Best Cantilever Racking for Lumber, Pipe, and Long Loads: Sizing Tips Included

Pallet Rack Supply
Jun 16
3 min read

When you're storing long, bulky, or awkward items, like steel bars, lumber, or piping, choosing the right cantilever rack system can make a big difference. Get it wrong, and you risk wasted space, safety issues, or inefficient workflows. Get it right, and your materials stay organized, accessible, and safe.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from size to style, to help you choose the best cantilever racking for your warehouse or yard.

🛠️ What Is Cantilever Racking (and Who Needs It)?

Cantilever racks are specialized storage systems designed for long or irregularly shaped materials. Unlike standard pallet racks, they use horizontal arms that extend out from vertical columns, with no front column to obstruct access.

Best for storing:

Lumber and plywood
Steel bars and pipes
PVC or conduit
Siding, drywall, or sheet goods
Furniture or carpet rolls

Why it works:

The open front design allows for easy loading and unloading, even with long or awkward items, using a forklift or by hand.

📏 How to Choose the Right Size

Getting the right size is all about matching your rack to your inventory and your space. Here's what to consider:

Height:

Match the upright height to your ceiling clearance and the reach of your forklift. Make sure you account for a safety buffer at the top.

Arm Length:

A good rule of thumb: choose arms that are at least 50% longer than your deepest item. This ensures stable support.

Example: If your inventory includes 36" deep materials, go with arms at least 54" long.

Base Size:

The base should match the arm length for balance. The longer the arm, the wider and heavier the base must be to support the load safely.

Arm Spacing (Centerlines):

This refers to the distance between uprights. Spacing should generally match or slightly exceed the length of the product you're storing.

Example: For 12-ft long lumber bundles, spacing the uprights 6-8 feet apart helps distribute the load evenly.

⚙️ Choosing the Right Style & Duty Rating

Not all cantilever racks are created equal. Different duty ratings fit different environments and weight requirements:

Light-Duty

Ideal for retail settings or hand-loaded materials
Best for lighter loads like plastic pipe, trim, or foam boards

Medium-Duty

Works well in general warehouse applications
Suitable for lighter pallets, siding, or drywall

Heavy-Duty

Built for heavy steel, engine parts, or industrial pallets
Often found in outdoor yards or manufacturing facilities

Pro Tip: For outdoor use, choose galvanized or powder-coated racks-they're more resistant to rust and wear over time.

Single-Sided vs. Double-Sided Cantilever Racks

Single-Sided Racks:

These sit flush against a wall and only offer storage on one side. Great for facilities with limited floor space.

Double-Sided Racks:

These allow storage on both sides of the upright column and are ideal for open floorplans or center-aisle placement.

Pro Tip: Double-sided racks can double your storage capacity without increasing your footprint.

🔎 Bonus: What to Ask Before You Buy

Before finalizing your purchase, ask yourself (or your vendor) these key questions:

What's the weight per arm level I need?
Do I plan to expand or increase inventory later?
Is the system for indoor or outdoor use?
What's my forklift's turning radius in the aisle?
Should I consider stop pins or arm lips for added safety?

Choosing cantilever racking isn't a one-size-fits-all decision. From sizing your arms and spacing your uprights to picking the right duty rating, the right setup depends on your specific inventory, floorplan, and future plans.

Need help getting it right? We'll Help you Choose the Best Cantilever Racking for your Inventory

Our team offers quick, no-pressure consultations to help you avoid costly mistakes. Reach out today and let us help you design a system that works now and grows with you.