When it comes to warehouse storage, there’s a lot of choice. Ultimately, what you decide to use will depend on what you’re storing, why you’re storing it, and how eventually needs to be shipped out of the warehouse. Although pallet racking is often the default choice for warehouse storage, there are other options out there; namely cantilever racking and shelving. Although shelving comes in a variety of styles, here we’re talking specifically about longspan shelving. Both cantilever racking and longspan shelving can be useful for storing items that aren’t suitable for standard pallet racking (due to length), but it’s best to consider each storage system for its strengths before committing to one.
When To Use Longspan Shelving
Longspan shelving is essentially what it sounds like. It’s shelving that’s been designed to have as much room between uprights as possible. The height between shelves can also be adjusted to accommodate products of different sizes. In this way, longspan shelving is fairly versatile. It can be used to hold smaller items, boxes, and even longer items like wood and piping.
Although it’s “just” shelving, longspan shelving is designed with industrial storage in mind. It’s robust and can be built to handle relatively large loads, just not as much as cantilever racking.
However, longspan shelving isn’t the right choice for all storage applications. Because uprights are needed, there is a limit to the length of items that can be stored on it. With that, items stored on longspan shelving aren’t accessible to forklifts, so it may not be suitable for heavy or bulky items that needs materials handling equipment.
In summary, consider longspan shelving for:
- Storing items of different shapes and sizes that will likely be picked and packed by hand.
- Situations where you may need different shelving heights,
Longspan shelving may not be the best option for:
- Very heavy or very long items because longspan shelving has more weight restrictions than racking. Uprights also get in the way of longer items.
- Items that need to be accessed with a forklift.
When To Use Cantilever Racking
Cantilever racking is almost like shelving without the actual shelf decking. It’s designed to have central uprights with cantilevered arms extending out. In this way, the uprights don’t get in the way of storing longer items. Like longspan shelving, the height between the arms can be adjusted depending on what’s being stored on the racking. The angle of the arms can also be adjusted in items are in danger of rolling of the racking.
Cantilever racking is the ideal storage solution for very long items, especially if those items need to be picked up with a forklift. With no uprights to get in the way, there’s almost no limit to the length of an item that cantilever racking can store. Cantilever racking can also typically withstand larger loads than longspan shelving.
Cantilever racking is perfect for:
- Long items that don’t fit on shelves. This includes things like long lumber or piping, rolls of carpet, flat materials like plasterboard, and even lighter items like conduit.
- Items that need to be accessible to forklifts.
However, longspan shelving isn’t right for:
- Items too small to fit across cantilever arms. Since there’s typically no decking on cantilever racking, it’s not appropriate for things like boxes.
Which Is Right For You?
What’s right for your warehouse will ultimately depend on what’s being stored and why it’s being stored. It’s clear that each storage solution has its place but, like many storage solutions, it’s best to find the right solution to fit your needs rather than make your needs adapt to the solution.
For smaller items or items in boxes, longspan shelving is usually the right choice. However, longspan shelving can also work for longer items that you would pick up by hand. This may include shorter timber and other raw materials.
Meanwhile, cantilever racking is more suited to longer items that simply won’t fit on shelving. Often these are heavier items that need materials handling equipment, but they can also include very long materials that are lighter.
Warehouses can also utilise both shelving and racking. There’s not reason to commit to a single style of storage. If you’re unsure what to use, feel free to contact us.
