Introduction
Standard pallet racks were never designed for 12-foot lumber or 20-foot steel bar stock. Vertical columns block access, force awkward bundling, and push long materials onto the floor — creating both a safety hazard and a storage headache for warehouses and lumber yards alike.
Cantilever rack systems solve this with an open-arm design that eliminates front obstructions entirely. Full-length materials load and unload without interference — no columns in the way, no forced cutting to fit.
Choosing the right system matters. Undersized arms deflect under load and create real safety risks. Oversized systems drain capital and eat floor space you can't afford to lose.
This guide covers the top 8 cantilever rack systems for lumber and long materials — with practical guidance on matching each system to your load weight, arm length, duty rating, and storage environment.
TL;DR
- Cantilever racks use open-arm designs to store long items like lumber, pipes, and bar stock without front column obstruction
- The right system depends on load weight, arm length, duty rating (light/medium/heavy), and indoor vs. outdoor use
- Structural cantilever racks handle heavy loads (1,500+ lbs per arm); roll-form installs faster for lighter-duty applications
- This guide covers 8 leading cantilever rack brands — from Steel King to SpaceRak — to help you match the right system to your operation
- Expert consultation before purchasing ensures proper sizing and floor plan compatibility
What Are Cantilever Rack Systems and Why They Matter for Lumber Storage
Cantilever racking consists of vertical uprights with horizontal arms extending outward—no front column to block access. This makes them ideal for storing lumber, PVC, bar stock, plywood, drywall, and pipes without the limitations of traditional pallet racks.
Key advantages over standard pallet racking for long materials:
- Load and unload from the full arm length without navigating around vertical posts
- Reposition arms vertically (typically in 3" or 4" increments) to fit different load sizes and maximize vertical space
- Store loose boards and irregular bundles without palletizing or standardizing dimensions
Two primary construction types:
| Type | Build | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Roll-form | Bolt-less, lighter steel | Loads under 1,500 lbs per arm; faster installation |
| Structural | Hot-rolled steel, bolted | Heavy industrial loads and outdoor applications |
Both types are represented below. Knowing which category fits your operation will help you narrow the list quickly.
Top 8 Cantilever Rack Systems for Lumber & Long Materials
These systems were selected based on load capacity range, build quality, configurability, and proven performance in lumber and long-material applications.
Steel King Industries
Steel King is a U.S.-based manufacturer focused on heavy-duty structural storage for industrial applications. Their I-Beam cantilever systems are known for high-capacity performance in lumber yards, steel distribution, and industrial facilities where forklift operations and extreme loads are standard.
Differentiators:
- Structural steel construction with 50,000 psi minimum yield strength
- Wide range of arm lengths (up to 8 feet) and upright heights (up to 30 feet freestanding)
- Arms adjust vertically in 4-inch increments for maximum flexibility
- ANSI/RMI compliance with high-durability powder-coated finishes
- Available in single- and double-sided configurations
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Features | Structural steel I-beam uprights, adjustable arms on 4" centers, single/double-sided options, outdoor-rated powder coat finishes available |
| Load Capacity / Technical Specs | Uprights up to 30 feet, arms up to 8 feet long, 50,000 psi minimum yield structural steel |
| Best For | Heavy-duty lumber yards, steel distributors, industrial warehouses with forklift access and extreme load requirements |
Hannibal Industries
Hannibal Industries is a leading U.S. manufacturer offering both roll-form and structural cantilever options. Their systems are well-established in West Coast distribution and manufacturing sectors, with modular designs that support easy expansion as inventory grows.
Differentiators:
- Dual product lines (structural and roll-form) allow buyers to match system to load requirements
- Modular uprights and wide SKU availability for arms simplify future expansion
- Bolt-less roll-form option speeds installation — no specialized tools required
- RMI-compliant with high-quality powder coat finishes
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Features | Bolt-less roll-form option for fast tool-free setup, modular uprights, adjustable arm pitch, structural I-beam option for heavy loads |
| Load Capacity / Technical Specs | Stocked columns in 12-foot and 16-foot heights, arms stocked in 4-foot lengths (custom sizes available) |
| Best For | Mid-to-large warehouses storing mixed lumber and piping inventory with plans to expand over time |
Frazier Industrial
Frazier Industrial is a structural-only rack specialist supplying heavy-duty cantilever systems to manufacturing, construction supply, and distribution industries across North America. Their KlampFast® system is engineered for extreme loads and harsh environments.
Differentiators:
- 100% structural steel construction (no roll-form components)
- All-welded uprights with proprietary column design for higher density storage
- Arms attach with two bolts and lock at any point on the column (infinitely adjustable, not fixed slots)
- Robust engineering support, including custom PE-stamped designs for seismic zones
- System capacities exceed 250,000 lbs total, with uprights up to 50 feet or greater
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Features | Welded structural uprights, infinitely adjustable arm positioning, high-density arm spacing, custom engineering available |
| Load Capacity / Technical Specs | System capacity 250,000+ lbs, uprights up to 50+ feet, arms attach at any point (not fixed slots) |
| Best For | Heavy structural applications: steel bar stock, large timber bundles, construction material distributors requiring extreme load capacity |
MECO-Omaha
MECO-Omaha manufactures roll-form cantilever rack systems built around ease of assembly and flexibility, with five distinct series suited to medium-duty applications like lumber retail and building supply stores.
Differentiators:
- Bolt-less roll-form construction for fast installation (no specialized tools required)
- Broad range of arm and upright sizes across five series (Series 1000 through 5000)
- Arms adjustable on 3-inch centers for precise load positioning
- Competitive pricing for businesses that need quick deployment
- Galvanized outdoor options available
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Features | Snap-in arm connection, interchangeable components across series, galvanized outdoor options, 3" vertical adjustment |
| Load Capacity / Technical Specs | Upright heights from 6 to 20 feet, straight arms from 12 to 60 inches (varies by series) |
| Best For | Building supply retailers, lumber dealers, and warehouses needing quick-install medium-duty storage with modular expansion |
Unarco Industries
Unarco is an American rack manufacturer offering a cantilever line that spans light to heavy duty ratings within a single product family — covering retail building centers through heavy industrial facilities. Their systems feature strong nationwide distribution and compatibility with standard forklift equipment.
Differentiators:
- Wide selection of duty ratings in one product family (light to heavy)
- Welded one-piece column and base design for rigidity
- Bolt-less Key-Wedge Pin Connector for secure, tool-free arm attachment
- Arms adjustable in 3-inch increments
- Broad distributor network with QuickShip options
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Features | Welded one-piece columns, Key-Wedge Pin Connector (bolt-less), adjustable arms on 3" centers, standard and heavy base options |
| Load Capacity / Technical Specs | Columns up to 48 feet, tapered arms up to 100 inches, multiple duty ratings available |
| Best For | Versatile applications from lumber retail to pipe and bar stock storage in distribution centers with standard forklift access |
Ridg-U-Rak
Ridg-U-Rak is a Pennsylvania-based manufacturer of structural cantilever systems built to ASTM A992 Wide Flange specifications for high-load industrial environments. Their racks are frequently used in steel service centers and heavy material storage yards.
Differentiators:
- Structural steel build using Wide Flange (WF) sections meeting ASTM A992 specifications
- Heavy-duty base plates for stability under extreme loads
- Robust impact resistance for forklift-intensive environments
- Available in painted or galvanized finishes for outdoor use
- Inclined arm availability (3/4" per foot pitch) for drainage or specialized loads
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Features | Structural C-channel columns (WF sections), heavy-duty base plates, inclined arm availability, painted or galvanized finishes |
| Load Capacity / Technical Specs | Arm capacities 1,050 to 6,600 lbs per arm (varies by length/height), column capacities 11,300 to 42,400 lbs, arms 24 to 60 inches |
| Best For | Steel service centers, heavy lumber distributors, and outdoor material yards with high-load requirements and forklift impact concerns |
Cogan
Cogan is a Canadian rack manufacturer distributing structural and roll-form cantilever systems across North America at competitive price points. Their systems are commonly used in lumber yards and building material distribution.
Differentiators:
- Value-oriented pricing without sacrificing structural integrity
- Two product lines: LD Columns (medium/heavy-duty) and HD Columns (heavy/extra heavy-duty)
- Available in single- and double-sided configurations
- Standard powder-coated Cogan Grey for indoor use; galvanized finish for outdoor L-sheds and T-sheds
- Strong reputation for quality in the used/secondary market
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Features | LD Columns (4" I-beam, 3" adjustment) and HD Columns (5" I-beam, 4" adjustment), single/double-sided, galvanized outdoor options |
| Load Capacity / Technical Specs | LD uses 4" structural I-beam with 3" vertical adjustment; HD uses 5" I-beam with 4" adjustment |
| Best For | Cost-conscious buyers, lumber yards, and building supply operations seeking reliable mid-range cantilever systems with expansion potential |
SpaceRak
SpaceRak is a specialty cantilever rack brand (under Heartland Steel Products) known for flexible, space-efficient designs suited to both indoor warehouse and outdoor yard applications. Their systems excel in configurable lumber and long-material storage setups.
Differentiators:
- Space-optimized footprint with center-column design creating unlimited horizontal expansion
- Modular expansion capability (add-on bays easily integrated)
- Heavy-duty W-beam columns and S-beam steel arms
- Suitability for mixed-inventory storage combining lumber, pipe, and sheet goods
- Arms adjustable on 4-inch centers
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Features | Compact base design, modular add-on bays, heavy-duty W-beam columns, S-beam arms, 4" vertical adjustment |
| Load Capacity / Technical Specs | Uprights up to 25+ feet, arms 24 to 72 inches, adjustable on 4" centers |
| Best For | Facilities with mixed long-material inventory, limited floor space, or need for outdoor-compatible cantilever storage with modular growth |
How We Chose the Best Cantilever Rack Systems
Evaluation Framework
Systems were assessed based on:
- Load capacity range - Arms rated from light-duty (500 lbs) to heavy structural (6,600+ lbs per arm)
- Construction quality - Structural vs. roll-form, with structural preferred for heavy loads and outdoor use
- Configuration flexibility - Arm lengths (12" to 100"), upright heights (6' to 50'+), single/double-sided options
- Indoor/outdoor suitability - Galvanized or high-durability powder coat finishes for weather resistance
- ANSI/RMI compliance - All systems meet or exceed ANSI MH16.3-2025 standards
Common Buyer Mistakes to Avoid
- Undersizing arm capacity (ignoring the manufacturer's load rating)
- Ignoring deflection requirements (load overhang should not exceed half the center-to-center distance between arms)
- Failing to verify aisle width requirements for forklift turning radius
Operational Fit Matters as Much as Specs
Specs only tell part of the story. Before committing, buyers should match duty rating to actual load weights and factor in expansion potential as inventory grows.
Source Equipment Company's team can help configure a system to your specific floor plan and inventory mix — avoiding the sizing errors that create expensive do-overs down the line.
Conclusion
Cantilever rack systems for lumber and long materials are not one-size-fits-all. The right choice depends on load type, weight, environment (indoor vs. outdoor), and whether the facility needs forklift-accessible configurations or hand-loaded setups.
Don't evaluate systems on price alone. Consider:
- Long-term scalability as inventory grows
- ANSI compliance and load rating accuracy
- Ease of arm reconfiguration for changing stock
- Whether the supplier offers expert layout support
A system that's 10% cheaper upfront but undersized for your loads or incompatible with your forklifts will cost far more in safety incidents, downtime, and premature replacement.
Source Equipment Company Inc. has been helping warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities find the right cantilever rack solutions since 1989. Reach out at 1-800-743-5545 or visit sourceequipment.com to discuss your storage requirements and get a recommendation tailored to your operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between structural and roll-form cantilever racks?
Roll-form is bolt-less, lighter, and faster to install, ideal for loads under 1,500 lbs per arm. Structural is made from hot-rolled C-channel or I-beam steel with bolted connections, better suited for heavy industrial loads (2,000+ lbs per arm), higher impact resistance, and outdoor applications.
How do I determine the right arm length for storing lumber?
Arm length should equal at least the full depth of the material being stored. A practical guideline: choose arms at least 50% longer than the deepest item's dimension. Load should not overhang end arms by more than half the upright-to-upright spacing to prevent excessive deflection.
What weight capacity do cantilever racks typically support?
Cantilever arm capacities range from a few hundred pounds for light-duty systems up to 6,600+ lbs per arm for heavy structural systems. Total upright capacity is calculated by multiplying the number of arms per side by the load per arm. Always verify specific ratings per manufacturer and match against actual load weights.
Can cantilever racks be used outdoors for lumber storage?
Yes, many cantilever rack systems are suitable for outdoor use when specified with galvanized or powder-coated finishes to resist rust and corrosion. Structural cantilever racks are generally preferred for outdoor lumber yards due to their impact resistance, heavier construction, and superior durability in weathering conditions.
Are cantilever racks compatible with standard forklifts and material handling equipment?
Yes, cantilever racks are designed for forklift operation, but aisle width must be planned to accommodate the forklift's turning radius. Confirm minimum aisle requirements for your forklift type—counterbalance, reach truck, or side-loader—before finalizing the rack layout.
How do I calculate upright spacing to prevent lumber deflection?
Upright spacing should keep end-arm overhang to no more than half the center-to-center distance between uprights. For 12-ft lumber, uprights spaced 6–8 ft apart provides even load distribution—test with sample loads before purchasing to confirm performance.
