Here is everything you need to know about cantilever racking in our expertly made cantilever racking guide. discover the cantilever racking types, load capacities, materials, costs, and how to choose the right system for timber, steel, and PVCu storage.
What is Cantilever Racking?
Cantilever racking is a specialist storage system designed for long, bulky, or awkwardly shaped materials such as timber, steel, pipes, and sheet products. Instead of using shelves or pallets, it uses horizontal arms fixed to vertical columns (uprights), leaving the front of the rack completely open for easy loading and unloading.
Each arm supports a portion of the load, meaning you can store products of virtually any length which is perfect for builders’ merchants, timber yards, and manufacturing sites.
S.E.M.CO’s UK manufactured cantilever racking systems are built to SEMA standards and available in light, medium, and heavy-duty configurations, suitable for both internal and external applications.
What is Cantilever Racking?
A cantilever rack consists of four key components:
- Base: The foundation that bolts securely to the floor and supports the upright column.
- Uprights: The vertical support that carries the load from the arms down to the base.
- Arms: Horizontal supports extending from the column to hold the product.
- Bracing: Cross and horizontal bracing provide stability and prevent sway.
You can choose between single-sided racks which can be placed against a wall or double-sided racks for central aisles, depending on your layout and vehicle access granted on your premises (forklifts, sideloaders, etc).
Types of Cantilever Racking Systems
Light-Duty Cantilever Racking
- Ideal for hand-loaded goods, PVCu profiles, plastic pipes, or lightweight timber.
- Although light-duty, this is a cost effective solution designed for robustness and durablilty.
Medium-Duty Cantilever Racking
- Most popular option for builders’ and timber merchants.
- Handles sawn timber, sheet materials, and metal tubes.
Heavy-Duty Cantilever Racking
- Engineered for steel stockholders, manufacturers, and large timber yards.
- Hot-rolled steel construction with high load capacity (up to several tonnes per arm).
Galvanized Outdoor Cantilever Racking
- Fully galvanised finish for weather protection.
- Common in external yards storing timber, steel, or building products.
- Optional canopy roof and cladding systems for covered storage.
Single vs. Double-Sided Cantilever Racking
| Feature | Single-Sided | Double-Sided |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Against walls | Free-standing in aisles |
| Access | One-side loading | Two-side loading |
| Storage Density | Lower | Higher |
| Typical Use | Smaller workshops, wall-mounted storage | Central warehouse aisles, large yards |
Double-sided systems maximise storage capacity, while single-sided racks work best where space is limited.
Cantilever Racking for Timber, Steel & PVCu
Timber Merchants
Cantilever racking keeps timber off the ground and well-ventilated, preventing warping and water damage. Adjustable arm spacing allows mixed storage of sawn timber, MDF sheets, and fencing panels.
Steel Stockholders
Heavy-duty hot-rolled steel racking provides the strength to store bars, tubes, or plates. Galvanised finishes prevent rust in outdoor yards.
Window & PVCu Suppliers
Light-duty cantilever systems protect fragile profiles, reducing bending and scratches during storage or picking.
Internal vs. External Cantilever Racking
| Aspect | Internal | External |
|---|---|---|
| Finish | Painted (powder-coated) | Hot-dip galvanised |
| Weatherproofing | Not Essential | Essential |
| Roof Option | Usually no, as it is indoors | Optional canopy or cladding |
| Maintenance | Annual inspection required by a SARI | Annual inspection required by a SARI |
S.E.M.CO manufactures both versions in-house at our Cannock, Staffordshire facility offering galvanized finishes and bespoke-height options for outdoor applications.
Considering Cost - How Much Does Cantilever Racking Cost in the UK?
The cost of cantilever racking varies based on:
- Load capacity and height: Heavier systems will require more steel.
- Number of arms per upright: more arms will result in more storage, which will mean higher cost.
- Finish: Painted which is ideal for internal use or galvanized which is ideal for external use.
- Accessories: Arm end-stops, decks, column guards, canopy roof structures.
- Installation and delivery: Depending on location and yard preparation.
For a tailored quotation, request a quote or contact S.E.M.CO’s sales team.
Designing the Right Layout
Before buying, it is worth considering:
- Available floor spaceand aisle width (forklift turning radius).
- Product lengths and weights.
- Access method (manual, forklift, sideloader).
- Future expansion
S.E.M.CO’s design team provides free layout drawings and site surveys, ensuring every racking system meets your load and access requirements.
Designing the Right Layout
S.E.M.CO’s online Cantilever Racking Configurator makes it easy to design your own system.
Simply choose:
- Single or double-sided configuration
- Arm length & capacity
- Number of levels
- Height
- Finish (painted or galvanized)
You will receive a specification summary to send directly to the team for pricing.
Maintenance & Safety Tips
- Inspect visually every month for bent arms or loose bolts.
- Book a SARI inspection annually to avoid damages from further escalating.
- Never exceed the manufacturer’s stated load limits. This information can be found on the side of the racking.
- Ensure forklifts load evenly to avoid point-loading.
- Keep the area clear of obstructions to reduce impact risk.
S.E.M.CO are full members of SEMA (Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association), with our installation and inspection teams fully SARI (SEMA Approved Rack Inspector), and SEIRS (Storage Equipment Installers Registration Scheme) registered. S.E.M.CO provides SEMA-qualified inspections and repair services for all racking systems.
Case Study: Timber Merchant in the East Midlands
S.E.M.CO designed and installed bespoke steel racking for a timber merchant relocating to a 56,000‑sq‑ft site, providing tailored solutions including cantilever racking and pigeon hole racking for indoor and outdoor storage, improving durability and safety over previous timber racks, with the project completed professionally by their in‑house design engineering and installation teams.
S.E.M.CO's Cantilever Racking Guide Summed Up
Our Cantilever Racking Guide has broken down why Cantilever racking is the most versatile and efficient way to store long or bulky materials safely. Whether you are a timber merchant, steel stockholder, or manufacturer, a well-designed system can save space, reduce handling time, and improve safety. S.E.M.CO consults, designs, manufactures, and installs bespoke cantilever racking systems across the UK, built to SEMA standards for strength and reliability.