Cantilever racking system storing long materials

Why Choose Cantilever Racking?

Cantilever racking is purpose-built for storing materials that do not fit on standard pallet rack: long lengths of pipe, tubing, lumber, bar stock, sheet metal, and furniture. Without vertical column obstructions between storage positions, cantilever arms provide full-length access to materials of any size. Our systems feature heavy-duty steel columns, adjustable arms at 3-inch increments, and optional brace sets for seismic zones. Available in single-sided and double-sided configurations from light-duty through structural grade, cantilever racking is the definitive solution for long material storage challenges. The adjustability of cantilever systems makes them ideal for facilities storing a wide variety of material lengths and profiles. Arms can be repositioned at any time without tools. Simply adjust the arm spacing to accommodate lumber bundles of different lengths, or reconfigure a bay entirely when your product mix changes. Double-sided configurations allow loading and picking from both sides of the aisle, maximizing storage density in facilities with sufficient material depth on each side. Rocky Mountain Warehouse Solutions designs cantilever systems for building materials distributors, steel service centers, lumber yards, plumbing supply houses, furniture warehouses, and industrial manufacturing plants throughout the Mountain West. Every project includes a layout drawing, load capacity engineering, and installation by our experienced crews. Outdoor galvanized systems are also available for open-yard applications.

  • No vertical obstructions: full-length material access
  • Adjustable arm heights at 3-inch increments
  • Single and double-sided configurations
  • Light duty through structural grade
  • Seismic bracing available for Mountain West installations
  • Outdoor-rated galvanized systems available
  • Custom arm lengths and capacities
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Technical Details & Buying Guide

Cantilever racking is specified by column height, arm length, arm capacity, and base configuration. Light-duty roll-formed cantilever is rated from 500 to 2,000 lbs per arm and is suitable for lighter products like furniture, PVC pipe, and aluminum extrusions. Heavy-duty structural cantilever uses hot-rolled steel arms and columns rated from 2,000 to 8,000+ lbs per arm for heavy steel bar, structural lumber, and industrial pipe. Column heights typically range from 8 to 20 feet, with arm lengths from 18 to 48 inches for standard systems and custom lengths available for special applications.

Single-sided cantilever is anchored to a wall or freestanding with a braced base, storing material on one face only. Double-sided systems are freestanding with a shared column and arms extending in both directions, effectively doubling storage capacity per row of columns. Double-sided systems require adequate floor anchor points for stability and are designed for the combined load of both arm faces. For facilities in Utah and other Mountain West states with seismic requirements, brace kits and anchor bolt engineering are included as standard on systems above a certain height and load threshold.

Load distribution across arms is an important design consideration. Material should be stored on a minimum of three arms to prevent point loading and potential arm deflection. When storing material that is shorter than the total bay width, dividers or arm stops prevent material from sliding to one end. For mixed-length storage, tapered arm configurations or adjustable arm supports allow efficient use of the full column height. Our design team accounts for all of these factors in the layout and specification process.

Cantilever racking arms storing long pipe and tube materials
Single-sided cantilever rack in warehouse
Heavy-duty cantilever system for lumber and sheet goods

Industries We Serve

Building materialsSteel service centersLumber and millworkPlumbing supplyManufacturingFurniture distribution

Common Use Cases

Lumber and plywood storage
Pipe, tube, and bar stock
Sheet metal and flat stock
Furniture and cabinet storage
HVAC duct and equipment
Automotive bumpers and trim
Cantilever rack loaded with structural steel
Double-sided cantilever racking in distribution center
Cantilever rack storing extruded aluminum profiles

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials can cantilever racking store?

Cantilever racking is ideal for any long, bulky, or irregularly shaped material: lumber, pipe, tube, bar stock, sheet metal, plywood, furniture, HVAC duct, and similar items that do not fit on standard pallet rack beams. It excels anywhere the material length exceeds what a pallet rack beam can reliably support.

What is the difference between light-duty and structural cantilever?

Light-duty cantilever uses roll-formed steel arms and columns, typically rated to 800–2,000 lbs per arm. Structural cantilever uses hot-rolled structural steel and is rated for 2,000–8,000+ lbs per arm, suitable for heavy steel bar, dense lumber, and heavy industrial pipe storage.

Can cantilever racking be used outdoors?

Yes. We offer hot-dip galvanized cantilever systems rated for outdoor use. These are popular for lumber yards, building material distributors, pipe storage yards, and any facility where material is stored outside under an open canopy or in fully exposed conditions.

How many arms does material need to span?

Material should span a minimum of three arms to distribute the load properly and prevent tipping or deflection. For shorter items, arm spacing can be reduced. For very long items like 40-foot structural steel, arm spacing is set to provide adequate support points along the full length.

Can I adjust cantilever arms without removing the load?

Arms should be adjusted only when unloaded. The adjustment process is simple: lift the arm slightly to disengage from the column pin and reposition at the desired height. The 3-inch increment adjustment allows precise height settings to match your material profile.

Cantilever system with adjustable arms for varied load depths
Outdoor cantilever rack for yard storage
Cantilever rack in steel service center

Is Cantilever Racking Right for Your Facility?

  • Available options: New, certified used, and custom-configured systems
  • Installation: Professional installation and teardown by our trained crews
  • Layout support: CAD-based warehouse layout assistance included
  • Service area: Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Colorado, Arizona, Wyoming, and Montana
  • Response time: Quote within 1 business day. Site visits available.
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Available in major service areas

Ready to upgrade your warehouse?

Our team of warehouse experts is ready to help you find the perfect solution for your facility. Contact us today for a free consultation and layout.

Call Now: (801) 200-3264 Free Layout
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