Structural vs. Roll-Formed Cantilever Rack — It’s a Weighty Decision

Tipping the Scales for Structural or Roll-Formed Cantilever Rack 

Cantilever rack is a handy and flexible storage solution most often seen in industrial and building supply applications. The system is simple in form with sturdy vertical uprights and perpendicular arms to support all types of non-standard, non-palletized, typically long or bulky inventory. The main benefits include safely and efficiently securing inventory up and off the ground or floor with easy forklift access. 

 

Why Cantilever Rack?

 

Applications Heavy, bulky items –construction materials, i.e., plywood, lumber, sheetrock, plus pipes, steel, coils, wrapping, and oversized skids Home goods – furniture, rugs, snd fabric Recreational – boats, water sports, ski equipment

Benefits Inside or outside storage  Maximizes vertical space Improves warehouse safety by reducing clutter Protects inventory from damage Efficiently access and accurately pick inventory

While the design of cantilever racking doesn’t vary much from system to system, there is a difference between the material options, i.e., structural or roll-formed steel. Structural steel is heavier and more costly to manufacture, ship, and often install; however, it is very durable and has a higher load capacity than roll formed. To help you decide on the best choice for your application, these are the fundamental differences between the two options.

Structural Connection	Structural Cantilever Medium- to heavy-duty capacity –over 1,500 lbs per shelf Hot-rolled steel channel or I-beam arms & I-beam uprights  Heavy load weight to ship Requires nuts & bolts to assemble More durable – resistant to equipment strikes and weather damage Can support roof or structure for outdoor applications
Roll-Formed Connection	Roll-Formed Cantilever Light- to medium-weight capacity  Lighter steel components Lighter load weight to ship Faster bolt-less installation Quick reconfiguring for inventory changes Less abuse-resistant vs. structural
	Also see our blog on Heavy-Duty Cantilever Systems

 

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Breaking It Down – Cantilever Rack Components 

A cantilever rack system is comprised of two upright columns mounted on bases and joined by bracing. Depending on available space and capacity needs, systems can be single-sided or double-sided.

Standard arm options are straight or inclined with an upward slope. Alternatively, you can choose axel arms that can be straight or inclined but allow rollers to connect at the endpoints to roll material off the arms as needed for carpeting, fabric, and wrapping.

Arms are adjustable on the column in small increments (+/- 4”) to customize storage for a variety of inventory compared to uniform storage bays in traditional pallet rack systems.

Optional accessories include vertical pipe stops for the end of the arms to prevent inventory from slipping off.

Note – You cannot mix and match structural steel cantilever components with roll-formed cantilever as the attachment mechanisms are incompatible.

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From Flexible to Design to Expert Installation

The Apex team is with you each step of the way. That’s right, the team that brings you a customized storage solution to meet your application needs is also the team that will ensure expert, safe installation of your racking system. Call today to speak with a warehouse design consultant about the most durable and economical cantilever for your facility.

Just one call does it all with Apex!