How do I calculate the capacity needed for a cantilever rack?

Capacity is calculated based on Uniformly Distributed Load, or UDL. Divide the total weight of the heaviest load by the number of arms supporting it. For example, a 3,000 lb load supported by 3 arms requires each arm to have a minimum 1,000 lb capacity.

Is solid steel decking better than particle board for bulk storage?

Solid steel decking is better for industrial environments where durability and cleanliness are priorities because it resists spills and prevents small parts from falling through. Particle board is a cost-effective alternative for dry, boxed inventory that does not require wash-downs.

Are Lyon bulk storage racks adjustable?

Yes. Lyon bulk storage racks are modular and allow shelf levels to adjust in 1-1/2 inch increments, making them useful for facilities with changing inventory sizes.

Industrial Cantilever & Bulk Storage Racking Guide

Q: What is the difference between cantilever racking and pallet racking?

Pallet racking uses vertical uprights in the front and back, which limits the length of the items you can store. Cantilever racking has no front uprights, offering a continuous horizontal run that is essential for long, oversized items like lumber, piping, and furniture.

Q: What are pipe stops on cantilever arms?

Pipe stops are small vertical pins or plates at the end of a cantilever arm. They help prevent cylindrical inventory such as PVC, conduit, or metal tubing from rolling off the rack.

The Professional Guide to Industrial Racking: Cantilever vs. Bulk Storage

Standard shelving isn't always enough for high-density industrial environments. When your inventory involves 20-foot steel pipes, heavy lumber, or oversized pallets that require manual picking, you need a specialized racking system.

Choosing the right architecture is critical not just for organization, but for warehouse safety and structural integrity.

Cantilever Racking: The Long-Load Specialist

Cantilever racks are the industry standard for items that are too long or awkwardly shaped for traditional pallet racks. Because they feature no front uprights, they provide an unobstructed horizontal storage space.

Essential Configurations

Single-Sided Cantilever: Designed for placement flush against walls to maximize aisle space.
Double-Sided Cantilever: Ideal for center-aisle placement, offering access from both sides and doubling your storage footprint.
Structural vs. Roll-Formed: Structural steel options are engineered for demanding environments, resisting forklift impact and carrying thousands of pounds per arm.

Best Applications

Lumber, PVC, and metal piping.
Furniture and carpet rolls.
Bar stock and structural steel.

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Bulk Storage Racks: High-Capacity Versatility

For oversized goods that are hand-stacked rather than forklifted, bulk storage racks offer a middle-ground solution between wire shelving and heavy pallet racking.

Selecting the Right Decking

Solid Steel Decking: Durable and non-porous; contains spills and prevents small items from falling through.
Particle Board Decking: An economical, high-density wood solution for dry, boxed inventory.
Wire Mesh Decking: Optimized for fire safety; allows water from overhead sprinklers to pass through while maintaining airflow.

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Technical Specifications & Safety

When designing your system, load capacities must be calculated based on Uniformly Distributed Loads (UDL). For cantilever systems, the arm capacity is determined by the total weight divided by the number of supporting arms.

Frequently Asked Questions: Industrial Racking

Answers to common questions about cantilever racking, bulk storage, and industrial system selection.

What is the difference between cantilever and pallet racking?

Pallet racking uses vertical uprights in the front and back. Cantilever racking has no front uprights, offering a continuous horizontal run essential for long items like lumber, piping, and furniture.

How do I calculate cantilever arm capacity?

Divide the total weight of your load by the number of supporting arms. For example, a 3,000 lb load supported by 3 arms requires each arm to have a minimum 1,000 lb capacity.

Can I use cantilever racks outdoors?

Standard powder-coated steel is intended for indoor use. For outdoor yards, galvanized steel cantilever systems are recommended to resist rust and corrosion from weather exposure.

What are pipe stops on cantilever arms?

Pipe stops are vertical pins at the end of a cantilever arm. They are a critical safety feature for cylindrical items like PVC or metal tubing, preventing inventory from rolling off the rack.

Expertly Curated Industrial Storage

This collection is managed and vetted by the Shelving.com Industrial Team. With over 60 years of experience, we verify every upright, arm, and brace set for structural integrity and load rating.

Call us at 866-825-0534 or Contact Us Online.

Cantilever Rack Resources & Storage Guides

Learn how cantilever racking systems support long, oversized, and heavy-duty inventory storage.

Uses & Advantages

Explore common cantilever rack applications and ideal use cases for lumber, pipe, and furniture.

Read Guide →

Cantilever vs. Pallet Racks

Compare systems to determine which warehouse solution best fits your inventory dimensions.

Compare Systems →

Outdoor Applications

Learn how galvanized systems support outdoor storage and heavy-duty industrial environments.

Explore Outdoor →