Racking FAQs
Whether it’s about our racking product range, manufacturing process or racking installation – we have the answers to your FAQ’s.
At Stakapal, we understand that there will always be questions when it comes to racking and what to expect with a new project, so we have compiled some of our most popular questions below.
If you don’t see an answer to your question, please get in touch by calling us on 01543 278 123, or email sales@stakapal.co.uk.
FAQs for Cantilever Racking
Cantilever racking is designed to store long, bulky items like pipes, timber, and steel bars. It features arms extending from a central column, allowing easy front access for loading and unloading.
Common types of cantilever racking include: conventional racking, free path racking, and guided aisle racking.
Cantilever racking offers easy access, flexibility, and is ideal for items of varying lengths. It can handle heavy loads and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor storage.
Yes, Stakapal’s hot-dipped Galvanised Cantilever Racking for external applications can also be supplied with a canopy roof for additional protection from the elements. Traditionally utilised by Timber and Builders merchants who have a large requirement for storing Carcassing Timber, a canopy roof is frequently requested as part of the installation in yard areas. We work with the customer to find the most cost-effective solution.
Cantilever racking is typically made from steel for strength and durability, and it can be galvanised for corrosion resistance, especially for outdoor use.
Our tapered arms are available in a wide range of lengths from 600mm up to 2100mm, depending upon bespoke requirements.
Our most common cantilever racking arm lengths are 1220mm and 2100mm which are widely used in the Timber and Panel Products industries. Arm loadings are available from between 500kgs to 2000kgs.
FAQs for Pallet Racking
Pallet racking stores palletised materials in horizontal rows with multiple levels, commonly used in warehouses and
Common types include selective, conventional aisle pallet racking, narrow aisle pallet racking and drive-in pallet racking.
Consider your goods type, warehouse layout, load capacity, and picking method. Consulting a racking specialist can help determine the best pallet racking system.
Ensure pallet racking is properly installed with sufficient anchoring and does not exceed load capacities, Regular inspections should be conducted with staff trained on safe loading and unloading.
To maintain pallet racking, you should regularly inspect for damage, keep load weights within limits, clear aisles, and repair any damaged components immediately.
FAQs for Racking Installation
Installation involves assembling the frame, securing it to the floor, and adding beams and shelves, following the manufacturer’s instructions and safety standards.
Yes, by ensuring the installation has been put together by a trained and qualified SEIRs member, this will ensure compliance with safety standards and optimal performance, though some systems can be user-installed - which is at the discretion of the individual and is not something we personally advise.
Floors should be level, strong enough to support the load, and free of cracks. Concrete is the most common flooring used.
Installation time varies. A simple setup might take a few hours, while a large, complex system can take several days.
Permitting requirements vary by location. Check with local building authorities to determine if permits are needed.
FAQs for Racking Inspections
Racking inspections ensure the structural integrity and safety of the racking system, preventing accidents and ensuring compliance with regulations.
Inspections can be done by trained SARI (SEMA Approved Racking Inspector) whom are knowledgeable about racking systems and safety standards.
Conduct regular inspections at least once a year, with more frequent checks if the racking is heavily used or if there are known issues. Stakapal offers all its customers the opportunity to schedule an annual SEMA Racking inspection as part of our ongoing support services. These inspections are conducted by our own in-house SARI’s.
During a racking inspection, a SARI will look for damaged components, loose bolts, signs of overloading, proper alignment, and signs of wear or corrosion.
Unload the affected area immediately, mark it as out of service, and arrange for repairs or replacements. Do not use the damaged racking until it is properly repaired.
Other Racking FAQs
When you have a storage requirement for hand loading and unloading long lengths of product such as Timber, PVCu profiles and plastic drainage pipes Pigeon Hole Racks offer the perfect solution. Rather than using stacking equipment, product is loaded/unloaded by hand offering ease of access. Whatever long products you wish to store in this format Stakapal are able to advise you how to maximise the available storage area with a bespoke Pigeon Hole Racking solution.
This type of racking system is used for storing items vertically while the item’s length rests on the sloped frame and is often referred to as A-Frame Racking as it resembles the letter A. Vertical Storage Racks maximise the available floor space especially in dedicated pedestrian areas ensuring lengths of timber and other long lengths of product are readily accessible. It can be configured as Single Sided for storing against a wall or Double Sided should you have a little more available floor space.
This is an ideal storage solution for hand-pick.
If you have a requirement for storing fixtures and fittings, industrial small parts, small boxed items etc for hand selection, our Widespan/Longspan Shelving Racking offers the perfect storage solution. Whatever products you are looking to store in this format in either your warehouse, store room or in a retail merchandising environment - Stakapal will ensure we supply a storage solution that fully meets your individual needs.
Our SR500 Series range offers an almost unlimited range of storage and merchandising opportunities which can be tailored to individual customer requirements. The system gives the flexibility to change the Rack Frame heights as well as the depth should there be changes in the range of products being stored. An almost unlimited range of storage and merchandising opportunities are available as the system can also be fully integrated with our Gondola Shelving Racking System to give an Integrated Retail System.
Can't find the answer?
Stakapal 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.
EXCELLENT Based on 15 reviews Posted on west ham1 December 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The team we had here at James Latham Hemel Hempstead were great. Lead by Sam they worked fast and were very polite and very efficient
Owner's reply
Hi, Thanks so much for your great feedback! We’re glad you had a good experience and would love to hear from you again soon. We look forward to serving you again!Posted on Craig Lockwood27 November 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Install team were fantastic from start to finish. Worked hard throughout and were very accommodating even when faced with planning failures and an ever changing racking set up.
Owner's reply
Hi Craig, We truly appreciate your positive feedback. It's always great to hear that our team is making a difference. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us.Posted on Darren Dennis23 November 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Extremely professional company supply and fit high quality pallet racking. Fitting team were excellent ensuring positioning was exactly has required. Arrived on time and completed the work to an exceptional standard.
Owner's reply
Hi Darren, Thank you so much for your kind feedback! We are really glad to hear you had a positive experience. It means a lot to us!Posted on Sally Nick19 November 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great Service from Sam, Owen and Richard! Would highly recommend
Owner's reply
Hi Nick, thank you so much for your kind feedback! We are really glad to hear you had a positive experience. It means a lot to us!Posted on Steven Hart23 October 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great guys who installed our rack very friendly and helpfull A1 ,steve hart perrinandrowe
Owner's reply
Hi Steven, thank you so much for your kind feedback! We are really glad to hear you had a positive experience. It means a lot to us!Posted on noam attar12 October 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service, quality and communication from the very start to finish. They will support you and guide you, query and give you pushback if something does not make sense, but ultimately help and respect your decisions too to make it the best success it can be. They are also very flexible with timelines to work around other projects in the building site, whilst going the extra mile and fair. A big shoutout especially to James and the wider team.
Owner's reply
Hi Noam, Thank you so much for your great feedback! We are glad you had a good experience and would love to hear from you again soon. We look forward to serving you again!Posted on Damian29 August 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We recently had our racking installed by Stakapal and couldn’t be more pleased with the service. From start to finish, the team was quick, efficient, and highly professional. Everything was carried out exactly as planned, and they even made some on-the-spot adjustments to tailor the installation to our needs on the day. The whole process was smooth, well-organised, and completed to a very high standard. We’re extremely happy with the results and would highly recommend Stakapal to anyone looking for reliable and expert racking solutions.
Owner's reply
Hi Damian, Thank you so much for your great feedback! We’re glad you had a good experience and would love to hear from you again soon. Don’t hesitate to reach out if there's ever anything we can do for you.Posted on John Booth7 August 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Would like to thank Stakapal for another efficient inspection of our racking system at Hanson plywood, its great that we have a fantastic working connection with each other. Rob Yeomans who visits our site for any alterations is very helpful, polite and also very good at his profession, we are very happy to continue our good working relationship for many years to come.
Owner's reply
Hi John, Thank you! Your kind words have really made our day. We are thrilled you are happy with our service and we look forward to serving you again!Posted on Mark Fox31 July 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had racking fitted in our timber yard and the 2 fitters were brilliant expert job done and very professional, would recommend .
Owner's reply
Hi Mark, Thanks so much for your great feedback! We’re glad you had a good experience and would love to hear from you again soon. We look forward to serving you again!Posted on Steven long24 June 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Owner's reply
Hi Steven, thank you so much for your great feedback! We are glad you had a good experience and would love to hear from you again soon.