Cantilever racking is an increasingly popular industrial storage solution for warehouses, workshops and outdoor storage areas. Specially designed to accommodate long, bulky loads, such as beams, pipes or metal sections, it is robust, accessible and flexible.
In this article, we detail the main advantages of cantilever racking, its technical features and its benefits for optimising storage space.
What is cantilever racking?
Cantilever racking is a storage system consisting of a vertical steel structure equipped with horizontal cantilever arms. Unlike conventional shelving, it has no front pillars, making it much easier to access the products stored.
It is available in several versions:
- Single-sided or wall-mounted, ideal for optimising space.
- Double-sided, allowing storage on both sides of the structure. Be sure to provide aisles large enough to manoeuvre handling vehicles properly.
- Indoor version for covered warehouses.
- Outdoor version, often hot-dip galvanised or protected by a roof, weatherproof.
Advantages for storing long loads
Specialised in bulky materials
Cantilever racking is specifically designed to accommodate long, heavy materials:
- Wooden beams
- Boards and panels
- Metal or plastic pipes
- Steel sections and bars
The absence of front supports makes handling much simpler than with traditional shelving.
Optimum access and time savings
One of the major advantages of the cantilever racking system is thedirect and rapid access to stored products. The operator has an overview and can load or unload materials without obstacles. This reduces handling time and improves productivity.
Optimising vertical space
Thanks to the possibility of adding several levels of arms, cantilever racking makes efficient use of the height available in a warehouse. Long loads can be stored safely on several levels, maximising the available storage space.
Robustness and durability: How are cantilevers designed for heavy loads and bad weather?
Steel structure and resistance to external conditions
Cantilevers are made from sturdy steel sections. They guarantee great stability and can support particularly heavy loads without any risk of deformation.
For outdoor storage areas, there are hot-dip galvanised versions or versions fitted with a roof and side walls. This protection enables the racking to withstand rain, wind and temperature variations, ensuring exceptional durability.
Versatility and customisation
Adaptability to specific needs
Every company has different constraints. That’s why cantilevers can be tailor-made, taking into account :
- The length of the products to be stored
- Their weight and volume
- Conditions of use (indoors or outdoors)
This flexibility makes it possible to create a storage solution perfectly adapted to each logistics environment (single-sided or double-sided cantilever, different arm heights and lengths).
Tenfold versatility with gratings
Grating is sometimes added to the arms of cantilever racking to extend storage options. Here are the main reasons:
- Transforming the cantilever into a flat storage surface
- Improving storage security
- Optimising ventilation and fire resistance
- Easy maintenance and durability
How do cantilevers improve profitability?
Saving space and boosting productivity
By optimising the use of height and eliminating obstacles at the front, cantilever racking saves considerable space in storage areas.
Direct access to materials reduces the time needed for handling operations. Forklift trucks can approach without constraint, reducing preparation and travel times.
Long-term profitability
Thanks to their durability in steel, cantilevers represent a reliable and profitable investment over the long term. Their modularity also means that new levels can be added or the configuration modified as requirements change.
Why choose cantilever racking?
Cantilever racking is the ideal solution for any company wishing to store long, heavy and bulky loads efficiently.
Its major advantages :
- Adaptability to all types of products
- Quick and easy access thanks to the absence of awkward pillars
- Proven robustness with a steel structure
- Versatile use indoors and out
Whether you’re in the timber, metalworking, plumbing or logistics sector, the cantilever guarantees you safe, optimised and cost-effective storage.
Ecocube offers new and used cantilevers to meet all your customised projects. Quicker solutions in batch form are also available. Don’t hesitate to make your request in the contact section.