A cantilever storage racking system is a free-standing racking system with horizontal arms extending out from a single vertical column. Because cantilever racking has no vertical obstacles or division, they create an opportunity for greater horizontal storage space. When it comes to storing oversized material that is long or non-uniform, cantilever racking simply is the best choice. Popular items that are typically stored on cantilever towers include bar stock, furniture, rugs & carpets, sheet metal, heavy-duty metal, tubing, piping, lumber, and aluminum extrusions just to name a few.

Cantilever racking can manufactured using either structural or roll formed steel, based on the capacity requirements of the application. While these racking systems are designed to accommodate an assortment of products with awkward weights, sizes, and lengths, they are usually found in a wide range of industries and settings, including plumbing supply warehouses, hardware stores, or lumber yards. Small format cantilever can also be used in wood and fabrication shops/.

General Information Regarding Cantilever Racking

• The arm capacity required for a particular application is decided by taking the total weight required for every product level and dividing that number by the number of arms utilized for that product level. This number of arms computed with the assumption that the load will be uniformly distributed from front-to-back and from side-to-side.
• Cantilever racking is available in both single and double-sided configurations to provide maximum utilization of warehouse space.
• Load-deflection refers to the amount of sagging taking place between load arms. The more sag a product has, the more arms are required. The more rigid the product is, the less arms are required.
• The upright capacity required for a particular application is decided by multiplying the weight put on every arm level x the number of arm levels on every upright column.

Cantilever Racking Components

• Bracing (Diagonal & Horizontal) – Bracing offers stabilization to the cantilever racking system. The lengths and widths of such braces are decided by the size of the product being stocked.
• Arms – Arms of the cantilever racking system are what support the product being stocked on the rack. These are available in various capacities and styles, making such racking systems highly tailored for every application. Arms can different in capacity, can be inclined or straight, and can have welded end-lips to keep product from rolling.
• Columns (Upright Towers, Verticals) – Frame columns mount into the base of the cantilever offering support to the arms that join to the column. Columns can vary in capacity and height based on the needs of the application.
• Bases – The base of the cantilever racking system fastens the racking system to the floor and offers support to the upright tower or column. The size of the base on a cantilever unit is reliant on the size of the arms and can also be used as the first level of storage.

Advantages of Cantilever Racking

• Structural cantilever is available for heavy-duty applications
• Offers improved product accessibility and selectivity with immediate access to one piece or a full product load
• Effortless installation and reconfiguration of support arms
• Customizable cantilever racking system can be constructed as high as your lift equipment
• A full spectrum of loading capacities and sizes are available depending on your needs
• Capable of supporting loads ranging in length

Cantilever Racking Options

• Cantilever racking is available in roll formed or structural.
• Roll formed cantilever racking makes use of bracket pin connection from the arm to the upright column to offer fast and convenient arm adjustability.
• A bolted link from the upright column to the arm is applied in structural cantilever racking systems and it is usually utilized for heavy-duty storage applications as well as roof-supported buildings that are common in the lumber industry.
• Arms of the cantilever racking can be designed to allow decking like specialized steel decking, plywood platforms, or wire mesh decks as required.
• Arms are available in both heavy-duty and light-duty capacities styles and can be ordered in several lengths and slopes
• Arm lengths of cantilever racking for storage depths vary from 24” to 72” long per shelf level and are adaptable vertically on 3” to 4” centers.

Common Cantilever Racking Design Questions to Ask

What are the dimensions of the product to be stored?

Do I want a single or double sided application?

What arm length do I need?

What capacity do I require?

Will my material be loose or bundled? Do I need a stop or inclined arm?

Do I have enough aisle clearance to turn and deposit my load size into the cantilever?

Flawlessly designed and engineered cantilever racking systems can save you money by making sure the most proficient utilization of the space in the warehouse. Let First Access help facilitate the process of planning, installing, and supplying your cantilever racking system to amplify product accessibility. Get in touch with our cantilever experts today!