Coil Racks for Heavy-Duty Steel Storage | Structural I-Beam Systems Ohio
Storing steel, wire, and cable coils directly on the floor is common, but it’s rarely efficient and often unsafe. Industrial coil racks are designed to solve that problem by safely supporting heavy cylindrical loads while making better use of vertical warehouse space.
Midwest Material Handling, LLC supplies new and used coil racks engineered for demanding industrial environments throughout Ohio. Our coil rack systems are built using heavy-duty structural I-beam construction, making them ideal for handling extreme point loads, repeated forklift impact, and long-term use in real-world facilities.
One of the biggest advantages of coil racking is getting coils off the floor. By stacking coils vertically, coil racks free up valuable floor space, improve organization, and create a safer, more efficient storage layout without expanding your building.
What Are Coil Racks?
Coil racks are a specialized type of industrial storage racking designed specifically to store large steel and metal coils. Unlike standard pallet rack, coil racking systems are built from structural steel components designed to handle very high loads and concentrated point pressures.
These systems are commonly used in steel service centers, manufacturing facilities, and warehouses where coils are too heavy or unstable for palletized storage. When properly designed, structural coil racks allow coils to be stored multiple levels high while remaining accessible, stable, and secure.
Structural Coil Rack Design Features
Structural coil racks are engineered differently than roll-formed pallet rack due to the weight and shape of coils. Key design features include:
Heavy-duty structural I-beam uprights and beams
High load capacity per level and per frame
Resistance to forklift impact and deflection
Configurations designed for vertical coil storage
Compatibility with coil cradles and saddles
These features make structural coil racks a reliable solution for facilities handling heavy or high-value coils on a daily basis.
Coil Rack Capacity and Load Ratings
Because coils create concentrated point loads, coil rack capacity is always engineered based on the application.
Typical design ranges include:
5,000 to 30,000 lbs per coil
20,000 to 40,000 lbs per rack level
60,000 to 120,000+ lbs per upright frame, depending on height and configuration
Actual capacity depends on coil weight, coil diameter, beam span, cradle design, rack height, and handling equipment. All coil rack systems should be designed to account for dynamic loading from forklifts or cranes, not just static weight. All coil rack systems are designed to meet application-specific load requirements and are engineered based on real-world handling conditions.
Common Coil Rack Heights
One of the primary benefits of coil racks is vertical storage.
Common upright heights include:
18′ uprights for tighter clearances or smaller coil diameters
20′ uprights (most common for three-high coil storage)
22’–24′ uprights for larger coils or future growth
A 20′ structural upright is often ideal for storing three coils vertically, one on the floor and two in the rack, while maintaining safe handling clearance.
Structural Beam Spans and Ratings
Beam selection is critical in coil rack systems due to the way loads are transferred through cradles or saddles.
Common beam spans include:
72″ beams (most common)
84″ beams
96″ beams for engineered applications
For applications with 10,000-lb coils, beam pairs are commonly designed to support 25,000–30,000 lbs per level, allowing for safety and impact factors. Structural I-beam construction provides greater resistance to deflection and damage compared to roll-formed beams.
Coil Cradles and Saddle Options
Most coil rack systems use coil cradles or saddles to support the coil and prevent rolling.
Standard coil cradles are typically designed for:
30″–48″ outside diameter coils
10,000 lbs per coil
These cradles are built significantly heavier than drum or pallet supports and are designed to distribute weight evenly across both rack beams. For larger or heavier coils, custom cradle and saddle designs are available to match specific coil sizes and weights.
Floor Slab and Point Load Considerations
Unlike palletized loads, coils place significant point loads on both the rack system and the concrete floor.
Important factors include:
Slab thickness and concrete PSI
Reinforcement below rack uprights
Load distribution under floor-stored coils
Cradle and base plate contact areas
In many facilities, a 6″ industrial slab is sufficient for 10,000-lb coils, but slab conditions should always be reviewed as part of the rack design process.
Coil Rack Design and Installation Services
We don’t just sell coil racks, we install them too!
With over 30 years of experience, Midwest Material Handling helps customers design coil rack systems that improve workflow, increase safety, and make better use of available space. Our team works with you to evaluate coil sizes, weights, handling methods, and building conditions to ensure the system fits your operation.
We provide coil rack installation services locally in Ohio, regionally, and nationwide for customers with multiple facilities.
Get Help Selecting the Right Coil Rack System
Choosing the right coil rack involves more than just rack height and beam size. Our team can help you evaluate:
Coil size and weight ranges
Storage height requirements
Forklift or crane handling
Floor slab conditions
Expansion and future growth plans
Contact Midwest Material Handling, LLC to get help designing a safe, heavy-duty coil rack system built for your operation.
Why Choose Midwest Material Handling?
Over 30 years of material handling experience
Structural coil rack systems designed for real-world use
New and used coil rack options available
Engineered layouts and professional installation
Service throughout Ohio and nationwide
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Coil Rack FAQs
How much weight can coil racks hold?
Coil racks are engineered based on the application, but most structural coil rack systems are designed to support anywhere from 5,000 to 30,000 pounds per coil. Total capacity per rack level and per frame depends on coil size, rack height, beam span, and cradle design.
How high can coils be stored in a coil rack?
Many coil rack systems are designed for vertical storage, commonly allowing coils to be stored two or three levels high. A 20-foot structural rack is often used for three-high storage, with one coil on the floor and two stored in the rack.
Are coil racks made from standard pallet rack?
No. Coil racks are built from heavy-duty structural steel components, not standard roll-formed pallet rack. Structural I-beam construction is used to handle the concentrated point loads created by steel coils and to withstand forklift impact.
Do coil racks require special supports?
Yes. Most coil rack systems use coil cradles or saddles to prevent rolling and distribute weight evenly across the rack beams. These supports are designed specifically for cylindrical loads and are much heavier than standard pallet or drum supports.
Can coil racks be customized?
Yes. Coil rack systems are commonly customized based on coil diameter, coil weight, storage height, handling equipment, and floor conditions. Custom beam spans, cradle designs, and rack heights are often used to match specific applications.
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