Cantilever Racking for Long & Awkward Loads
Cantilever racking stores long or awkward loads — pipe, tube, timber, bar and profiles — on projecting horizontal arms with no front uprights to block loading. Arm length and capacity are matched to the load, and it can be single- or double-sided.
Long, awkward loads — pipe, timber, extruded profiles, bar stock, sheet — don't sit on pallet beams. Cantilever racking stores them on horizontal arms projecting from a column, with no front uprights blocking access, so a forklift or crane loads the full length easily.
What cantilever racking suits
| Load | Why cantilever |
|---|---|
| Pipe, tube, bar | Long and rolling — arms cradle the length |
| Timber & boards | Long spans, easy front loading |
| Steel profiles / extrusions | Awkward lengths, no pallet needed |
| Sheet & panels | Stored flat or on edge across arms |
What to specify
- Arm capacity & length to carry the load without overhang tipping.
- Upright spacing so no load sags between columns.
- Base & anchoring sized to the load moment.
- Single or double-sided depending on aisle layout.
As with all racking, design and install to standards such as the Rack Manufacturers Institute (RMI), and handle to OSHA practice.
Spec a cantilever system
HAOFU builds cantilever and heavy-duty racking, plus storage shelving. Send your load lengths and weights and we will design the arms and uprights.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is cantilever racking used for?
- Cantilever racking stores long, awkward loads — pipe, tube, bar, timber, steel profiles and sheet — on horizontal arms with no front uprights in the way, so full lengths load and unload easily.
- How is cantilever arm capacity specified?
- Arm capacity and length are sized to the load's weight and length so it is carried without overhang tipping, and uprights are spaced so loads do not sag between columns. The base and anchoring are sized to the load moment.
- Single-sided or double-sided cantilever racking?
- Single-sided suits placement against a wall; double-sided uses one row of columns with arms on both sides for island layouts. The choice depends on your aisle layout and access.
- Can cantilever racking store sheet material?
- Yes — sheet and panels can be stored flat across the arms or on edge, making cantilever a flexible choice for mixed long and flat stock.
