Cantilever Racking for Long Goods - How to Size It
Cantilever racking is the go-to solution for long goods such as pipes, profiles, boards and panels. This guide shows how to work out arm and column capacity, choose between single and double sided designs and secure the layout to standard.
View cantilever rackingHow is a cantilever rack built?
A cantilever rack consists of uprights (columns) anchored to the floor by a base, plus horizontal arms that project freely to the front. Because the loading face has no vertical obstructions, long goods such as pipes, profiles or panels can be loaded from the side with a forklift or crane.
The arms usually hook into a perforated upright and adjust in a pitch of about 75 to 100 mm. That lets you match the clear level height to different stock thicknesses without rebuilding the rack.
How to dimension the full storage zone for long goods and panels.
Read the guideSingle or double sided - which one?
Single-sided cantilever racks carry arms on only one side of the column and usually stand against a wall. Double-sided racks use the column on both sides and double the storage capacity per metre of footprint - ideal as a free-standing run in an aisle.
- Single sided: space saving against a wall, good for narrow rooms and lower heights.
- Double sided: highest floor utilisation, loaded from both sides by forklift.
- Both designs need a level, load-bearing floor and usually floor anchoring.
- For tall or outdoor racks, factor in wind loads and top bracing (diagonals).
How do I set arm capacity and length?
Three limits all have to be respected: the capacity per arm, the permitted load per column (column or bay load) and the maximum bay load of the whole rack. The weakest of these values decides what you may actually store.
The rated arm load quoted by the maker assumes a uniformly distributed load across the arm. If the weight concentrates at the arm tip, the permitted load drops sharply because the bending moment rises. Add a safety margin and store heavy items low so the centre of gravity stays down.
- Pipes and bars: round stock needs a back stop to prevent rolling off.
- Profiles and beams: angular stock, pick arm height to suit bundle weight.
- Panels and boards: laid flat across several arms, allow for material sag.
- Always display the load sign (arm, bay and level loads) clearly on the rack.
Frequently asked questions
How much can a single cantilever arm hold?
Depending on the series and arm length, roughly 150 to 1200 kg per arm. The figure assumes an evenly distributed load and falls as the arm gets longer or the load sits further out.
What is the difference between arm load and bay load?
The arm load is the rated capacity of one arm. The bay or column load is the sum of all arms on one upright and must not be exceeded either.
Does a cantilever rack need to be anchored to the floor?
Double-sided racks almost always need floor anchoring, and single-sided racks need extra security against forward tipping or a wall fixing. The floor must be level and load-bearing.
Which rack suits long pipes?
A cantilever rack with sufficiently long arms and a back stop. Space several columns at the right pitch so the pipes do not sag between supports.
Looking for cantilever racking for long goods?
We supply single and double sided cantilever racks for pipes, profiles and panels - sized to arm load, bay load and stability.
Rated capacity
Arm and bay loads clearly declared and documented.
Designed to standard
Specified and inspected per EN 15629 and EN 15635.
For any long goods
Pipes, profiles, boards and panels stored safely.
Expert advice
We dimension the system to match your stock.