Plywood racks

[WPeters]

We are getting a forklift and wanting to transition to horizontal pallet type racking for our plywoods.  What type of racking should I get?  We will be storing all 4x8 so should the rack be 4x9xh?  Any advice would be appreciated

 

[72anthony]

Used pallet racking is usually pretty cost effective. You may have to cut the uprights depending on your ceiling height. Try searching your local craigslist.

One of the local lumber yards stores sheet goods in pallet racking.

 

[wow]

I like cantilevered pallet racking since you don't have to worry about hitting the vertical pieces with the forklift. I prefer the single-sided cantilever rack because it goes up against a wall, which IMHO works better in a smaller shop.

You can make it as short or as long as you want. For instance, you could use 3 uprights spread (typically) about 3 feet apart to create a rack that's perfect for 8' pieces. Here's an example:

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Or you could do 4 uprights to create a rack that will hold up either 10' pieces OR two 5' (baltic birch) pieces.

Im looking for a deal on one for my shop right now...

 

[Oldwood]

9' wide is good for most ply. If you leave the top short of the ceiling by 4' or so you can use the top shelf for longer sheets and lumber. If you have more than one bank in width the top becomes even more useful.

my $.02 worth

Gerry

 

[Iceclimber]

Man i would love one of those racks. I am about to build something outa lumber for sheet goods and I'm not excited about it vrs a real commercial metal system

 

[Wooden Skye]

I would definitely go for something similar to what WOW posted.  For the width, I would try to go slightly more than 4' wide.  It helps keep the edges in better shape.  9' long should be fine.  If you have the ability to go 3 high, that would be best. 

 

[WPeters]

Thanks for all your feedback!  I like the cantilever idea...

 

[WoodWhisperer]

Here's  the one I made with random stuff around the shop.  I made mine just over 8ft. If I built it again I would go wider. As u can see if u put too much on it, it bows just a little!!