Atlanta Pallet Rack
Teardrop vs Keystone vs Structural vs Cantilever Rack
The four rack styles we make and sell, side by side: how the beams attach, the sizes, ratings and delivery, and what each one is chosen for.
To tell selective rack apart, look at the slots punched up the front of an upright. Teardrop-shaped slots mean teardrop rack. Keystone-shaped slots mean keystone, also called Republic rack. Beams bolted to heavy C-channel uprights mean structural rack. Cantilever has no front columns at all: arms reach out from a row of towers.
Teardrop and keystone parts do not mix, so when you add to a system, match the style you already have. Not sure what you have? Send us a photo of an upright and a beam end and we will identify it.
How the four rack types compare
| Feature | Teardrop | Keystone (Republic) | Structural | Cantilever |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| How it goes together | Beams hook into teardrop slots; a safety clip stops them lifting out | Beams lock into keystone slots with a safety clip | Beams bolt to the uprights (4 nuts and bolts per beam) | Arms bolt to I-beam towers; no front columns |
| Steel | Roll-formed | — | Structural C-channel (C3 or C4) | Structural I-beam |
| Upright / tower heights | 6' to 32' | 6' to 24' | 10' to 34' | 8' to 24' |
| Depths | 24" to 60" | 24" to 60" | 36", 42", 48", 60" | Single or double sided |
| Beam / arm lengths | 48" to 192" | 48" to 144" | 96" to 108" | Arms 24" to 96" |
| Top rating we sell | Up to 16,000 lb per beam pair | Up to 11,800 lb per beam pair | See the size table | Up to 7,550 lb per arm |
| Level adjustment | Every 2" | Every 3" | — | Arms every 4" |
| Delivery | Standard sizes in stock | Standard sizes ship in 48 hours | Made to order | Most parts ship in 48 hours |
| Mixes with | Most other teardrop makers | Keystone and Republic only | — | — |
| Chosen for | Most new systems; widest range of compatible parts | Expanding or repairing keystone systems; frequent reconfiguring | Heavy loads, forklift contact, drive-in and deep-lane layouts | Lumber, pipe, bar stock, sheet goods and other long items |
Figures are for the rack we make and sell. Ratings are per pair of beams with the load spread evenly (UDL), or per arm. Check the size table on each product page for your exact size.
Go to a rack type
Frequently asked questions
Can I mix teardrop and keystone parts?
Is keystone rack the same as Republic rack?
Which type should I choose for a new warehouse?
Which is quickest to get?
Do you sell used versions?
Not sure which rack you need?
Tell us what you store, the pallet size and weight, and your building size. We will recommend a rack type and send a priced quote.
- Free layout review
- Direct from the manufacturer
- Freight quoted with your order
Prefer to talk? Call (678) 534-0450