Choosing the best warehouse racking system for your needs
When it comes to optimising warehouse space and efficiency, the choice of racking system plays a pivotal role. Different industries face different challenges, from storing long, irregular loads to managing a high turnover of palletised goods.
Understanding the strengths and applications of various warehouse racking systems ensures a smarter investment, better workflow, and higher productivity.
Among the most popular options are cantilever racking and selective pallet racking. In this guide, discover the key differences between the two, explore the advantages and limitations, and find out which system is the best match for your storage requirements.
What is cantilever racking?
Cantilever racking is a highly versatile warehouse racking system designed specifically for storing long, heavy, or awkwardly shaped items. Unlike traditional pallet racks, cantilever systems feature vertical columns fitted with horizontal arms that extend outwards. There are no front uprights to obstruct loading and unloading, making it ideal for handling oversized goods.
Best suited for storing:
- Timber, including planks and sheets.
- Steel pipes and metal bars.
- Furniture items like sofas and tables.
- PVC, conduit, and tubing.
Common industries using cantilever racking:
- Construction and building materials.
- Timber yards.
- Metal fabrication.
- Furniture manufacturing and distribution.
The open-front design of cantilever racking allows forklifts or side loaders to easily access inventory, even when dealing with bulky or unusually shaped materials.
What is selective pallet racking?
Selective pallet racking is the most widely used warehouse racking system globally, offering efficient storage for standard palletised goods. This system consists of upright frames connected by cross beams, creating shelving levels where pallets are placed.
Best suited for storing:
- Standardised pallets.
- Goods requiring quick and easy access.
- Inventory with high SKU (stock keeping unit) variety.
Common industries using selective pallet racking:
- General warehousing and logistics
- FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods)
- 3PL and distribution centres
- Cold storage and retail warehouses
Because every pallet in a selective pallet racking system is immediately accessible, it is ideal for operations that prioritise fast picking and stock rotation. It also offers excellent flexibility for future reconfiguration as business needs change.
Cantilever racking vs selective pallet racking: A side-by-side pallet racking comparison
Here is an overview of cantilever racking vs selective pallet racking comparison:
Feature | Cantilever Racking | Selective Pallet Racking |
Ideal for | Long, bulky items | Palletised goods and high SKU inventory |
Accessibility | One-sided or double-sided access | Direct access to every pallet |
Space efficiency | Requires more aisle space | High space efficiency with layout design |
Load types | Non-palletised (furniture, timber, etc.) | Palletised goods only |
Flexibility | Adjustable arm heights | Adjustable beam heights |
Limitations | Less effective for small pallet goods | Limited storage density compared to drive-in or push-back systems |
Cost | Higher due to steel usage and design | More cost-effective for standard goods |
Common use cases | Timber yards, metal storage, furniture | Retail, 3PL, food distribution |
Which warehouse racking system should you choose?
Selecting between cantilever racking vs selective pallet racking depends largely on your operational needs. Here are some key decision-making factors to consider:
Type and shape of inventory
- If your products include pipes, timber, or oversized furniture, cantilever racking will give you the open access needed.
- If your inventory consists of palletised goods requiring frequent picking, selective pallet racking will serve you best.
Frequency of access
- Regularly picking from a wide range of SKUs? Opt for selective pallet racking.
- Handling less frequent, bulkier loads? Cantilever racking is better suited.
Space layout and ceiling height
- Warehouses with ample width are ideal for cantilever racking, especially when dealing with long materials.
- Facilities aiming to maximise vertical storage space and maintain narrow aisles will benefit more from selective pallet racking.
Forklift type and aisle width
- Cantilever racking often requires specialised side-loading forklifts for maximum efficiency.
- Selective pallet racking supports a wider variety of forklifts, including standard reach trucks.
Example scenarios
If you are storing long steel pipes or timber beams, installing a robust cantilever racking system will improve handling and minimise product damage.
If you manage a warehouse with a high turnover of different palletised goods, investing in selective pallet racking ensures faster picking and inventory rotation.
If your warehouse handles oversized furniture such as sofas, tables, and shelving units, cantilever racking provides the open access and flexible support needed for efficient storage and retrieval.
If your operation deals with a broad range of FMCG products that require easy individual pallet access, selective pallet racking allows seamless organisation and speeds up order fulfilment.
If your business stocks heavy metal bars, rods, or construction panels that vary in length, cantilever racking offers the strength and adaptability needed to safely manage and store these bulky materials.
Implementation tips for getting it right
Choosing the best racking system for your warehouse requires more than browsing a product catalogue. Careful planning ensures the system you select will meet current demands while allowing for future growth. Consider the following tips before committing to a solution:
Conduct a warehouse storage audit
Start by thoroughly evaluating your existing inventory, movement patterns, and space constraints. Identify the types of products stored, the frequency of access, and any seasonal fluctuations. A detailed audit will highlight inefficiencies and ensure you select a warehouse racking system that matches your operational needs today and into the future.
Work with an experienced racking provider
The right partner will make a significant difference to the success of your project. As an expert supplier, Storepro offers tailored advice, full compliance facilitation, and layout designs that exceed New Zealand’s seismic standards. We will also guide you through safety requirements and help you maximise your available space.
Consider future scalability
Think strategically about how your business might evolve. Choose a racking solution that allows for expansion, integration of automation, or adaptation to new product lines. A scalable system ensures long-term value and keeps your operations flexible as needs change.
FAQs about cantilever racking vs selective pallet racking
Cantilever racking is designed for long, heavy, and irregular loads, using arms attached to vertical columns. Selective pallet racking uses beams and uprights to store palletised goods with direct access to every pallet.
Cantilever racking is the best racking system for warehouse storage of timber, pipes, and other long materials due to its open-front design and heavy-duty capacity.
Yes, selective pallet racking is ideal for warehouses with high SKU turnover, where goods need to be quickly picked, rotated, and accessed with minimal handling delays.
Yes, cantilever racking arms are typically adjustable, allowing for flexible storage of different lengths and shapes of materials, offering a versatile industrial racking solution.
When conducting a pallet racking comparison, consider inventory type, picking frequency, available warehouse space, forklift requirements, and the need for future scalability.
Find the best industrial racking solution for your warehouse
Selecting between cantilever racking vs selective pallet racking is a critical step towards improving your warehouse performance. The right choice depends on the type of goods you store, how often you access them, and how you want to optimise your space.
Every warehouse is unique. A tailored approach will always deliver better results than a one-size-fits-all solution. If you are ready to lift the performance of your storage space, Storepro is here to help. With a full-service approach, expert advice, and quality industrial racking solutions tested to New Zealand standards, you can trust Storepro to design a system that matches your business needs perfectly.
Contact Storepro for a free consultation and take the first step towards smarter, safer, and more efficient storage.