Cantilever racking is a simple system for storing several different types of material. It’s primarily used for the storage of longer, thinner items such as steel and timber. And it has the potential to significantly improve the level of productivity in your warehouse by using your space more effectively.

There are several benefits cantilever racks other storage solutions simply don’t offer. To help you decide whether cantilever racking is right for your warehouse or storage facility, let’s take a look at the main advantages of cantilever racking.

How does cantilever racking work?

Before we explore the benefits of cantilever racking, it helps to understand precisely what cantilever racking is and how it works.

Cantilever racking systems consist of a few main features:

• The base anchors the entire unit to the ground and binds the unit upwards to keep it in place
• The upright column links the base and has holes that the racks connect with to create storage levels, which can be used as single or double units
• The arms hold any stock that’s laid across them
• The braces keep the upright columns in place and provide diagonal support
• The decking can be used as shelving for shorter products

Benefits of cantilever racking

High capacity

Cantilever racking can hold loads of 500kg up to a massive 15 tons per arm depending on your specific requirements. This lets you store incredibly heavy items that may cause other types of racking systems to collapse.

Similarly, these warehouse storage systems can be built with a column height of up to around 9 metres. That means you can easily maximise your use of vertical space to carry more stock and boost your trading potential for greater profitability.

Quick and cost effective

The open design of cantilever racking allows for easy access, especially for storage on higher level shelving. That means you can place and retrieve materials much faster. You’ll also find it easier to keep track of your inventory, as you can see what you have and keep an account of it.

Installing cantilever racks can save you time and effort, letting you get things done more efficiently. It also lets workers find the equipment they need in good time and complete their tasks more quickly.

Accessible with forklifts

Since cantilever racking lacks walls, it’s easy to pick out larger items using a conventional forklift truck. Just ensure your system includes retaining pins to stop products rolling forwards and you have a safe and simple setup for storage and picking. And if your cantilever racking system is taller than most, you can even use a crane to handle goods.

Versatile and robust

The simplicity of cantilever racking also makes it highly versatile and robust.

Single-sided racking lets you take full advantage of wall space. And double-sided racking can be added to aisle spaces or used as room dividers. You can even have smaller cantilever models fitted with castors to transform it into mobile shelving, further maximising your use of space.

Cantilever racking isn’t limited to pipes, timber and other long materials, either. With custom cantilever racking design, you can attach small parts storage to your racking system. That way, you can keep smaller related items right next to the larger ones for greater convenience.

Suitable for outdoors

Frequent rain, bright sunshine and other weather conditions can cause outdoor racking systems to deteriorate more quickly. But all the components of a cantilever racking system can be powder coated for greater durability or galvanised to protect it against the elements. You can even attach roofing, canopies and side cladding to protect your stock from damage.

Finished cantilever racking lets you store goods outside without worrying about harm. That means you can achieve incredible storage potential that’s not limited by walls or ceilings.

Environmentally friendly

Many businesses are judged on their environmental performance. Thankfully, cantilever racking isn’t just economically beneficial. It’s also much more eco-friendly, it can be made with recycled materials without sacrificing strength or durability.

Is cantilever racking right for me?

The value of cantilever racking depends on your specific storage requirements.

If your business only supplies smaller products that are easy to stack on pallets, cantilever racking may not be necessary for you. You might benefit more from pallet racking, which tends to provide more options for that kind of storage.

However, if your warehouse stocks much bigger, bulkier items, cantilever can provide you with much more adaptability.

Custom cantilever racking systems in Northern Ireland and the UK

Whether you need cantilever racking or any other storage solution, Racking & Shelving Ltd based in Antrim, Northern Ireland, can design, manufacture and install custom warehouse storage systems that meet your specifications. Contact us today to arrange a visit to your premises for a free consultation and additional guidance.