DIY Cantilever Rack Assembly Guide

How to Assemble Your Own Cantilever Racks

Handy enough to assemble your own cantilever racking? This detailed DIY cantilever rack assembly guide has all the information you need.

And if you need any help at all, contact us.

Why Go DIY?

Professional cantilever rack installation is safe, efficient, and effective. But if the costs of your new storage system are adding up, it may be tempting just to do it yourself.

DIY assembly can save money and offer more flexibility in terms of timeline and scheduling.

But don’t worry—if you get overwhelmed, you can always call the pros.

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What You'll Need

You get the basic components with your cantilever system. But you will also need a few more tools:

A partner to help lift and position equipment safely
Electric impact wrench
Straight line laser or chalk line
Black permanent marker
Tape measure
Socket wrenches
Impact sockets
Safety gear (gloves, goggles, hard hat)

Depending on your planned assembly, you might need other equipment. So plan out your assembly process in advance to make sure all your details are covered.

Step-by-Step Cantilever Rack Assembly Process

Follow seven simple steps to assemble your cantilever racks efficiently:

Step 1

Prepare Your Space

Start by outlining where your racks will go:

Mark the area. Use chalk lines or a laser to outline the main aisle and the edges of your cantilever rack bases. Make sure you place clear marks where everything needs to sit.
Plan the setup. Make sure your layout fits your storage needs and available space. And plan out your shelf levels and other configuration details.
Clear obstacles. Remove any debris, equipment, or other items that will obstruct the assembly process.

Step 2

Organize the Starter Bay

Next, get all the materials ready for assembly:

Arrange components. Lay out your columns, bases, and arms on the floor where you need them.
Check specifications. Review your manufacturer’s instructions to check for any special hardware requirements and torque settings.

Step 3

Attach the Base to the Column

Now, it’s time to secure the foundation.

Connect the base. Fasten the base to the column using the provided hardware.
Tighten bolts. Make sure all bolts are tightened to the torque the instructions recommend.

Step 4

Secure the Rack to the Floor

Now anchor your cantilever racking to the floor for safety and stability:

Install floor anchors. Use wedge anchors and shims as needed for stability.
Stagger anchor placement. For optimal support, stagger the anchors in the base.

Step 5

Add Bracing and Erect Second Column

After securing the first column and base, connect your horizontal and diagonal bracing to the back of the rack.

Make sure all your structural connectors are tightened firmly.

Then, repeat steps 3 and 4 to secure your second column and connect it to the bracing.

Step 6

Attach the Arms and Accessories

Using the provided hardware, attach each arm to the uprights at the heights you selected during Step 1.

Then attach any additional arm accessories you’re using, like pipe stops, to prevent your items from falling.

Step 7

Expand with Add-On Bays

Need to expand your system? No problem. Repeat this process to continue adding more bays until your setup is complete.

Tips for a Successful Assembly

For the best possible cantilever assembly process, always do three things:

Use teamwork. Have a partner to assist with heavy lifting and alignment.
Check alignment. Use a level to verify that everything is properly spaced.
Enhance with accessories. Consider additional accessories like brackets for improved safety and efficiency.

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you’re ready to tackle the assembly yourself or prefer professional assistance, we’ve got you covered.

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