Cantilever vs Pallet Racking: Which is Best for Your Inventory

Every warehouse has its own storage problems, and standard solutions don’t always work for every inventory. Maybe you have steel pipes that won’t fit into a regular bay, or boxes that need quick access from multiple aisles. That’s why it’s important to look at the most common storage solutions, which are pallet racking and cantilever racking, each designed for specific inventory types and operational requirements. Both systems are best in certain situations, yet choosing the incorrect one will create expensive problems in the long run.

Here’s how these two racking systems compare and which fits your specific storage requirements.

What makes pallet racking so popular

Pallet racking forms the base of most warehouse operations and creates organised storage through vertical uprights and horizontal beams that form uniform bays. This structured approach works perfectly for businesses handling standardised products, boxes, and containers that fit standard pallet dimensions. This racking is forklift friendly for easy loading and unloading. The modular design adapts as your business grows. Need more space? Just add another section. Running out of floor space? Stack another level.

Pallet racking is of several types in accordance with the workflow:

• Selective racking is to reach each pallet effortlessly.
• Drive-In Racking stores more pallets in less space by eliminating some aisles.
• Pushback racking stores multiple pallets.
• Pallet flow racking works best with first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory.

Why cantilever racking suits unique storage needs

Cantilever racking is the go-to solution for storing bulky, long, and irregularly shaped materials. It has horizontal arms extending from vertical uprights, creating an open-front design. This racking is used to store timber, pipes, steel beams, carpeting, and other furniture that are larger than the usual pallet sizes. The free movement allows loading from different angles, and this greatly helps in handling heavy and bulky objects.

Cantilever racks are versatile warehouse storage solutions for both indoor and outdoor environments. Its strong design supports high weights and supports different lengths of loads, making it appropriate for construction material, manufacturing parts, or large-sized inventory.

Key differences between cantilever and pallet racking

Pallet and cantilever racking are meant to store heavy materials; they work differently. Here are the differences between them to help you choose the right one for your inventory:

Type of products

Pallet racking is used for boxed products and standard goods, while cantilever racking is used for handling long and bulky or irregular materials.

Space usage

Pallet racking maximises vertical space through uniform bays; cantilever is useful in non-standard dimension storage.

Expansion options

Pallet system racking installation is based on a standard pattern, whereas cantilever systems require custom engineering for each expansion phase.

Access methods

Pallet systems have defined access aisles for forklift access; on the other hand, cantilever allows loading from all sides.

How to pick the right one between cantilever and pallet racking

Your inventory tells you which system is the best for your operation.

Firstly, businesses storing boxes, containers, and palletised products use pallet racking, while cantilever racking is flexible with companies that deal with construction materials, timber, pipes, or manufactured components.

Secondly, pallet systems can be extended with a new standard bay, whereas cantilever systems can be adjusted with different product sizes. Training of staff also matters, where pallet racking is based on common patterns, while cantilever requires special handling skills. Lastly, the budget factor is an important one, which includes initial costs, installation complexity, and long-term operational efficiency.

So, it’s all about considering every factor and choosing the right rack that fits in your workflow.

Conclusion

The pallet racking and cantilever racking are both effective in different situations, but the final selection depends on your inventory. These decisions determine your warehouse performance over the years, influencing all aspects such as efficiency of the staff and space utilisation. By carefully assessing the nature of your inventory, handling methods, and operational objectives, you can make the right choice.

QA NET is an expert company that assists businesses in choosing and installing the most appropriate racking systems that fit their individual needs and operational specifications. So, contact the experts today!

Categorised in: Mezzanine Floors

This post was written by QA