What is the basic difference?
Pallet racking consists of frames (uprights with bracing) and horizontal beams on which pallets are placed. Every pallet has its own location and can be reached directly by forklift from the aisle.
Cantilever racking has central columns with arms projecting forward, often on both sides. There are no beams or obstructions between the columns, so long goods can be stored along their full length, however long they are.
Side-by-side comparison
| Criterion | Pallet racking | Cantilever racking |
|---|---|---|
| Type of goods | Pallets, crates, standard unit loads | Pipes, profiles, sheets, timber, rolls, irregular items |
| Access | Direct access to every pallet | Direct access to every arm, along its full length |
| Loading | Counterbalance or reach truck, from the rack face | Side loader, multi-directional truck, crane or by hand |
| Flexibility | Beam levels adjust to pallet height | Arm heights adjust to bundle thickness |
| Typical industries | Distribution, manufacturing, retail, logistics | Building materials, metal, timber, PVC and aluminium profiles |
| Indoor or outdoor | Mostly indoor | Indoor and outdoor, with suitable protection and roofing |
When is pallet racking the right choice?
If most of your goods arrive and leave on pallets, pallet racking is almost always the most economical solution. It uses the building height, gives clearly labelled locations and is easy to extend with additional bays or levels.
- Goods are palletised or can be palletised.
- You work with counterbalance or reach trucks.
- Fast, direct access to every unit load matters.
When is cantilever racking better?
Long goods on pallet racking overhang the beams, sag or need to be moved by hand. Cantilever racking solves this because the goods rest on the arms along their full length and the front is completely open.
- Goods are longer than a standard pallet racking bay.
- Bundles vary in length and weight.
- Goods are handled by side loader or crane.
- Part of the stock is stored outdoors.
Can both systems be combined?
Yes, and this is common at builders' merchants and in metalworking. Palletised goods go into pallet racking and long goods into cantilever racking, often in the same hall. The key is to plan the layout as a whole so that aisles and forklift routes do not cross.
Checklist before you decide
- What are the dimensions and weights of your largest unit loads?
- What share of stock is palletised and what share is long goods?
- What equipment is used to put away and pick the goods?
- What is the clear height of the building and how much space is there for aisles?
- Is any stock kept outdoors?
- How much do you expect stock to grow over the next few years?
How can EL-FAM help?
EL-FAM designs and manufactures both pallet and cantilever racking, so our recommendation does not depend on what happens to be in stock. Based on your floor dimensions, goods and handling equipment, we propose a layout, calculate load capacities and install the system. Send us your floor dimensions and details about your goods, and we will propose a solution.
Frequently asked questions
Can long goods be stored on pallet racking?
Shorter items can, with decking or special supports, but long goods overhang the bay, sag and slow down handling. For pipes, profiles and sheets, cantilever racking is safer and more practical.
Can cantilever racking be installed outdoors?
Yes. For outdoor storage, cantilever racking is supplied with suitable corrosion protection and, where needed, a roof.
Which forklift is used with cantilever racking?
Side loaders and multi-directional trucks are most common, while lighter goods can also be handled by counterbalance truck or by hand. Aisle widths are planned around the equipment you use.
Can pallet and cantilever racking be used in the same hall?
Yes, and it is a common combination. The layout of both systems should be planned together because of aisles and forklift routes.
