would be ideal are as follows.

Drywall and Lumber 

Those in the construction materials industry commonly use cantilever systems to store building materials such as lumber and drywall. These systems can also be used in building materials retail locations. In addition to increased accessibility, the benefits of storing building materials on a cantilever rack include reduced moisture and warping.

Pipes and Tubes

PVC and metal tubes or pipes are typically too long to be stored on traditional pallets or shelves. For this reason, those who handle or sell electrical, plumbing and HVAC materials often include cantilever systems in their facilities. 

Structural Steel and Steel Sheets

Many different manufacturers and retailers manage steel in their facilities. These materials are typically 20 feet in length, making them ideal for cantilever racking.

Cantilever racking can be used with or without decking to enhance functionality and reduce product damage.

Furniture and Carpets

For large, abnormally shaped furniture such as sofas and carpets, cantilever racking is ideal. Manufacturers can include solid decking in their systems to provide additional support. This can drastically reduce the risk of product damage.

Essentially, any oversized or heavy-duty items that would be rendered less accessible on a pallet racking system can benefit from cantilever racking because the systems are sturdy and more accessible. 

If your team handles non-uniform products on occasion, the cantilever racks can also be modified to accommodate items that you may usually store on pallet racks. Cantilever systems have adjustable arms and can be customized to suit a variety of needs. 

What are the Limitations of Cantilever Racking?

Because cantilever racks are adjustable, they can accommodate a variety of weights and sizes. Capacities can run from 500 pounds per arm up to 20,000 pounds per arm. 

It’s important to consider your products when selecting and designing your cantilever rack. Spacing between the arms is critical to proper product storage and, when done incorrectly, can result in product damage or injury. Items stored on arms spaced too far apart can sag in the middle, whereas items placed on arms spaced too close together can sag at the ends. 

It’s important to work with a specialist when designing your warehouse storage equipment plan to avoid costly mistakes.

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What are the Benefits of Cantilever Racking? 

A customized cantilever racking system can improve your facility’s material handling efficiency and productivity, resulting in increased revenue and employee satisfaction.

What makes cantilever racking more accessible than pallet racking is that they are designed to be open on all sides, so accessing unusual or otherwise difficult materials is made easier. Materials stored in this way can be easily accessed by forklifts and other heavy machinery.

Many products that are frequently stored on cantilever racks can otherwise only be stored on the floor due to their non-uniform shape, size or weight. Storing items on the floor is a hazard in many warehouses and takes up space that would be more valuable for housing a racking system that would allow for a considerably greater amount of vertical storage.

Additionally, cantilever racks don’t obstruct vision in the same way that pallet racks can. This can increase productivity in your warehouse by allowing workers to locate products easier.

Considerations for Cantilever Racking

Materials stored on cantilever racking often require heavy machinery such as a forklift to be moved. Depending on your layout, the width of your aisles, or the type of material you’re handling, your team may require a side-loading or standard forklift. 

Consult with a storage equipment specialist to determine whether your layout and available machinery are suitable for a cantilever racking system. Due to the adaptability of cantilever systems, it is possible to customize a solution that meets your exact requirements. 

High-Quality Cantilever Racking Solutions 

For warehouses and facilities that store large, heavy-duty or non-standard products, cantilever racks can provide versatile and efficient solutions. Be sure to consult with a specialist to ensure your system is designed with your products in mind to prevent potential damage and loss of revenue. 

Looking for Personalized Storage Solutions? We’ve got you covered. At East Coast Storage Equipment, we provide customized equipment solutions that maximize space and efficiency in your warehouse.

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