Details

---

Cantilever Racking System Supplier in Penang, Malaysia

SKL supplies cantilever racking systems in Penang, Malaysia for storing pipes, tubes, steel profiles, timber, extrusions and other long or bulky materials. The open-front design provides uninterrupted access to stored materials, while the correct configuration depends on material length, bundle weight, arm length, support spacing, storage quantity and handling method.

For businesses handling long industrial stock, choosing a cantilever rack is not simply a matter of selecting a rack size. The material dimensions, load distribution, warehouse layout and loading equipment should all be reviewed before the rack configuration and capacity are confirmed.

Is Cantilever Racking Suitable for Your Materials?

Cantilever racking is suitable for long products that require support at multiple points while remaining accessible from an unobstructed working face. It is commonly considered when conventional shelving or pallet racking would make long materials difficult to load, separate or retrieve.

Typical applications include:

• Pipes and tubes

• Steel bars and structural profiles

• Hollow sections

• Timber and long boards

• Aluminium extrusions

• Plastic extrusions

• Rolled or packaged long materials

• Long industrial components

Because there are no front columns between the cantilever arms, operators can access long materials directly from the aisle. Different products can also be organised across separate arm levels according to material type, size, length or operating requirements.

Cantilever racking is not necessarily the right system for every type of inventory. For predominantly palletised goods, Selective Pallet Racking is generally the more appropriate direction. Heavy cartons and loose industrial components may be better suited to Heavy Duty Storage Racking, while smaller parts and lighter items can usually be stored more efficiently on Shelving or Boltless Rack systems.

The storage system should therefore be selected according to the actual inventory being handled rather than simply the available warehouse space.

Materials Shown in Our Cantilever Racking Applications

Pipes, Tubes and Hollow Sections

Cantilever racking allows pipes, tubes and hollow sections to be supported across multiple arms without front columns obstructing loading and retrieval.

Long bundles can be arranged across different storage levels so that operators can separate stock according to diameter, material type, length or other operational categories.

The required number and spacing of support points should be determined according to the length, weight and rigidity of the stored materials. Longer or more flexible products may require different support arrangements from shorter, more rigid bundles.

Timber and Long Boards

Cantilever racks provide direct access to different timber lengths, board sizes and material categories while keeping long stock supported along its length.

Adjustable arm positions can allow different storage levels to be arranged around the products being stored. This can be useful for timber suppliers and building-material businesses that need to keep multiple dimensions accessible without stacking every product directly on top of another.

Rack configuration should consider the bundle dimensions, loading method and the number of timber sizes that need to remain individually accessible.

Profiles, Extrusions and Rolled Materials

Steel profiles, aluminium extrusions, plastic extrusions and other long industrial products can be separated across multiple cantilever arm levels for easier identification and retrieval.

This arrangement can help factories, fabricators and material suppliers maintain dedicated storage positions for different product categories instead of mixing long stock in floor stacks.

The appropriate configuration will depend on factors such as profile length, bundle weight, bundle dimensions, required storage quantity and how the material is loaded onto the rack.

Single-Sided vs Double-Sided Cantilever Racking

Single-sided cantilever racking is typically positioned along a wall or warehouse boundary, while double-sided cantilever racking creates a freestanding row that can be accessed from both sides.

Configuration	Best Placement	Access
Single-sided	Along walls or warehouse boundaries	One working face
Double-sided	Freestanding warehouse rows	Both sides

A single-sided cantilever rack can make effective use of perimeter space where access is only required from the aisle-facing side.

A double-sided cantilever rack provides storage arms on both sides of the upright structure. It can be considered for central warehouse rows where operators require access from two working aisles.

The better option depends on the available floor area, required storage quantity, forklift movement and overall warehouse layout.

Information Needed to Configure the Rack

To propose a suitable cantilever racking direction, SKL needs information about the materials, loads, handling method and available warehouse space. Capacity cannot be confirmed from the material type alone.

For an initial assessment, provide:

• Material type

• Maximum material length

• Maximum bundle weight

• Bundle width and height

• Required number of storage levels

• Required storage quantity

• Loading method

• Available warehouse area

• Preferred single- or double-sided configuration

• Warehouse layout and photographs

Material Type

Identify what will be stored, such as steel pipes, tubes, timber, aluminium extrusions or structural profiles. Different materials can behave differently when supported over several points.

Maximum Material Length

The longest product or bundle is important when determining the overall rack arrangement and suitable support-point spacing.

Maximum Bundle Weight

Provide the maximum actual bundle weight, not only an estimated average weight. Loading requirements should be evaluated against the heaviest intended storage condition.

Bundle Width and Height

Bundle dimensions help determine how much vertical and horizontal storage space is required at each level.

Number of Storage Levels

State how many separate product levels are required and whether different materials need dedicated storage positions.

Required Storage Quantity

The number of bundles, pieces or product groups to be stored helps determine the overall number of rack bays and the space required.

Loading Method

Confirm whether materials will be loaded manually or with mechanical handling equipment such as a forklift.

Available Warehouse Area

Provide the usable length, width and height of the proposed rack area together with any physical restrictions.

Warehouse Layout and Photographs

A floor plan, sketch or clear warehouse photographs can help identify columns, walls, doors, traffic paths and other conditions that may affect the proposed layout.

Providing these details at the quotation stage reduces guesswork and allows the rack direction to be based on the actual storage requirement.

Cantilever Rack Components and Configuration

A cantilever racking system combines upright columns, horizontal arms, base units, bracing and anchoring components to create open-front storage for long materials. Component selection and arrangement should be based on the required loading and rack configuration.

Upright Columns

Upright columns form the main vertical structure of the rack. Cantilever arms are connected to these columns at the required storage levels.

Cantilever Arms

The arms project outward from the upright structure and provide the support surface for stored materials. Multiple arms work together to support long products along their length.

Arm requirements depend on factors such as bundle depth, material dimensions, loading and the required support arrangement.

Base Units

The base forms the lower part of the cantilever structure and supports the upright assembly.

Bracing

Bracing connects and stabilises the structural sections of the cantilever rack according to the system configuration.

Adjustable Arm Positions

Where the selected system allows adjustment, arm levels can be positioned to suit different material heights and storage requirements.

Any repositioning or configuration change should remain within the approved design and loading requirements of the rack.

Anchoring Components

Anchoring secures the racking structure to the warehouse floor as required by the system design and installation conditions.

End Stops

Where included in the selected configuration, end stops can help reduce the possibility of stored materials moving beyond the end of an arm.

Exact rack dimensions, arm capacities, upright capacities and system loading should be confirmed for the proposed configuration rather than assumed from general product descriptions.

What Loading and Layout Factors Should Be Considered?

A cantilever rack should be planned around both the stored material and the way operators will approach, load and retrieve it. A structurally suitable rack can still create operational problems if aisle access, support spacing or handling movements are not considered.

Manual or Mechanical Loading

Confirm whether stock will be placed manually or with equipment. The handling method affects rack positioning, working clearances and aisle requirements.

Forklift Approach Direction

For mechanically handled loads, consider how the forklift will approach the rack and how long materials will be positioned onto or removed from the arms.

Long bundles may require significantly more manoeuvring space than standard pallet loads.

Aisle Width

Aisles should provide sufficient operating space for the intended handling equipment and material length. Aisle requirements should therefore be reviewed as part of the warehouse layout rather than treated as an isolated rack dimension.

Material Overhang

The relationship between the product length and its supporting arms should be considered carefully. Excessive or unsuitable overhang can affect material stability and handling.

Support-Point Spacing

Long materials must be supported at suitable intervals. The required spacing varies according to material length, weight, stiffness, bundle arrangement and load distribution.

Bundle Stability

Bundles should remain stable during storage and handling. The product shape, packaging, stacking arrangement and possibility of rolling or shifting should be considered when determining the storage approach.

Warehouse Traffic

Forklift routes, loading zones, pedestrian movement and access to nearby equipment should be considered when deciding where the rack is installed.

Floor Anchoring

The proposed installation area and floor conditions should be suitable for the required rack anchoring and structural arrangement.

Equipment Impact Protection

Where forklifts or other vehicles operate close to the racking, the risk of equipment impact should be considered as part of the warehouse safety and layout plan.

Cantilever Racking vs Other Storage Systems

Cantilever racking is usually the preferred direction for long, bulky inventory, while pallet racking, heavy-duty racks and shelving serve different load types.

Storage Requirement	Recommended Direction
Long pipes, bars, timber or profiles	Cantilever Racking
Palletised goods	Selective Pallet Racking
Heavy cartons and loose components	Heavy Duty Storage Racking
Dense storage of similar pallets	Drive-In Racking
Additional elevated floor space	Mezzanine or Steel Platform

Cantilever Racking vs Selective Pallet Racking

Cantilever racking provides an open working face for long materials, while Selective Pallet Racking is primarily arranged around palletised loads supported on horizontal beams.

If your main inventory consists of standard pallets, selective pallet racking will generally be the more appropriate system. If your products extend significantly beyond normal pallet dimensions or require unobstructed lateral access, cantilever racking may be more suitable.

Cantilever Racking vs Heavy Duty Storage Racking

Heavy Duty Storage Racking can be suitable for cartons, bins, components and other goods stored on rack levels or shelves.

Cantilever racking differs because its projecting arms are specifically useful for long products that need support without front columns.

Cantilever Racking vs Drive-In Racking

Drive-In Racking is intended for high-density pallet storage where multiple pallets of similar products are stored deep within rack lanes.

It serves a different storage requirement from cantilever racking and is not a direct substitute for storing long pipes, timber or profiles.

Cantilever Racking vs Mezzanine or Steel Platform

A Mezzanine or Steel Platform creates additional usable floor area at an elevated level. Cantilever racking, by comparison, is designed to organise and support long inventory.

The two solutions address different warehouse problems and should be selected according to whether the main requirement is long-material storage or additional floor space.

SKL's Cantilever Racking Planning and Quotation Process

The planning process should begin with the material and loading requirement, not with a predetermined rack size. Providing accurate dimensions, bundle weights and warehouse information helps establish a more appropriate cantilever rack direction.

A typical project assessment may include:

1. Review the stored materials
   Identify the material type and how the products are currently bundled or handled.

2. Confirm dimensions and bundle weights
   Establish the maximum material length, bundle dimensions and maximum intended load.

3. Review the warehouse and handling method
   Consider available space, access restrictions and whether loading will be manual or mechanical.

4. Select a single- or double-sided direction
   Determine which configuration is better suited to the proposed rack location and access requirements.

5. Prepare the layout direction
   Review how the proposed cantilever rack can be arranged within the available warehouse area.

6. Confirm configuration and loading requirements
   Establish the relevant arm levels, support arrangement and loading information required for the proposed system.

7. Provide quotation
   Prepare the quotation based on the agreed project information and configuration.

Where installation is included within the agreed project scope, installation requirements can be confirmed as part of the quotation and project arrangement.

Request a Cantilever Rack Assessment

Send SKL your material type, maximum material length, maximum bundle weight, storage quantity, handling method and warehouse layout for an initial cantilever rack assessment.

The more complete the information, the easier it is to evaluate whether cantilever racking is appropriate and determine the configuration details needed for quotation.

Request a Cantilever Rack Assessment

Frequently Asked Questions About Cantilever Racking

What materials can be stored on cantilever racking?

Cantilever racking is commonly used for long or bulky materials such as pipes, tubes, steel bars, structural profiles, timber, boards, aluminium extrusions and plastic extrusions. The exact configuration should be selected according to the product dimensions, bundle weight and handling method.

How do I know what cantilever rack capacity I need?

Start with the maximum bundle weight, material length, bundle dimensions and required support arrangement. Capacity cannot be determined accurately from the material type alone and should be confirmed against the proposed rack configuration.

Should I choose single-sided or double-sided cantilever racking?

Choose single-sided cantilever racking when the system will primarily sit along a wall or warehouse boundary. Double-sided cantilever racking is generally better suited to freestanding rows where materials need to be accessed from both sides.

Is cantilever racking better than pallet racking for long materials?

For long pipes, bars, timber and profiles, cantilever racking is generally more suitable because its open-front structure avoids the front columns found in conventional pallet rack bays. Pallet racking is normally more appropriate for standard palletised inventory.

What should I send SKL to request a quotation?

Provide the material type, maximum length, maximum bundle weight, bundle width and height, storage quantity, required levels, loading method, available warehouse area and, where possible, a warehouse layout or photographs.