Cantilever Rack Guide: Ordering Cantilever Racking 101

For businesses dealing with heavy, long, or irregularly shaped items, cantilever racks offer an efficient storage solution. They&#;re especially popular for storing lumber, pipes, steel rods, furniture, and other oversized products that traditional shelving can&#;t handle. Before ordering cantilever racking, it&#;s essential to understand how these systems work, their configurations, and the best ways to optimize your warehouse space. This guide provides everything you need to know about cantilever racks, from their benefits to the ordering process.

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What Are Cantilever Racks?

Cantilever racks are storage systems with arms extending outwards to hold items, rather than traditional shelf surfaces. This design is perfect for holding lengthy or bulky items without vertical obstructions, allowing you to maximize both horizontal and vertical space. The arms of the rack support products securely, while the lack of front columns ensures items are easily accessible and can be loaded or unloaded with minimal effort.

 Heavy Duty Cantilever Racks

Benefits of Cantilever Racking

Investing in cantilever racks offers several advantages for businesses with specific storage needs:

Increased Storage Flexibility: The design accommodates various product lengths and weights, making it ideal for storing long or oddly-shaped items that may not fit on traditional shelves.

Easy Access and Organization: Cantilever racks provide unobstructed access, which simplifies the loading and unloading process and enhances inventory organization.

Space Efficiency: Cantilever racks maximize space by eliminating the need for multiple aisles, particularly when storing long products that would otherwise require extensive horizontal space.

Scalability: Cantilever racking systems are highly adjustable, allowing for easy modification or expansion to accommodate changes in inventory volume or product type.

Medium Duty Cantilever Rack

Key Components of a Cantilever Rack System

Understanding the core components of cantilever racking is crucial when ordering a system that will meet your needs:

Uprights: The vertical support columns that bear the weight of the system. Uprights come in various heights and load capacities based on your storage needs.

Arms: These horizontal extensions hold the stored items. Cantilever arms are available in different lengths and weight capacities to accommodate varying product dimensions.

Base: The foundation of the cantilever rack, which also acts as a storage level for ground-level items. The base must be sturdy to support the entire load of the rack system.

Bracing: Bracing provides lateral stability, ensuring the rack remains secure under heavy loads. It typically includes horizontal and diagonal components connecting the uprights.

Types of Cantilever Racks

There are several types of cantilever racks, each designed for specific applications and weight capacities. When ordering cantilever racking, consider the following options:

Single-Sided Cantilever Racks: These racks have arms on one side, allowing them to be placed against a wall to save space.

Double-Sided Cantilever Racks: Double-sided racks have arms on both sides, maximizing storage capacity for central floor placement and increased access from both sides.

Structural Cantilever Racks: Made from structural steel, these racks provide high durability and support for extremely heavy items, such as steel and lumber.

Roll-Formed Cantilever Racks: Manufactured from roll-formed steel, these racks are lighter and more economical, ideal for storing lighter materials like PVC piping or aluminum extrusions.

 Light Duty Cantilever Racking

Factors to Consider When Ordering Cantilever Racks

Ordering cantilever racking requires a careful assessment of your inventory needs, warehouse space, and loading preferences. Consider these factors to make an informed purchase:

Load Capacity: Determine the maximum weight each arm needs to support. Always check the manufacturer&#;s load rating to ensure the rack can safely hold your heaviest items.

Arm Length and Clearance: Measure the longest items you&#;ll be storing and choose arm lengths that extend beyond these measurements to prevent overhang and potential damage.

Rack Height: Consider the vertical space available in your facility. High racks are ideal for maximizing storage capacity, but they may require specialized equipment for loading and unloading.

Material Type: For heavy loads, structural steel cantilever racks are recommended, while roll-formed racks are better suited for lighter products.

Spacing Between Arms: Evaluate the width and density of stored items to determine appropriate arm spacing. Items that are too close together can make loading and unloading difficult, while those too far apart reduce storage efficiency.

Steps for Ordering the Right Cantilever Rack

Follow these steps to ensure a smooth ordering process for your cantilever racking system:

1. Assess Your Storage Needs: Evaluate your product dimensions, weight, and handling requirements. Take measurements to determine the height, width, and depth needed for the racking system.

2. Select the Rack Type: Choose between single-sided or double-sided racks based on where they will be placed in your warehouse and the accessibility required.

3. Choose Arm Length and Capacity: Based on your product measurements, select the appropriate arm length and ensure each arm can hold the desired load.

4. Determine Upright Height: Decide on a height that suits your space limitations while providing optimal storage capacity.

5. Consider Accessories: Some cantilever racks offer additional accessories, such as deck supports, end stops, or guide rails, which can improve safety and organization.

6. Request a Quote: Reach out to a reputable supplier and provide your specifications. Be prepared to discuss your specific needs to receive the most accurate pricing and lead time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cantilever Racks

Q: Can cantilever racks be used outdoors?

Yes, many cantilever racks are designed for outdoor use, particularly those made from structural steel with weather-resistant finishes. Ensure your chosen rack has the necessary protection if it will be exposed to the elements.

Q: How much weight can cantilever racks hold?

The weight capacity of cantilever racks varies based on their materials and design. Structural steel cantilever racks typically support heavier loads, with capacities ranging from several hundred to thousands of pounds per arm. Consult the manufacturer&#;s specifications for exact load ratings.

Q: Are cantilever racks adjustable?

Yes, many cantilever racking systems offer adjustable arms that can be repositioned to accommodate different product sizes. This flexibility makes them versatile and easy to adapt to changing inventory needs.

Q: What maintenance is required for cantilever racks?

Regular inspections are essential to ensure structural integrity, particularly if the racks are handling heavy loads. Look for any signs of damage, such as bending or rust, and ensure all bolts and fasteners are secure.

Choosing the right cantilever racking system can greatly enhance your warehouse organization, safety, and productivity. By understanding the types, configurations, and factors involved in selecting cantilever racks, you can make an informed decision that fits both your storage needs and budget.

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Cantilever racking is funny. When you need it in your warehouse, nothing else will do. But if you have it when you don&#;t need it, you&#;re going to struggle to figure out what to put on it.

That raises an important question: When should you choose cantilever racking for your warehouse?

We&#;re going to answer that question for you today. Keep reading to find out when you should and shouldn&#;t choose cantilever racks.

What Is Cantilever Racking?

Cantilever racking is a storage solution for specialty materials. It has vertical supports, or uprights, at the back of the rack and arms that extend from those columns, which ultimately support the load. This structural design makes it perfect for storing extra long or bulky inventory, like lumber, piping, and other building materials that other racks cannot accommodate.

Unlike a pallet rack that has front-mounted supports, cantilever racks have an extended base that serves as the stabilizing foundation for the unit. The base is often connected to the building&#;s foundation (bolted to the floor) and is at least as long as the arms to provide support and counterbalance to the stored product&#;s weight. 

Additional brackets connect the vertical uprights and offer even more stability. 

You can customize the length of the unit&#;s arms to suit the items you&#;re storing. Doing so ensures the safety of your people and goods. To understand your requirements, measure the depth of the intended load. That depth shouldn&#;t exceed the length of the shortest arm that will be interacting with it. 

These racks work well in both indoor and outdoor conditions, making them an extremely versatile option for your warehouse. 

Cantilever Racks: Two Options 

There are two types of cantilever racks:

1. Single-sided rack: This rack only has arms on one side. It&#;s perfect for pressing against a wall, saving you floor space. If you ever need more storage, most can transform into double-sided racks.
2. Double-sided rack: This type of cantilever rack has arms on both sides, creating neat aisles for your workers and maximizing storage on either side.

The right fit for your warehouse depends on the building layout and the product you&#;re storing. 

If you have a lot of inventory and plenty of width in your building, a double-sided rack could suit your needs well. 

But if your space has more vertical space than horizontal space, or if you have limited inventory storage needs, a single-sided rack would make more sense. 

What Items Are Cantilever Racking Best For?

What types of large and oddly shaped items can you store on a cantilever racking system? 

Common items include:

• Lumber
• Long pipes and tubing
• Rolled-up carpeting
• Sheet metal
• Rebar
• Large pieces of furniture
• Any other items that are difficult to store on pallet racking 

Because of the open-front design, cantilever racking allows you to easily access irregularly shaped items while keeping them organized in your warehouse. No need for messy floor piles or leaning tall items against a wall. 

Loading and unloading are simple &#; even for large, long, and heavy items &#;  because there is no front beam like in other storage solutions.

Looking for Expert Help with Warehouse Design and Installation?

East Coast Storage Equipment can help. Our storage equipment experts are here to assist with every step of design and installation to ensure your warehouse setup, whether it includes cantilever racking or not, serves you for many years.CONTACT US

What Industries Use Cantilever Racking Most?

Thanks to their versatility and flexibility, cantilever racks can be used in many common industries: 

• Furniture distribution centers
• Lumberyards
• Woodworking shops
• Manufacturing facilities
• Electrical and plumbing storage
• Bulk retail 

Thanks to their durability, cantilever racks can hold heavy loads for extended periods, making them a reliable long-term solution for businesses in virtually any industry that requires the storage of oddly shaped items.

Plus, cantilever racking can scale as your business grows. You simply add arms (either to increase height or convert to a double-sided setup) to single-sided cantilever racks to increase your storage space without increasing your floor space.

What Are the Benefits of Cantilever Racking?

Under the right circumstances, cantilever racking can bring several key advantages to your warehouse:

• Storage flexibility and scalability. As your storage needs change, your cantilever racking can change with them. For example, you can convert single-sided racks to double-sided racks and vice versa. 
• Increased storage density. You can use every square inch of vertical space in your warehouse with cantilever racking. Just build it up. That way, you can expand your storage space without increasing your footprint. 
• Improved worker safety. Large and irregular loads cause accidents. But as the best storage solution for these kinds of loads, cantilever racking prevents accidents. It keeps your employees and goods safe.

Is Cantilever Racking Right for Your Storage Facility? Ask Yourself These Questions

Numerous factors determine the most appropriate storage solutions for your warehouse. If you&#;re considering a cantilever racking solution, ask yourself these questions to determine if it&#;s right for your warehouse: 

What Are My Specific Warehouse Needs? 

First, consider your inventory. That will have a direct impact on the type of storage solution you need. 

We know cantilever racking is best suited for oversized or irregularly shaped loads like long lumber or tubing. 

That&#;s step one. 

Step two is determining the frequency of access and retrieval of those items. Your racking system must accommodate those processes, especially if people are loading and unloading items regularly.

Would Cantilever Racking or Pallet Racking Make More Sense? 

Pallet racking is common in most warehouses &#; you likely have some in yours already. But awkwardly shaped items likely won&#;t fit onto your existing pallet racks. 

Plus, cantilever racking is more flexible. You can easily reconfigure it based on changing warehouse needs. 

How Much Floor Space Do I Have for This Storage Solution? 

Cantilever racks help you maximize your building&#;s vertical storage. Essentially, they help you build up instead of build wider &#; potentially saving you on the overall footprint of your space.

So, if floor space is limited, look up for the answer. And then take a look at our cantilever racking for sale. 

What Is My Budget? 

Pallet racks are typically more cost-effective than cantilever racks. However, cost shouldn&#;t be the only determining factor. Our team of facility design and layout experts can help you decide whether cantilever racks are a more cost-effective solution for the long term.

What Are My Load Requirements? 

If you&#;re dealing with exceptionally heavy or large items that pallet racking simply can&#;t handle, cantilever racking may be a solid option. Cantilever racks are durable, reliable, and strong for holding goods that can&#;t fit elsewhere.

Is Cantilever Racking Right for Your Warehouse? We&#;ll Tell You

Cantilever racking is flexible, durable, safe, and convenient. If you handle the types of goods cantilever racking is designed for, this type of rack will add immense value to your storage facility. 

As experts in new and used cantilever racking solutions, East Coast Storage Equipment can help you assess your warehouse storage needs and determine the best type for you, both now and in the future.

Contact us for custom-tailored recommendations for your warehouse&#;s unique needs. and large loads.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of pallet rack calculator. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.