Cantilever Racks: Complete Guide for Efficient Storage

In the world of warehouse storage, cantilever racks are a key solution for businesses looking to store long, bulky items efficiently. If you’ve ever dealt with storing lumber, plumbing pipes, bar stock, or any other long raw materials, you know how challenging it can be to find the right storage system. This is where cantilever racks come into play, providing the perfect answer to these storage challenges. In this article, we’ll explain what a cantilever is, the benefits it offers, and how it can help optimize your storage needs.

What is a cantilever?

A cantilever rack is a type of storage system specifically designed to handle long and bulky items. Unlike traditional pallet racks, which use beams to hold the material, cantilever racks use a central column with horizontal arms that extend out to support the items. These racks can accommodate uneven overhangs and are often used to store materials such as lumber, pipes, bar stock, and more.

The unique design of cantilever racks makes them ideal for storing items that don’t fit easily into standard shelving. This storage system provides instant accessibility to a single item or a full load, making it efficient and quick for handling materials.

Key components of a cantilever rack

1. Uprights: These vertical columns support the cantilever arms and come in various heights and load capacities. Depending on whether you choose a single-sided or double-sided cantilever rack, uprights may have one or two bases. Single-sided units utilize one side, while double-sided units allow for storage on both sides.
2. Cantilever Arms: The arms of the rack hold the material and come in two types:
   • Straight arms: Ideal for storing materials that won’t roll, such as lumber, metal, or other square materials. They have a minimum pitch of 3/8 per foot.
   • Inclined arms: Perfect for materials that might roll, like PVC pipes or other round materials. These arms are typically set at a 20-degree pitch to prevent rolling.
3. Brace Sets: These provide stability to the cantilever rack. The length and number of braces needed depend on the height of the uprights and the length of the materials being stored.

Types of cantilever racks

Cantilever racks come in different configurations to meet various business needs. Here are the two primary types:

1. Single-Sided Cantilever Racks: These racks allow you to store items on one side of the rack, leaving the other side open for other uses or access.
2. Double-Sided Cantilever Racks: These racks offer storage on both sides of the unit, maximizing storage capacity. They are ideal for businesses that need to store large quantities of materials.

Benefits of using cantilever racks

1. Maximized Space: Cantilever racks are ideal for utilizing vertical space. By storing long materials off the floor, you can free up valuable space and improve your warehouse organization.
2. Easy Access: Whether you need to retrieve a single piece or a full load, cantilever racks offer instant access to items. Forklifts can easily load and unload materials from the arms, improving workflow and reducing time spent retrieving items.
3. Flexibility: Cantilever racks are modular, allowing you to expand your storage system as needed. You can easily add additional arms, uprights, and braces to your system, adapting it to your changing storage requirements.
4. Organized Inventory: Storing materials like tubes, bars, and structural materials on cantilever racks keeps items off the floor, leading to a cleaner, more organized warehouse. This organization makes it easier to track inventory and reduces the risk of materials being damaged.
5. Cost-Effective: Investing in a cantilever rack system is a cost-effective solution for businesses looking to optimize their warehouse space. The racks are durable, easy to install, and provide a long-term solution for storage.

Choosing the right cantilever rack for your business

When selecting a cantilever rack, there are a few factors to consider:

• Material Size and Type: Think about the materials you need to store and whether they are long and bulky or lighter items. Cantilever racks can be customized to accommodate different material sizes and types.
• Load Capacity: Depending on the weight of your materials, you’ll need to choose an upright with the appropriate load capacity. The number of arms and the material of the arms will also affect the overall weight capacity of the rack.
• Rack Configuration: Decide if you need a single-sided or double-sided cantilever rack. Double-sided units offer greater storage capacity but may take up more floor space, so be sure to evaluate your available space.
• Space Availability: Measure the available space in your warehouse to ensure the cantilever rack will fit properly and leave enough room for efficient operation and loading/unloading.

Why choose MecaRack for your cantilever racks?

At MecaRack USA, we specialize in providing high-quality cantilever rack systems that are tailored to meet the unique needs of your business. Whether you’re looking for a single-sided or double-sided cantilever rack, we offer custom solutions that maximize your storage space and improve your warehouse efficiency.

Our racks are made from high-strength materials and are designed to last. We offer a wide range of uprights, arms, and brace sets to accommodate different load capacities and material sizes. Our team of experts will help you choose the right cantilever rack system to fit your needs and budget.

Ready to optimize your warehouse space?

If you’re ready to improve your warehouse efficiency with a cantilever rack system, contact MecaRack today. Our experts will guide you through the process of selecting, designing, and installing the right system for your business.

Get in touch with us now to schedule a consultation and learn how cantilever racks can enhance your storage capabilities!