What is Cantilever Racking – Ultimate Guide to Cantilever Storage Systems

With a wide range of storage solutions for warehouses available, you need to be sure you have the right racking, storage and shelving in place so that you maximise the space available giving you better profit margins in both the short and long term.

Long loads can be challenging to store efficiently in a warehouse and cantilever racking is a highly versatile and cost-effective storage racking solution, designed to accommodate long and bulky materials such as steel bars, PVC profiles, timber and mouldings.

In this guide, we explain what cantilever racking systems are and whether you may need to install them into your storage facility.

Warehouse Cantilever Racking

What is cantilever racking?

Cantilever racking is a type of storage solution that is specifically designed to accommodate large and long loads such as timber, steel bars and PVC profiles. With their incredibly versatile and adaptable nature, they are a great storage solution for any warehouse.

Available in single or double-sided configurations, Oakway’s heavy-duty cantilever racking range can be tailored to provide the maximum storage capacity in any given space. Cantilever rack arms can be simply and rapidly adjusted without the need for special tools.

How do cantilever racks work?

A cantilever rack consists of four main components.

1. Base
2. Uprights
3. Arms
4. Supports

The base is heavy and often made of steel which gives it strong support and extends out from the bottom of the rack to counter-balance the weight of the stored items. The uprights are extremely strong vertical posts that support the arms.

The arms themselves are the “shelves” that extend from the uprights. They store your inventory. Supports connect the uprights to give the racks extra strength.

What are the different types of cantilever racking?

As with other storage systems, there are often different variations available and cantilever racking systems are no different.

Conventional cantilever racking

The most common type of cantilever storage system is a conventional racking system. These systems are ideal for forklift trucks and multi-directional reach trucks.

Free path cantilever racking

This type of racking consists of rows of racking adjacent to each other separated by an aisle that enables handling equipment to travel the length of the aisle without any guidance system.

Guided aisle cantilever racking

Guided aisle cantilever racking consists of the same basic components as conventional and free path systems, but with the runs positioned closer together to eliminate the waste of

Warehouse Storage Solutions

Is a cantilever storage system right for me?

Cantilever racking is a well-used storage solution across many UK-based warehouses and for good reason too. A cantilever storage system could be the best solution for you if…

• You are looking for a storage solution for long, bulky items
• You need a solution that is versatile and adaptable when needed
• You require a high capacity solution that maximises available space

How can Oakway Storage help?

Oakway Storage has a plethora of experience helping businesses with their warehouse storage problems. If you’d like our help, contact us to speak to one of our warehouse optimisation experts.