Pallet Racks vs Cantilever Racks: Which is Better for Your Warehouse?

Introduction

Choosing the right racking system is crucial for maximizing efficiency and productivity in a warehouse where space is at a premium. Pallet racks and cantilever racks are two popular options, each serving different storage needs. Pallet racks are known for their versatility and ability to store various goods on pallets, making them a better wide range of industries.

Conversely, cantilever racks excel at storing long, bulky items like lumber, pipes, and furniture. This blog will compare these two racking systems to help you determine which is better suited for your warehouse.

Understanding Pallet Racks

What Are Pallet Racks?

Pallet racks are storage systems designed to hold materials on pallets (also known as "skids") in horizontal rows at multiple levels. The design typically includes uprights (vertical frames) and beams (horizontal supports), forming a robust structure that can support substantial weight. Pallet racks are highly customizable, allowing for different configurations depending on the type and quantity of goods being stored.

Applications of Pallet Racks

Pallet racks are widely used in warehouses, distribution centres, and manufacturing facilities. They are ideal for storing boxed goods, packaged products, and items that can be stacked on pallets. The system's versatility suits businesses with high turnover rates, as it provides easy access to stored goods.

Advantages of Pallet Racks

Space Efficiency: Pallet racks optimize vertical space, enabling warehouses to store more products in a given area.
Versatility: These racks can accommodate various types of goods, from heavy items to lightweight materials, making them suitable for diverse industries.
Accessibility: Pallet racks offer easy access to stored items, especially in selective pallet racking systems, where each pallet is accessible without moving others.
Customizable: Pallet racks come in different types, including selective, drive-in, push-back, and pallet flow racks, each designed for specific storage needs.

Limitations of Pallet Racks

Initial Cost: The upfront cost of installing pallet racks can be significant, especially for more complex systems like drive-in or push-back racks.
Maintenance: Regular maintenance is required to make sure if the racks remain safe and functional, particularly in high-traffic areas.

Types of Pallet Racks

Selective Pallet Racks: The most common type, offering easier access to each pallet, making it more ideal for warehouses with many products.
Drive-In/Drive-Through Racks: Designed for high-density storage, allowing the forklifts to drive directly into the rack structure to access pallets.
Push-Back Racks: Pallets are stored on a series of nested carts which move along inclined rails, providing high storage density while maintaining selectivity.
Pallet Flow Racks: Utilize gravity to move pallets from the loading end to the picking end, suitable for first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory management.

Understanding Cantilever Racks

What Are Cantilever Racks?

Cantilever racks are specialized storage systems designed to hold long, bulky items that are difficult to store in traditional pallet racks. The design includes a central upright with arms extending outward, creating an open-front storage space without vertical obstructions. This design allows for the storage of items of varying lengths without being confined by the limitations of a palletized system.

Applications of Cantilever Racks

Cantilever racks are commonly used in industries that handle long materials, such as lumber yards, steel warehouses, and furniture storage. They are ideal for storing items like pipes, metal sheets, lumber, and other long, unwieldy, or irregularly shaped materials.

Advantages of Cantilever Racks

Ideal for Long Items: Cantilever racks are specifically designed to store long, bulky items that cannot be stored effectively on pallets.
Easy Accessibility: Cantilever racks, with no front columns, offer unobstructed access, making loading and unloading more efficient.
Flexibility: The open design allows storing items of varying lengths without needing adjustments or multiple rack types.
Durability: Built to handle heavy loads, cantilever racks are often made from robust materials, ensuring longevity even in demanding environments.

Limitations of Cantilever Racks

Space Utilization: Cantilever racks may not utilize vertical space as efficiently as pallet racks, especially when storing shorter items.
Cost: The specialized design can be more expensive, particularly for heavy duty racks intended for storing extremely heavy or long items.
Load Distribution: Uneven distribution can be challenging, requiring careful planning and weight management.

Types of Cantilever Racks

Single-Sided Cantilever Racks: Designed to be placed against a wall, with arms extending from one side only. Ideal for maximizing space along warehouse walls.
Double-Sided Cantilever Racks: These racks feature arms extending from both sides of the central column, offering double the storage capacity. They are best suited for central aisle placement in a warehouse.

Critical Differences Between Pallet and Cantilever Racks

Design and Structure

Pallet Racks: Comprising vertical frames and horizontal beams, creating a grid-like structure ideal for palletized goods.
Cantilever Racks: Feature a central upright with horizontal arms extending outward, ideal for long, unwieldy items.

Load Capacity

Pallet Racks: Designed to hold heavy loads distributed evenly across the pallet.
Cantilever Racks: Capable of supporting heavy loads, but primarily focused on items with uneven or extended lengths.

Space Utilization

Pallet Racks: Optimize vertical space efficiently, suitable for high-density storage.
Cantilever Racks: Better suited for horizontal storage of long items, potentially less efficient in terms of vertical space.

Installation Complexity

Pallet Racks: These may require more complex installation processes, especially for drive-in or pallet flow systems.
Cantilever Racks: Generally easier to install, but may require reinforcement depending on the load and length of items.

Cost

Pallet Racks: Initial costs can vary widely based on the type and complexity of the system.
Cantilever Racks: Typically more expensive due to the specialized design, especially for heavy-duty applications.

Product Suitability

Pallet Racks: Best for boxed goods, palletized items, and high turnover inventory.
Cantilever Racks: Ideal for long, bulky items like lumber, pipes, and furniture.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Pallet and Cantilever Racks

Choosing between pallet and cantilever racks depends on various factors related to your warehouse's specific needs:

Product Type:

Consider the types of products you need to store. Pallet racks are ideal for palletized goods, while cantilever racks are better for long, bulky items.

Available Space:

Assess your warehouse's layout and available space. Pallet racks may offer better vertical space utilization, while cantilever racks may require more horizontal space.

Budget:

Consider the initial and ongoing costs. While pallet racks may have a lower upfront cost, cantilever racks might be necessary for specialized storage needs.

Load Capacity:

Ensure the chosen racking system can handle the weight and size of your stored items without compromising safety or efficiency.

Future Growth:

Plan for future expansion. If you anticipate needing to store different types of products, consider the flexibility of the racking system.

Checklist for Choosing the Right Rack System:

Identify the types of products you store.
Measure available space and assess layout.
Determine your budget.
Consider load capacity and weight distribution.
Evaluate future storage needs.

Conclusion

Choosing the right racking system is crucial for warehouse optimization. Pallet racks suit a variety of products, while cantilever racks excel with long, bulky items. Evaluate warehouse requirements, consult experts, and consider future needs to enhance efficiency, safety, and productivity.

JKR Engineering Industries has dedicated the past 30 years to providing durable storage systems that meet clients' needs. Our success is built on a talented team of experts who precisely implement the manufacturing processes. We stay committed to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, striving to serve clients with the best storage solutions in the industry, thus making us the leading Rack manufacturer in Chennai.