Cantilever Racks
Engineered Storage for Long, Bulky, or Awkward Items
What Is A Cantilever Rack?
Cantilever racks are designed for materials that can’t be stored on standard pallet racking—such as lumber, steel, pipe, furniture, and sheet goods. These systems use vertical columns with horizontal arms that extend outward, allowing unobstructed loading from the front.
Without front uprights, forklifts can easily handle long or oversized items. Each arm can be adjusted to different heights, making cantilever racks one of the most flexible storage options for irregular loads.
At Vertical Storage USA, we design and install cantilever rack systems tailored to your inventory mix, facility layout, and material handling equipment.
Key Advantages
Unobstructed Access
No front posts—store full-length materials safely and efficiently.
Adjustable & Expandable
Easily reposition arms or add bays as your storage needs change.
Heavy-Duty Capacity
Engineered for light, medium, or heavy-duty loads.
Indoor & Outdoor Use
Powder-coated finishes for warehouses or galvanized options for outdoor yards.
Safer Handling
Optional lips, stops, and safety accessories prevent roll-off and ensure stability.
How It Works
Each rack consists of a series of vertical columns anchored to the base with cantilevered arms projecting out.
- Products rest horizontally across the arms.
- Forklifts load directly from the front, without interference.Â
- Arms can be adjusted or inclined to secure round stock or irregular materialsÂ
- Continuous decking can be added for mixed or small bundles.Â
The open-face design makes cantilever racking ideal for products of vary ling length, volume, or weight – maximizing floor and vertical space.Â
Cantilever vs. Other Racking Types
| Feature | Cantilever | Selective | Drive-In | Push-Back |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Access Type | Full-width, no posts | Direct | Lane access | LIFO |
| Best For | Long / bulky items | Mixed pallets | Reserve storage | Medium rotation |
| SKU Variety | High | High | Low | Medium |
| Density | Moderate | Low | Very High | High |
| Aisle Reduction | 20–40% | — | 50–70% | 30–50% |
Common Applications
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are cantilever racks used for?
Cantilever racks are designed to store long, bulky, or irregular materials like lumber, pipe, tubing, steel, and furniture. They provide unobstructed access—no front columns—making them ideal for products that can’t fit on traditional pallet racking systems.
How does a cantilever rack work?
Cantilever systems use uprights, arms, and bases that support loads from one side, allowing forklifts or side loaders to place materials directly on the arms. Each level can be adjusted to match your load dimensions.
What materials can be stored on cantilever racks?
They’re perfect for lumber, sheet goods, steel bars, piping, conduit, furniture, and rolls of fabric. For sheet and panel storage, you can integrate sheet and lumber handling systems or add wire decking for smaller components.
What’s the difference between single-sided and double-sided cantilever racks?
Single-sided racks mount against walls and store loads on one side. Double-sided racks are accessible from both sides for higher density. Both can be customized by our warehouse design specialists to fit your aisle spacing and lift-truck reach.
What industries use cantilever racks most?
These systems are common in building materials, metal fabrication, distribution, woodworking, and manufacturing environments where long items dominate inventory.
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How much weight can cantilever racks hold?
Load capacity depends on upright height, arm length, and steel gauge. Heavy-duty structural cantilever systems can support 10,000+ pounds per column, while medium-duty roll-formed versions handle lighter goods.
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What’s the difference between structural and roll-formed cantilever racks?
Structural racks are made from hot-rolled steel for maximum impact resistance—great for outdoor yards and heavy stock. Roll-formed racks are lighter and more economical for indoor or lighter materials
Used & Refurbished Cantilever Racks
Save on cost without compromising safety or performance.
Explore our Used Equipment & Systems inventory for certified cantilever rack uprights, arms, and bases—ready for installation.
Start Your Project
Need a storage system built for long or oversized materials?
Let Vertical Storage USA design a cantilever rack solution that maximizes cubic space while keeping access fast and safe.
