Cantilever Rack: Lumber, Pipe & Long Material Storage

Cantilever Rack Systems: Storing Lumber, Pipe & Long Materials

Cantilever rack is purpose-built for storing items that are too long, bulky, or awkwardly shaped for standard pallet rack. Lumber, pipe, tubing, sheet goods, furniture, and bar stock all store efficiently on cantilever arms, with full front-loading access and no vertical obstructions.

We’re authorized dealers for Cogan cantilever rack systems, one of the leading North American manufacturers. Here’s how to choose and configure the right system for your operation.

How Cantilever Rack Works

Unlike pallet rack, which uses horizontal beams between two uprights, cantilever rack uses arms that extend outward from a single column. This creates an open front with no uprights to block loading. Materials are loaded from the front using a forklift, crane, or by hand.

Cantilever Rack Configurations

Single-Sided

Arms extend from one side only. Typically placed against a wall. Best for facilities with limited space that need to maximize one wall for long material storage.

Double-Sided

Arms extend from both sides of each column. Placed in freestanding rows with aisle access from both sides. More efficient use of floor space and the most common configuration.

Structural vs. Roll-Form

Structural (I-beam): Heavy-duty, handles the heaviest loads and toughest environments. Columns and arms are made from hot-rolled structural steel.
Roll-form: Lighter duty, uses cold-formed steel. Lower cost for lighter loads. Good for furniture, sheet goods, and light-gauge materials.

What Can You Store on Cantilever Rack?

Lumber and dimensional wood
Steel pipe, tubing, and bar stock
Sheet goods (plywood, drywall, sheet metal)
PVC pipe and conduit
Furniture (couches, mattresses, tables)
Carpet rolls and fabric bolts
Canoes, kayaks, and boats

Selecting the Right Arm Capacity

Application	Arm Length	Arm Capacity	Column Spacing
Lumber / dimensional wood	36″–48″	2,000–3,000 lbs	4’–6′
Steel pipe / bar stock	24″–48″	3,000–6,000 lbs	4’–8′
Sheet goods	48″–60″	1,500–3,000 lbs	4’–6′
Furniture / light items	36″–48″	500–1,500 lbs	4’–6′

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does cantilever rack cost?

Structural cantilever typically costs $200–$600 per arm, plus $300–$800 per column. A standard 20-foot run of double-sided structural cantilever costs $5,000–$12,000. Roll-form costs 30–40% less.

Does cantilever rack need to be anchored?

Yes. All cantilever rack columns must be anchored to the concrete floor with properly sized wedge anchors or epoxy anchors. Anchoring is critical for stability, especially in seismic zones.