How to Size Cantilever Racking for Long Goods
Cantilever racking stores long goods such as profiles, tubes, sheets and boards with open, obstacle-free access. This guide explains how to size arm length, load per arm and stability correctly, and how to install the rack safely to EN 15512.
View cantilever racksWhat is cantilever racking used for?
Cantilever racking consists of vertical columns with projecting arms and is ideal for bulky long goods. Because the front stays free of uprights, profiles, tubes, timber or boards can be loaded and unloaded from the side by forklift or crane.
There are two forms: the single-sided layout against a wall and the double-sided layout as a free-standing run with arms on both sides. Light-duty ranges suit lighter material, while heavy-duty versions carry steel profiles and coils at loads of well over a tonne per arm.
- Long goods: profiles, tubes, bars, shafts and beams.
- Sheet material: metal, wood panels and glass with supports.
- Single-sided against a wall, double-sided as a free run.
- Set the vertical arm spacing to the bundle size of the goods.
How do you size arm length and load?
Arm length follows the depth of the stored goods: the arm should carry the load fully without much overhang at the front or rear. As a rule of thumb the goods should not overhang more than about 1.5 times the arm spacing per side, so the load rests safely.
Load per arm is the key figure and is always stated by the maker at maximum arm length. The bay load per column and the total rack load matter just as much - a high arm rating is useless if the sum exceeds the permitted column load.
- Heavy loads low, light loads high - this lowers the centre of gravity.
- Fit end stops or plugs to stop round tubes from rolling off.
- An arm incline of about 5 degrees holds round stock against the column.
- Fit clear load notices to the rack and observe them.
How is stability ensured?
Stability decides the safety of the whole rack. Projecting arms create a tipping moment that must be taken up by the base feet, floor anchors and a load-bearing foundation. Cantilever racking is designed to EN 15512.
The floor must be firm and level: heavy-duty racks usually need concrete of at least grade C20/25 and a verified thickness. Each base foot is bolted down with suitable heavy-duty anchors so the pull-out forces on the load-away side are transferred safely.
- Base feet resting fully; shim out any unevenness.
- Add impact protection in aisles with forklift traffic.
- Unload and replace any bent arm or column at once.
- Keep an inspection record as required by EN 15635.
Frequently asked questions
How do I work out the arm length I need?
The arm length should cover the depth of the long goods so the load rests fully. A large overhang at the front raises the bending moment and should be avoided. Choose the next larger step if the goods fall between two lengths.
Does the stated load per arm always apply?
The maker's figure applies to an even load at full arm length. A point load at the arm tip or an uneven spread reduces the permitted load. Also observe the bay load per column, which limits all arms together.
Does cantilever racking have to be anchored to the floor?
Yes. Because of the projecting load moment the base feet must be bolted with heavy-duty anchors into a load-bearing floor, especially for the single-sided form. The floor should be concrete of at least grade C20/25.
How often must the rack be inspected?
Under EN 15635 an inspection by a competent person is required at least yearly, backed by regular visual checks. Damage to arms or columns calls for immediate unloading and repair.
Looking for cantilever racking for long goods?
We supply single- and double-sided cantilever racks in light and heavy ranges - correctly sized by arm length, load and EN 15512.
Designed to standard
Sizing and inspection to EN 15512 and 15635.
Rated for the load
Load per arm and bay load clearly documented.
Securely anchored
Base feet and anchors sized for a stable stand.
Expert advice
Our specialists help you size the rack correctly.