Maximising your warehouse storage can be a challenge, especially when you’re dealing with long, bulky, or irregularly shaped items like timber, pipes, or steel bars. That’s where Cantilever Racking comes in. It’s a versatile, heavy-duty storage solution designed to accommodate materials that don’t fit neatly on standard pallet racking.
Let’s break down what Cantilever Racking is, the different types available, and why it might be the perfect fit for your warehouse.
What is Cantilever Racking?
Cantilever racking is a freestanding storage system that uses arms extending from a central column to support loads. Unlike traditional pallet racks, cantilever racking has no vertical obstructions on the front, allowing you to store items of varying lengths with ease. It’s ideal for products like pipes, timber, and steel.
This racking system can be configured as single or double-sided, with adjustable arms to cater to different heights and product dimensions. It’s built for strength, accessibility, and flexibility, perfect for warehouses needing to store long and awkward items efficiently.
Galvanised vs Powder-Coated – Which One Do You Need and Why?
When choosing a finish for your cantilever racking, consider where and how it will be used:
- Galvanised Cantilever Racking is your go-to for outdoor storage. Made to Australian Standards, it’s hot-dipped to ensure it resists rust and corrosion, even in extreme humidity and changing temperatures. If your storage system will be exposed to the elements, galvanised is the way to go.
- Powder-Coated Racking is used exclusively indoors. It offers a smooth, clean finish and is resistant to scratches and wear in controlled environments.
Types of Cantilever Racking and Their Industry Applications
There are several types of cantilever racking systems, each tailored to specific needs and industries. Let’s break them down:
Cable racking is engineered for the organised storage of cable spools, coils, and hoses. It helps keep materials tidy and easy to access, reducing tangling and damage.
Industries That Use Cable Racking:
- Electricians and wholesalers rely on cable racking to store wire reels, extension cords, and conduit efficiently.
- Industrial Supply use it to manage heavy-duty hoses, tubing, and coiled materials in manufacturing or warehouse environments.
Standard cantilever racking is ideal for storing long, heavy, or oddly shaped items. It offers excellent flexibility and can be configured for light, medium, or heavy-duty loads.
Industries That Use Standard Cantilever Racking:
- Automotive warehouses and workshops use it to store long items like driveshafts, exhaust systems, or body panels.
- It’s the perfect for Landscapers to stack timber, sleepers, and garden edging materials.
- Builders benefit from storing drywall sheets, timber lengths, and scaffolding.
- Steel & Metal Fabricators use it to keep steel beams, pipes, and sheet metal organised and accessible.
- Plumbers use it to store long PVC, copper, and steel pipes horizontally for easy access.
Vertical racking is best for upright storage of long and slender items. It’s space efficient and ideal for situations where quick hand picking is needed without forklifts.
Industries That Use Vertical Cantilever Racking:
- Electricians commonly use it for upright storage of conduit and long electrical tubes.
- Great for landscaping suppliers to display timber, metal stakes, or decorative screens in retail yards.
- Helps Builders to manage upright storage of trim, mouldings and gutters.
- Steel & Metal Fabricators use it for vertically storing metal extrusions, profiles, or bar stock in tight spaces.
- Keeps plumbing pipes standing upright and well-organised for fast selection and handling.
By understanding the different types of cantilever racking and how they apply across industries, you can choose the system that best supports your operational needs.
The Benefits – Why Choose Cantilever Racking?
- Flexibility: Adjustable arms and open design allow for the storage of a wide variety of products in different shapes and sizes.
- Accessibility: Easy loading and unloading with forklifts or manually, thanks to the open front.
- Space Efficiency: Customisable to fit your specific warehouse layout, whether it’s wall-mounted, freestanding, or double-sided.
- Durability: With options for galvanised finishes, you get a system built to withstand tough outdoor environments.
- Improved Organisation: Helps reduce clutter and improves stock management for long and bulky items.
Is Cantilever Racking Right for You?
If your warehouse frequently handles long, heavy, or awkwardly shaped items, cantilever racking could be the storage solution you need. It’s strong, flexible, and customisable, ideal for improving both efficiency and safety in your operations.
Still not sure? Get in touch with our friendly storage specialists, who can assess your space and recommend the best setup for your needs.
