Cantilever Racks Explained: Ideal for Long and Bulky Items

When it comes to optimizing warehouse storage for long, heavy, or awkwardly shaped items, cantilever racks are often the unsung heroes. Whether you're storing lumber, pipes, furniture, or rolls of carpet, cantilever racking systems offer a flexible and efficient solution that traditional pallet racks simply can't match.

What Are Cantilever Racks?

Cantilever racks are a type of storage system designed with arms extending from a central column, allowing items to be stored without vertical obstructions. Unlike pallet racks, which use horizontal beams and upright frames that can limit access, cantilever racks provide open-front access, making them ideal for items that are too long or bulky to fit neatly on standard shelving.

Key Components:

• Base: Anchors the rack and supports the upright.

• Upright Column: Vertical support structure.

• Arms: Extend from the column to hold the load.

• Braces: Provide lateral stability between uprights.

  
  

Why Choose Cantilever Racks?

Here are several reasons why cantilever racks might be the right choice for your warehouse:

✅ Versatility

Cantilever racks can be configured for single-sided or double-sided access, and their arms can be adjusted to accommodate different load sizes. This makes them perfect for dynamic inventory environments.

✅ Accessibility

The open design allows for easy loading and unloading using forklifts or manual handling, reducing handling time and improving throughput.

✅ Space Optimization

By eliminating vertical obstructions, cantilever racks make better use of horizontal space, especially for long items that would otherwise require custom storage solutions.

✅ Durability

Built to handle heavy loads, cantilever systems are often made from high-strength steel and can be customized for indoor or outdoor use.

Common Applications

Cantilever racks are widely used across industries such as:

• Construction: Lumber, steel bars, drywall sheets

• Manufacturing: Pipes, tubing, extrusions

• Retail & Distribution: Furniture, rugs, mattresses

• Automotive: Body panels, exhaust systems

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Is Cantilever Racking Right for Your Operation?

If your warehouse handles non-standard inventory or struggles with storing long items efficiently, cantilever racks could be a game-changer. At Pet Brands Platform, we specialize in evaluating your current storage setup and recommending solutions that improve space utilization, throughput, and safety.

Our consulting services include:

• On-site evaluations

• Rack system design and layout

• Tech stack advice beyond WMS

• ESG and safety compliance

• Excel-based inventory visibility tools