When it comes to storing long, heavy, or awkwardly shaped items in a warehouse, standard pallet racking just doesn’t cut it. That’s where cantilever racks come in.
At Accurate Installation, Inc., we’ve been helping Southern California businesses store everything from steel tubing to oversized lumber for over 50 years. Cantilever racking is one of the most effective and flexible systems we install—and yet, many clients aren’t quite sure how it works or whether it’s the right fit for their operation.
This article breaks it down in plain terms—what cantilever racks are, what they’re used for, and what to consider before installation.
What Is a Cantilever Rack?
A cantilever rack is a heavy-duty storage system made up of vertical columns and horizontal arms that extend outward (like branches on a tree). These arms support items that are too long or bulky to be stored on standard pallet racks.
Unlike traditional racking, there are no vertical obstructions on the front face of the rack. This open design allows for easy loading and unloading using forklifts or even by hand, depending on the product weight.
What Are Cantilever Racks Used For?
We typically install cantilever systems in warehouses and yards that handle:
- Lumber and plywood sheets
- Pipes and steel bars
- Furniture and mattresses
- Drywall, rebar, and conduit
- Carpets, textiles, and rolls
If a product can’t sit neatly on a pallet or needs support along its entire length, it’s a good candidate for cantilever storage.
Single-Sided vs. Double-Sided Cantilevers
One of the first decisions to make is whether to install single-sided or double-sided racks.
- Single-sided racks are installed against a wall or at the edge of a storage area. Arms extend from one side only.
- Double-sided racks allow access from both sides and are installed in open areas, usually with forklift access from both directions.
Choosing the right type depends on available space and how your inventory is moved and accessed.
Adjustable & Custom Options
Cantilever racks are highly customizable. The arms are typically adjustable and can be moved up or down along the columns to fit different load sizes. We often install systems that combine different arm lengths and weight capacities on the same rack, depending on the client’s inventory needs.
We also offer:
- Removable pipe stops to prevent rolling materials from falling
- Roofed cantilevers for outdoor storage
- Galvanized finishes for exposure to weather or moisture
- Heavy-duty options for extra-large loads
Key Considerations Before Installing Cantilever Racks
Here are some factors we help clients evaluate before installation:
- Load Size & Weight: Cantilever arms must be rated to handle both the individual and total load across a level.
- Forklift Access: Width between uprights should match your lifting equipment and maneuvering needs.
- Product Rotation: For high-turnover inventory, we space racks for faster loading and unloading.
- Indoor vs. Outdoor Use: Outdoor racks need weather-resistant materials and footings anchored to concrete pads.
- Building Code Compliance: In California, especially in seismic zones, structural permitting is a must. We help with engineered drawings and local code compliance.
Why Choose Cantilever Racks Over Other Systems?
The main advantage of cantilever racks is accessibility. Products that are typically difficult to store—like 20-foot-long steel tubing—can be loaded and retrieved quickly with minimal effort. This makes inventory easier to count, pick, and move, which helps keep operations running smoothly.
Cantilever systems also make better use of vertical space than floor-stacked materials, and reduce product damage from poor handling or sagging.
Real-World Installations
At Accurate Installation, we’ve installed cantilever racks for:
- A millwork supplier in Riverside County that needed vertical storage for dozens of lumber SKUs
- A plumbing supply yard in San Diego County that needed to safely organize copper and PVC pipe
- A mattress distribution center in Los Angeles County that wanted easy loading access with fewer labor hours
Each of these projects had unique layout challenges, and we tailored the solution to the space, the equipment, and the daily demands of the operation.
Get Expert Help
Choosing the right cantilever system isn’t just about weight ratings and dimensions—it’s about matching the rack to the real needs of the business. At Accurate Installation, Inc., we don’t just sell racks. We install full storage solutions designed to save space, increase safety, and support long-term growth.
Need help planning a new cantilever system? Want to upgrade or relocate an existing one? Our team is here to help from first site visit to final bolt.
Give us a call or request a quote to get started. We’ve got the experience, the licensing, and the tools to get the job done right.
