Cantilever racking, also known as cantilever shelving, is a specialist type of shelving used for storing long, bulky, or oddly shaped items such as lumber, piping, car parts and furniture. Cantilever racking is so perfect for storing these types of items which are usually so difficult to store efficiently because it doesn’t have any vertical beams across the front to create obstacles, so objects can easily be placed on and taken off. This means a forklift can be used for easy access without any beams to navigate around or get in the way.
Cantilever racking is very popular across a wide range of industries including lumber yards, construction, engineering and manufacturing, and can be found in well-equipped warehouses up and down the country. In this blog, we will explain just what makes cantilever racking so useful, as well as where to get your hands on your own.
What is cantilever racking used for?
Cantilever racking is a versatile industrial storage system that is primarily used for storing things that can’t be stored on more conventional pallet racking systems because of their length, size or shape. Some of the most common kinds of things which might be stored using cantilever racking include:
Lumber and timber products
Cantilever racking is commonly used in lumber yards to store lumber and timber products. The variable length of the shelves means that they can accommodate planks and pieces of wood of all shapes and sizes without having to cut them into shorter lengths, preserving the integrity of the wood.
Piping and tubing
Cantilever racking is an ideal storage solution for pipes and tubing. Pipes and tubes of all lengths can be stored safely and easily with cantilever racking, as well as simply organised for easy access.
Furniture
Cantilever racking is an effective storage solution for furniture in warehouses and distribution centres. They can easily store furniture of all shapes and sizes, from large flat-pack furniture to assembled wardrobes or even sofas and beds. The fully adjustable placement of the arms makes it simple to fit irregular-shaped things such as items of furniture on the shelves.
Car parts
Cantilever racking is commonly used in the vehicle manufacturing and maintenance industries to store items such as tires, exhaust pipes, and bumpers with ease and efficiency.
Mattresses
Mattresses are very difficult to store on conventional racking or shelving, but with cantilever racking it couldn’t be more simple as you can just adjust the height of the arms until it’s a perfect fit.
What are the components of cantilever racking?
Cantilever racking can vary slightly, but is essentially made up of the same basic components. Each part of the cantilever racking system plays an important role in ensuring safe and efficient storage, and it’s important to choose the right variations of each component based on the weight, size, and shape of the items being stored. The components include the following:
Vertical columns
The vertical columns in cantilever racking are the upright supports that make up the frame of the whole racking system. They are typically made of steel and can come in a wide range of different heights, as well as with a wide range of different load-bearing capabilities, depending on the needs of your particular warehouse.
In cantilever racking these vertical columns are only on the backs of the shelves, keeping the whole of the front open and free of obstacles.
Horizontal arms
The horizontal arms are the load-bearing supports that hold whatever is being stored. These arms are usually also made of steel and come in different lengths and capacities to accommodate different sizes and weights of items.
Diagonal braces
Diagonal braces are extremely important parts of cantilever racking as they are what connect the horizontal and vertical pieces together. These braces make the shelving stable and secure and stop the racking from swaying or wobbling under weight.
Base plates
Base plates anchor the vertical columns to the floor, providing stability and ensuring that the racking system is secure. This is particularly important when using cantilever racking to store very heavy objects which could otherwise cause the racking to shift when weight is added or taken away.
End stops
End stops are the barriers at the end of each horizontal arm which prevent items from falling off the rack.
Optional accessories
Cantilever racking systems can come with additional optional accessories such as decking, wire mesh or solid steel panels, to provide additional support or protection to the items being stored. Whether or not you need them will depend on the items themselves, but if you’re not sure you can always get in touch with one of our team at Racking and Shelving for advice.
What are the different types of cantilever racking?
There are lots of different types of cantilever racking available, each designed to meet specific storage requirements. Here are some of the most common types of cantilever racking you might come across:
Single-sided cantilever racking
Single-sided cantilever racking is the most common type of cantilever racking you’ll find. This type of racking has arms on one side and is normally placed up against a wall or another unit of racking.
Double-sided cantilever racking
As the name suggests, double-sided cantilever racking has arms on both sides and so can be accessed from both sides. This is a great space-saving option for warehouses which have limited floor space.
Portable cantilever racking
Portable cantilever racking is designed to be easily transported, assembled, and disassembled. This makes it ideal for use at temporary locations and construction sites, as well as in warehouses with varied or flexible uses.
Light-duty cantilever racking
Suitable for lighter items, this type of racking typically has a load capacity of up to 400 kg per arm.
Medium-duty cantilever racking
Medium-duty cantilever racking can take slightly heavier items, with a maximum load of up to 800 kg per arm.
Heavy-duty cantilever racking
You guessed it; heavy-duty cantilever racking is great for storing the heaviest items. These racking systems can generally take up to 2,500 kg per arm.
What are the advantages of cantilever racking?
Cantilever racking offers several advantages over other types of storage systems. We’ve already mentioned some of them, but think it’s worth laying some of the key benefits out for you here. These include:
Versatility
Cantilever racking can accommodate items of various lengths, widths, and weights, which means it can be extremely versatile with what it can store. You can store anything from timber to furniture, finding a safe and secure place for things which wouldn’t be able to be stored on normal pallet racking systems.
Accessibility
Cantilever racking has an open design that allows for easy access and retrieval of items, making it a more efficient and ergonomic storage solution. This means you don’t have to waste any time dodging obstacles and can use a forklift with ease to remove things you need.
Customizability
Cantilever racking can be customised to meet specific storage requirements, including height, width, and load capacity, providing a flexible storage solution that can adapt to changing needs. You can change the arrangement of your cantilever racking as and when you need to, so it’s perfect for warehouses with seasonal or continually changing stock.
Upgradability
Cantilever racking is very easily upgradable. Our single-sided racking can easily be upgraded to be double-sided to accommodate growth in your business and increased storage needs.
Safety
Cantilever racking is designed to prevent items from falling off the rack, with end stops and additional safety features available to provide further protection. They are also anchored to the floor which makes them less likely to topple over.
Durability
Cantilever racking is very durable. It is usually made from steel and is designed to withstand heavy loads and harsh working conditions, making it a long-lasting storage solution. As long as you choose the right kind of cantilever racking for the weight load it will need to hold, your racking should stand the test of time.
Space-saving
Cantilever racking can be configured to maximise storage space by using a lot of vertical height, as they can hold heavy loads of stock at once. They also can be adjusted to fit into your space, so won’t leave any corners of your warehouse unused or wasted.
Where can you find cantilever racking?
At
Racking and Shelving
we are experts in cantilever racking, and supply cantilever storage solutions to businesses all over the UK. If you think
cantilever racking
might be right for you, why not
get in touch
with us for some expert advice? We’ll be more than happy to discuss your needs and ideas and help you find the perfect storage solution for you.
