Warehouses located timber need to be stored in a very specific manner because they have their own set of problems. Traditional shelves cannot hold long wooden planks of different widths. The timber storage racking systems are specifically engineered to help timber traders and construction and manufacturing suppliers.
Getting To Know Cantilever Systems
Unlike the standard pallet systems, cantilever racking is different because they have their own unique design. The basic structure of carpet systems consists of vertical columns which have been anchored to the ground and horizontal arms connected to them at different levels. The timber loads are placed on these arms which offer support and do not block the front side making it truly remarkable.
Important Advantages when it comes to storing timber
Timber measurement is very peculiar and irregular dimensions; standard cantilever systems are one of the most exceptional at timber storage. Construction timber stretches to around 2.4 meters while structural beams grow up to around 6 meters. This increment and variety pose a problem to traditional racking systems which counters using these systems to save lots of floor space.
The front opening configuration minimises the time required for order picking. Warehouse personnel can sight certain grades of timber and clean out parts without having to lift stacks. This system improves speed and manual handling efficiency as well as reduces damage to stock.
Use of multiple arms for holding loads aids in preventing sagging and warping. This is especially important when storing expensive hardwoods or engineered timber products. Proper weight distribution ensures the quality of timber is retained throughout the storage period.
Installation Considerations
Floor loading capacity determines the maximum storage density possible. Concrete floor slabs not only have to bear the weight of the timber but also must withstand the stresses caused by vertical load concentration at the timber stack bases. Most installations require floors rated for at least 5 tonnes per square metre, though heavier timber operations may need higher specifications.
A warehouse’s height adds or reduces its efficiency. Cantilever systems will work well in 6-8-metre-high warehouses, but taller ones can have multi-tiered setups. Each additional tier provides roughly double the storage capacity without increasing the building footprint.
Aisle widths need careful planning. Forklift turning circles, timber lengths, and numerous safety clearances also affect the best arrangement. Most timber operations find 4-5 metre aisles best balance storage density with operational efficiency.
Maximising Storage Efficiency
Improvement of warehouse organisation has shown a marked improvement on productivity. Having similar types of timber grouped together reduces the time taken during picking operations. The height at which fast moving stock is stored should be convenient to reduce handling effort.
Use of colour-coding arms and location labels aids in navigation within the premises. Unobstructed sight lines extending between aisles assist supervisors in monitoring operations and identifying immediate and potential safety and hazard issues.
The Bottom Line
Cantilever racking changes timber storage from a space-wasting pain into an ordered, streamlined system. The investment usually pays for itself through decreased storage costs, increased volume, improved picking speed, and reduced product damage. For any operation moving large volumes of timber, cantilever systems are a fundamental enhancement of the operation.