Catwalk vs. Cantilever Racking: Key Factors for Your Warehouse Setup
The choice between catwalk vs. cantilever racking makes a huge difference in how you use your space when figuring out the best storage design for your warehouse. Each system is designed for specific storage needs, and understanding the differences between catwalk and cantilever racking helps you decide what fits best. We always start by looking at the size and shape of your products, how they move in and out of storage, and how much room you have to work with.
The Differences Between Catwalk and Cantilever Racking
Knowing the true differences between catwalk and cantilever racking helps clear up confusion when planning your storage. Catwalk racking uses vertical height by adding walkways between shelving units. This lets workers reach multiple levels by foot without needing machines. It’s great for faster picking and makes use of unused headroom in buildings with tall ceilings.
Cantilever racking, on the other hand, is perfect for long items that won’t fit in traditional shelves. With arms that stick out from upright posts, it allows easy front access—ideal for handling timber, plumbing supplies, and steel beams. Since there’s no front frame, forklifts can move stock in and out without hassle, speeding up loading times. When comparing catwalk vs. cantilever racking, the right choice depends mostly on item shape and handling needs.
Should You Choose Catwalk or Cantilever Racking?
Are you still wondering whether catwalk or cantilever racking is better for you? A catwalk layout gives quick access to high-turnover items using upper levels safely if your stock tends to be smaller boxed goods picked by hand. But if you’re dealing with long, awkward pieces that need fork access, cantilever racking gets them off the floor and into order.
While both systems improve how your warehouse works, the differences between catwalk and cantilever racking make it important to choose based on what you actually store. Catwalks turn wasted height into usable space, and cantilevers keep oversized items from cluttering the floor.
Our Support at Krost Shelving & Racking
At Krost Shelving & Racking, we work with you to weigh up catwalk vs. cantilever racking, so your warehouse runs smoother and safer. We listen to your needs and build storage that fits how your team works. Our solutions make storage practical, safe, and reliable, whether it’s a smart upper-level design with foot access or an open-arm system for heavy, long goods.
Choosing between catwalk or cantilever racking isn’t always simple, but our team is here to help. Let us guide you through the benefits and walk through the differences between catwalk and cantilever racking, so your space is set up the smart way.
Catwalk vs. Cantilever Racking: Working Best for Space and Stock?
Storing stock in the most efficient way often brings us to a comparison of catwalk and cantilever racking. Both of these storage systems offer exceptional value, with the best choice largely being dependent on factors such as the type of products you handle and the daily operations of your team. Rapid picking and vertical space optimisation are both strong points of catwalk racking, while cantilever racking shines when storing long and bulky items is a requirement.
Understanding Catwalk and Cantilever Racking Differences
The primary differences between catwalk and cantilever racking revolve around the type of items each system is designed to store and how they do so.
Catwalk Racking
Catwalk racking creates walkable levels on top of the shelving, allowing for optimal use of vertical space and providing quick foot access to smaller, packaged goods.
Cantilever Racking
Cantilever racking, on the other hand, employs arms extending from upright frames, creating ideal storage solutions for long, irregularly shaped items like beams, pipes, or steel bars.
Getting a grasp on these differences allows for designing storage spaces around the stock’s nature, as opposed to the reverse.
Selection of Racking Based on Stock Type
When planning to install a new system, an important question to ask is: Will catwalk or cantilever racking be better suited to holding our items?
Catwalk for Small Units
Catwalk racking gets the vote, providing quick access and increased capacity across multiple tiers if you’re dealing with small units packed into boxes.
Cantilever for Long, Heavy Items
Alternatively, if you’re grappling with long products or heavy point loads, cantilever racking comes into its own, facilitating access through open horizontal arms.
Catwalk vs. Cantilever Racking: Evaluating Storage, Access, and Speed
To further compare catwalk and cantilever racking, reviewing the performance of each setup can be beneficial.
Performance of Catwalk Racking
Catwalks help increase vertical storage, keeping walkways clear and safe. They’re an ideal pick when fast, machine-less access is required.
Performance of Cantilever Racking
Cantilever racking is designed for fork-friendly loading, making it the perfect choice when manual handling of the goods isn’t feasible due to their weight and size.
While both systems can lead to better usage of space, they do so in quite different ways.
Making the Right Storage Choice Together
Determining whether to go with catwalk or cantilever racking doesn’t need to be a strenuous decision. It all boils down to what you’re storing and how you intend to access it. Understanding the differences between the two systems also helps eliminate unnecessary costs. Supported by Krost Shelving & Racking, you can build an effective and safe system that’s ready for future growth.
Understanding Catwalk vs. Cantilever Racking for Everyday Storage Needs
Choosing between catwalk and cantilever racking is a common consideration when it comes to optimising space in warehouse design. Each system has clear benefits that largely depend on the types of items we need to store and the manner of their accessibility. Knowing the differences between the two helps in making better use of the floor and vertical space.
Space-Saving Benefits in the Catwalk vs. Cantilever Racking Debate
In the comparison of catwalk and cantilever racking, the benefits of each system come into sharp relief.
Catwalk System: Catwalk systems are advantageous when there’s a need for floor-free storage of lighter, high-turnover items. These raised walkways optimise unused airspace while ensuring efficient access to goods.
Cantilever Racks: On the other hand, cantilever racks are perfect for storing awkward, oversized items like steel tubes or timber planks. Without a front column, these racks allow for quick access by lifting equipment, making operations faster and safer.
Highlighting the Key Differences Between Catwalk and Cantilever Racking
One of the most noticeable contrasts between catwalk and cantilever racking is how each system allows for product access.
Catwalk Access: With catwalks, team members can conveniently walk between levels to pick smaller parts or boxes.
Cantilever Access: Cantilever is the preferred choice for handling longer, heavy-duty stock. Its adjustable arms let us tailor each rack based on the length and weight of the items, aiding in damage avoidance and bolstering organisation.
Choosing Between Catwalk vs. Cantilever Racking: Flexibility Matters
Aspects like floor space, ceiling height, and item shape all substantially influence the final decision when choosing between catwalk or cantilever racking.
Catwalk Fit: Catwalks adapt well into areas that need extra storage above.
Cantilever Fit: Conversely, cantilever units are more suited to wider zones where movement is mechanised rather than manual.
Making the Choice: Catwalk vs. Cantilever Racking With Confidence
Both catwalk and cantilever racking offer unique strengths. Catwalks facilitate human access to stock, making them ideal for high-density, fast-moving inventory. Cantilever racks, on the other hand, excel at heavy lifting, thereby ensuring our warehouse stays clutter-free and efficient.
We at Krost Shelving & Racking help you assess whether catwalk or cantilever racking is the best fit for your setup. By understanding the core differences between catwalk and cantilever racking, we make smarter decisions together — ultimately saving space, time, and effort in the long run.
Catwalk vs. Cantilever Racking: What You Need to Know
The biggest difference lies in what you’re storing and how you access it when it comes to catwalk vs. cantilever racking. A catwalk is great if you deal with small parts or boxed items that need to be picked regularly. It lets us use vertical space more efficiently and gives workers easy access with walkways built into the shelving. On the flip side, if we handle long or heavy items like timber or pipes, cantilever racking makes more sense. Its open-arm design supports bulky items and works well with forklifts.
Understanding the differences between catwalk and cantilever racking helps us choose smarter for our space. With catwalk or cantilever racking, the goal is always to boost accessibility and safety while keeping things organised. At Krost Shelving & Racking, we make that decision process simple, with storage tailored to what you stock most and how your team works.
Comparing Catwalk vs. Cantilever Racking: Quick Breakdown
Still deciding between catwalk or cantilever racking? Here’s a quick guide:
- Storage Type: Catwalk suits small, fast-moving items. Cantilever handles long or awkward materials.
- Access: Catwalk systems are designed for people to walk and pick by hand. Cantilever setups are ideal where machines do the lifting.
- Space Use: Catwalk helps you stack up. Cantilever creates open rows, useful for big, heavy stock that’s hard to stack.
These differences between catwalk and cantilever racking show there’s no one-size-fits-all. It depends on what you’re storing and how your team moves around to get it.
Making the Right Choice with Catwalk vs. Cantilever Racking
What works better — catwalk or cantilever racking? Catwalk racking puts them within reach without losing floor space if your items are light and often accessed. Cantilever racking offers an open layout that keeps things safer and easier to handle for oversized loads.
At Krost Shelving & Racking, we’ll help you compare catwalk vs. cantilever racking based on your exact needs. We’ll look at your stock shape, access needs, and available height. Our solutions work with your warehouse — not against it, whether you want walkways or strong horizontal arms. Choosing between them is easier when the differences between catwalk and cantilever racking are tailored to your real-world setup.
Move Forward with Confidence: Transform Your Warehouse
By now, you’ve gained a comprehensive understanding of catwalk and cantilever racking and how their differences can impact the efficiency of your warehouse setup. As you consider which system aligns perfectly with your storage needs, remember that effective warehouse solutions not only enhance productivity but also contribute to a safer workspace.
At Krost Shelving & Racking, we specialise in pairing the right racking system with your specific requirements, ensuring your operation gains both functionality and future flexibility. If you’re ready to discuss your unique storage preferences and explore bespoke designs, contact us today. Let’s optimise your space together, making it the hallmark of organisational excellence.
