Looking to optimise your warehouse layout or boost storage capacity? Choosing the right pallet racking system is key to streamlining operations, improving safety, and getting the most out of your available space.
In this guide, we break down the most common types of pallet racking — including cantilever pallet racking, pallet rack mezzanines, and shelving storage systems — so you can make the best decision for your warehouse.
1. Cantilever Pallet Racking / Cantilever Warehouse Racking
Best for: Long, bulky, or awkwardly shaped items (e.g. timber, steel, pipes, furniture)
Access type: Direct access
Storage density: Customisable depending on arm length and spacing
Cantilever warehouse racking is built with horizontal arms that extend from vertical columns — with no front uprights to get in the way. It’s ideal for items that don’t fit neatly onto pallets.
- Perfect for irregular loads
- Open-face access for forklifts or manual pickers
- Scalable design
- Not designed for standard pallets
2. Pallet Rack Mezzanine
Best for: Creating additional floorspace within the same warehouse footprint
Access type: Dependent on design (usually manual or conveyor)
Storage density: Very high
A pallet rack mezzanine is a raised storage platform built using pallet racking as its structural frame. These mezzanines can support storage or even offices, making use of unused vertical space.
- Adds a second (or third) level to your warehouse
- Ideal for small parts storage or order picking
- Can be disassembled or reconfigured
- Higher upfront cost
- Requires proper engineering and permits
3. Push Back Racking
Best for: High-density storage with fewer SKUs
Access type: Last-In, First-Out (LIFO)
Storage density: High
Push back racking stores pallets on nested carts that slide on inclined rails. As a new pallet is loaded, it pushes the previous ones back. When one is removed, the others roll forward.
- Efficient use of space
- Ideal for bulk storage of similar products
- Not suitable for FIFO stock rotation
4. Pallet Flow Racking (Gravity Racking)
Best for: High-volume distribution centres or perishable stock
Access type: FIFO
Storage density: Very high
This system uses rollers and gravity to move pallets from the loading end to the picking face. It's perfect for high-turnover operations needing accurate stock rotation.
- Great for food and beverage
- Reduces travel time
- Requires uniform pallet sizes
- More expensive to install
5. Shelving Storage Systems
Best for: Small parts, cartons, manual picking
Access type: Manual
Storage density: Medium
Not everything in a warehouse needs to be stored on pallets. Shelving storage is ideal for hand-picked inventory like boxes, tools, spare parts, or eCommerce goods.
Popular shelving types include:
- Longspan shelving – heavier duty
- Clip or boltless shelving – fast to install
- Mobile shelving – for high-density document or archive storage
- Flexible and easy to adjust
- Good for pick-and-pack areas
- Not designed for forklift access
Choosing the Right Racking System
Before investing in a racking system, consider:
- Type and size of inventory
- Stock rotation requirements (FIFO vs LIFO)
- Available floor and vertical space
- Handling equipment and forklift access
- Compliance with Australian Standards (AS 4084-2023)
Whether you're storing pallets of product, bundles of steel, or boxes of inventory, there’s a racking solution to suit every need. From cantilever racking for awkward goods, to mezzanine levels that double your floorspace, or shelving storage systems for small-item picking — choosing the right system makes all the difference in warehouse performance.
Need help designing or upgrading your pallet racking layout? Talk to our expert team today.