Cantilever racking is one of the most versatile industrial racking systems, designed for long, bulky items like timber, pipes, extrusion, and sheet materials. Choosing between single-sided and double-sided cantilever racking affects your warehouse footprint, accessibility, and throughput. This guide explains the practical differences, the benefits of each system, and layout tips so you can pick the right option for your operation.
What is cantilever racking? A quick refresher
Cantilever racking is a specialised branch of industrial racking systems. It uses arms fixed to vertical columns to support long or awkward items without front columns which is ideal when length matters. Arms can be adjustable, galvanized for outdoor use, and built to heavy-duty specifications. Stakapal supplies tailored cantilever solutions for timber merchants, builders merchants, joinery manufacturers, and 3PLs.
Single-sided cantilever racking:
benefits & best uses
Benefits:
- Easy access: No columns at the front means forklifts and pallet trucks can load and unload directly from one side.
- Ideal for wall placement: Perfect for lining a wall or dividing lanes.
- Simpler layout & lower initial cost: Fewer columns vs double-faced systems which is often cheaper per bay.
Best Uses:
- Timber merchants storing long boards against walls.
- Workshops or yards where racking is placed along perimeter walls.
- Situations where one-way access is acceptable and aisle space is abundant.
Double-sided cantilever racking:
benefits & best uses
Benefits:
- Maximises storage density: Accessible from both sides, meaning more storage per linear metre of aisle.
- Better for central aisles: Efficient for warehouses needing high throughput and two-way access.
- Flexible operations: Enables simultaneous loading and unloading from opposite sides.
Best Uses:
- Central warehouse rows where space efficiency matters.
- High-rotation operations where dual access improves productivity.
- Sites with narrow aisles requiring dense storage.
Layout tips:
plan for forklifts, aisle width and safety
When planning your warehouse, treat cantilever storage as part of your wider industrial racking system.
- Match racking to handling equipment: Reach trucks, counterbalance forklifts, and order pickers need different aisle widths.
- Allow working space for load overhang: Long items may extend beyond arm depth; factor in safe clearance.
- Use single-sided along walls, double-sided for central rows: This hybrid layout often gives the best balance of accessibility and density.
- Plan for future growth: Modular industrial racking systems let you add arms or bays as needs change.
- Safety & compliance: Include run-off protection, column guards, and signposted load capacities. Schedule regular inspections across all your industrial racking systems.
As a full manufacturing member of SEMA all our racking solutions including Cantilever Racking and Pallet Racking are designed and manufactured following SEMA and Health & Safety at Work 1974 racking regulations.
How Stakapal helps with
bespoke designs being a UK manufacturer
At Stakapal we design complete industrial racking systems to suit your exact product profile, handling equipment, and site constraints. From galvanized arms for outdoor cantilever storage to heavy-duty arms for structural timber, we provide installation and compliance checks to keep your operation safe and productive.
Industrial Racking Systems FAQs
Yes — mixing is common and often the most efficient solution.
Yes — galvanized finishes protect against corrosion and are recommended for yards and external storage. It is also common to have internal racking galvanized as there may come a time the racking needs to be moved out into the yard.
Definitely. Many warehouses combine cantilever with pallet racking or shelving for a complete storage solution.
Annual inspections are essential to measure the racks storage structure and validate its on-going use; high-use sites may need more frequent checks.
Ready to optimise your warehouse and yard layout?
Get a free site survey & quote from Stakapal or call us to discuss single vs double options and a bespoke layout plan.
