When your operation relies on storing long, bulky, or oddly shaped materials, traditional pallet racking simply won’t cut it. That’s where cantilever racking and sheet storage systems come in. Designed for strength, accessibility, and organization, these racks are essential for lumber yards, metal shops, manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and any business handling long or flat items.
If you’re looking to upgrade or expand your storage capabilities, this guide will walk you through what cantilever racking is, how sheet storage works, and how to choose the right system for your needs.
What Is Cantilever Racking?
Cantilever racking is a specialized storage system engineered to hold materials that are too long or awkwardly sized for conventional pallet racks. The system uses:
-
Vertical columns
-
Sturdy base legs
-
Horizontal arms that extend outward
-
Optional braces that add rigidity
The “open front” design makes it easy to store and retrieve long products without obstruction.
Common Items Stored on Cantilever Racks:
-
Lumber and plywood
-
Steel tubing and bar stock
-
PVC and metal piping
-
Furniture components
-
Drywall and sheet goods
-
Long industrial equipment or parts
A Plus Warehouse offers preconfigured Interlake cantilever racking, giving customers trusted performance, easy ordering, and reliable load ratings.
Benefits of Cantilever Racks
1. Superior Clearance
No vertical front columns means forklifts and workers can access materials from any side.
2. Customizability
Arms can often be repositioned to accommodate different product sizes and weights.
3. Heavy-Duty Strength
Commercial-grade steel construction supports extremely heavy loads—even across long spans.
4. Efficient Space Use
Using vertical space helps open up floor area and reduces clutter.
Types of Cantilever Racking
➡️ Single-Sided Racks
Placed against walls, these allow storage on one side.
➡️ Double-Sided Racks
Store materials on both sides of a central column, maximizing capacity.
➡️ Light-, Medium-, and Heavy-Duty
Different capacities handle everything from PVC pipes to steel I-beams.
A Plus Warehouse carries durable industrial cantilever configurations from trusted manufacturers like Interlake, ensuring reliable, long-lasting performance.
Sheet Storage Systems: Vertical and Horizontal Options
For storing sheet metal, plywood, acrylic, and other flat goods, sheet rack systems are the perfect solution. These racks keep materials organized, protected from warping, and accessible.
Horizontal Sheet Racks
Materials lie flat on multiple shelf levels. Best for bulky or heavy sheet stock.
Vertical Sheet Racks
Store sheets upright, making identification and retrieval faster. Excellent for facilities with limited floor space.
A Plus Warehouse offers vertical storage racks for sheet metal, designed for strength, efficient space use, and safe access to individual sheets.
Choosing the Right System for Your Facility
When deciding between cantilever racks, sheet racks, or a combination of both, consider the following:
1. Material Type
Long materials → Cantilever
Flat materials → Sheet racks
2. Material Weight & Load Capacity
Always match rack arms and shelves to your heaviest load.
3. Space Constraints
Vertical sheet racks save floor space.
Double-sided cantilever racks store more in small footprints.
4. Access Needs
Will workers pick items by hand, with forklifts, or with cranes?
Cantilever racks are ideal for quick forklift access.
5. Inventory Rotation
High-turnover items benefit from easily accessible open designs.
Why Buy Cantilever and Sheet Racks from A Plus Warehouse?
A Plus Warehouse specializes in supplying high-quality material handling and storage products, including:
-
Preconfigured Interlake cantilever racks
-
Heavy-duty sheet metal storage racks
-
Quick shipping options on many configurations
-
Knowledgeable product support
-
Industrial-grade solutions built to last
Whether you’re organizing a manufacturing floor, metal shop, warehouse, or lumber operation, A Plus Warehouse offers systems that improve efficiency, safety, and storage capacity.
Upgrade Your Storage Today
The right racking system dramatically improves workflow, reduces product damage, and maximizes every square foot of your facility. If you’re ready to select cantilever racking, sheet storage, or need help choosing between them, the A Plus Warehouse team is here to provide expert support.
Check out our Cantilever Racks!
