When it comes to warehouse storage, not every product fits neatly on a pallet — and that’s where cantilever racking becomes one of the most valuable systems in modern material handling. For businesses storing long, bulky, wide, or irregularly sized items, cantilever rack systems create the strength, accessibility, and efficiency that traditional pallet racking simply cannot match.
At Matco Material Handling Solutions, we work with companies every day who need a better way to store materials like lumber, steel, pipe, tubing, furniture, doors, sheet goods, HVAC components, building products, and more. Cantilever rack is often the perfect answer — and when designed and installed correctly, it can transform how space is used inside your warehouse.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about cantilever racking, how it works, and why Matco continues to be a trusted partner for custom rack solutions across North America.
What Is Cantilever Racking?
Cantilever racking is a specialized storage system built for long and bulky products that won’t fit on standard pallet racks. Instead of vertical frames with beam levels, cantilever racks use:
- Upright columns
- Base supports
- Horizontal arms
- Bracing systems
These arms extend outward to support materials of various lengths and weights. Because there are no front columns, forklifts and side-loaders have open access to pick materials safely and efficiently.
This makes cantilever racks ideal for:
- Lumber storage
- Plywood and sheet goods
- Pipe, conduit, and tubing
- Metal bar stock
- Steel beams
- Drywall and siding
- Furniture and large boxed goods
- Carpet rolls, textiles, and fabric
- PVC pipe storage
- Any non-palletized oversized material
Why Warehouses Choose Cantilever Racking
1. Maximum Flexibility
Cantilever rack arms can be adjusted to match the exact height needed for each product. This is especially useful in operations where product lengths vary widely or inventory changes frequently.
2. Fast and Clear Access
Because the front is completely open, forklifts can quickly load and unload without navigating posts or beams. This increases picking speed and reduces the risk of product damage.
3. Designed for Heavy and Oversized Materials
Cantilever rack systems can support thousands of pounds per arm. Matco often works with customers storing:
- 20–40 ft pipe
- Steel I-beams
- Bulk construction materials
- Hardwoods and softwoods
- Aluminum, copper, and steel tubing
4. Better Space Optimization
Many warehouses struggle with storing long products against walls, on the floor, or scattered across staging areas. Cantilever racking opens up vertical storage space, increases safety, and improves organization immediately.
5. Indoor and Outdoor Use
Galvanized cantilever systems are ideal for lumber yards, industrial yards, and outdoor building supply operations that need weather-resistant storage.
The Different Types of Cantilever Racking
To choose the right system, it’s important to understand the types of cantilever rack available. Matco helps customers select solutions based on material weight, length, and warehouse layout.
✓ Light-Duty Cantilever Racks
Used for:
- PVC pipe
- Light metal tubing
- Small lumber bundles
- Plumbing materials
Perfect for retail or smaller industrial applications.
✓ Medium-Duty Cantilever Racks
Used for:
- Mixed warehouse inventory
- Moderate lumber and sheet goods
- Furniture components
A common choice for manufacturing and distribution.
✓ Heavy-Duty Cantilever Racks
Used for:
- Steel beams
- Structural steel
- Long hardwoods
- Large building materials
These systems are engineered for high load capacities and rugged industrial environments.
✓ I-Beam & Structural Cantilever Racks
Ideal for outdoor lumber yards, metals suppliers, and heavy structural material storage. Offers the highest capacities and longest arm options.
Why Cantilever Rack Safety Matters
Cantilever systems must be engineered correctly. Incorrect capacity ratings, poorly secured anchors, or misaligned arms can lead to dangerous rack failures.
Matco’s engineering partners ensure:
- Proper arm capacities
- Correct column spacing
- Adequate bracing for weight loads
- Seismic and local code compliance
- Forklift aisle width optimization
- Safe installation and anchoring
- Outdoor corrosion resistance options
Safety is crucial—especially when storing heavy, long, or irregular products.
Cantilever Racking vs. Standard Pallet Racking
| Feature | Cantilever Racking | Pallet Racking |
|---|---|---|
| Long product storage | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐ |
| Oversized items | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Open access | Yes | No |
| Arm adjustability | High | Low |
| Ideal for pallets | Fair | Excellent |
| Custom configurations | Excellent | Moderate |
Cantilever wins anytime a warehouse needs flexibility for non-palletized goods.
Industries That Rely on Cantilever Racking
Matco provides cantilever systems to companies across the U.S. and Canada in:
- Lumber and building supply
- Construction
- Plumbing & HVAC
- Metal fabrication
- Manufacturing
- Steel service centers
- Furniture and appliance distribution
- Industrial supply
- Home improvement retailers
- Agricultural equipment suppliers
These industries choose cantilever not just for storage — but for safer workflows, faster picks, and improved space utilization.
How Matco Helps You Build the Right Cantilever System
At Matco, we take a hands-on approach to designing cantilever racking. Every system is engineered based on:
- Material length
- Weight per arm
- Bundle or piece count
- Forklift type and aisle width
- Indoor or outdoor environment
- Future expansion plans
- Load distribution and bracing requirements
We provide:
- Custom rack design
- Professional installation
- Site measurements
- Capacity engineering
- CAD layouts
- Permit assistance (when required)
- Galvanized outdoor systems
- Replacement arms, bases, and columns
Whether you need a simple three-arm bay or a full yard of heavy-duty structural cantilever, Matco has the expertise to deliver a turnkey solution.
Ready to Improve Your Warehouse Storage?
Cantilever racking is one of the most efficient and reliable ways to store long and oversized materials — and Matco is here to help you design the safest, strongest, and most optimized system for your operation.
If you’d like a free layout, quote, or walkthrough of your current storage challenges, reach out anytime.
📞 414-445-4066
🔗 www.matcodist.com
✉️ info@matcodist.com