Choosing the right racking system is one of the most critical decisions for warehouse efficiency. While the goal is always to maximize storage and improve workflow, the type of inventory you handle will fundamentally dictate the best solution. Two of the most common and effective industrial storage systems are pallet racking and cantilever racking.
At first glance, they might seem similar, but their designs serve vastly different purposes. Understanding these differences is key to optimizing your space, ensuring safety, and boosting productivity.
What is Pallet Racking?
Pallet racking is the most popular storage system found in warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities. It's designed specifically to store palletized materials in multiple-level horizontal rows. It consists of vertical upright frames connected by horizontal load beams. Pallets are loaded onto these beams, typically with a forklift.
- Best For: Storing uniform, palletized goods like boxes, crates, and other containerized products. It’s the ideal solution for high-density storage when dealing with standardized inventory.
- Types: There are many variations to suit different needs, from standard selective racking that offers access to every pallet, to more complex, high-density systems. For operations requiring a first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory flow, advanced systems like pallet flow racking use gravity rollers to automatically move pallets forward.
What is Cantilever Racking?
Cantilever racking is a specialized system engineered to solve a storage problem that pallet racking cannot: housing long, bulky, or irregularly shaped items. This system is built around a heavy central column, a sturdy base, and arms that extend outward to hold the product. Its defining feature is the absence of front vertical uprights, which provides unobstructed horizontal access.
- Best For: Storing items that don't fit on a standard pallet. Common applications include storing lumber, pipes, steel bars, PVC tubing, furniture, and rolls of carpet.
- Advantages: The open-front design makes it easy to load and retrieve long items with forklifts or other lifting equipment. For businesses dealing with these types of materials, cantilever racking is often the only viable and safe storage solution.
Key Differences: Pallet Racking vs. Cantilever Racking
| Feature | Pallet Racking | Cantilever Racking |
| Primary Use | Uniform, palletized goods (boxes, crates) | Long, bulky, or irregular items (pipes, lumber) |
| Obstructions | Has front vertical uprights that define each bay | No front vertical obstructions, allowing for continuous storage |
| Loading Method | Forklift places pallets directly onto beams | Forklift has clear horizontal access to place items across arms |
| Best Advantage | Maximizes vertical storage density for standard loads | Offers unmatched accessibility and flexibility for long loads |
How to Choose the Right Racking System for Your Warehouse
Making the right choice comes down to analyzing your inventory and operational needs. Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you need unobstructed access? If the length of your product varies or you need to store items that are much wider than a standard pallet, the open design of cantilever racking is essential.
- What is your storage density goal? For maximizing the number of pallets in a given footprint, a well-designed pallet racking system is unparalleled in its density. Cantilever racking is less about density and more about providing accessible storage for otherwise un-rackable items.
- How do you handle your materials? Both systems are designed for use with forklifts, but the handling process is different. Pallet racking involves lifting and placing individual pallets into a defined bay. Cantilever racking requires maneuvering long items onto open arms.
Final Thoughts
The choice between pallet racking and cantilever racking isn't about which one is better overall—it's about which one is purpose-built for your products. Pallet racking excels at organized, high-density storage for uniform loads, while cantilever racking is the specialist for long, bulky materials.
By evaluating your inventory and workflow, you can confidently select a system that enhances safety, boosts efficiency, and makes the most of your valuable warehouse space. Investing in the right warehouse racking system significantly impacts operational efficiency and storage optimization, contact us today at storage@metricss.com or call us at 1-800-265-5117.
