Horizontal drum storage lays 205-litre drums on their side in cradles, tap at the low point, so you can dispense by gravity straight into cans, jugs and containers — no pump, no tipping. Our horizontal drum stores are UK-manufactured by GPC Industries, led by the DH274Z four-drum horizontal drum store.
When to store drums horizontally
Horizontal is the dispensing orientation. Fit a tap to the drum, rack it in the cradle and draw off oil or fluids as needed — the standard arrangement for lubricant stores, workshops and plant rooms where the same drums are decanted week after week. The cradles hold each drum steady, and stacking four drums in one DH274Z frame keeps a busy dispensing point tidy on a small footprint.
Decanting is also where drips and spills happen, so put containment underneath: a drip tray or spill pallet from the spill containment range, sized to the 110%/25% bund rule covered in our guide to storing oil drums safely.
Other formats
For sealed drums awaiting use, vertical drum storage keeps bungs uppermost and drums compact. Outdoors or where security matters, the fully enclosed drum stores come in horizontal 1, 2 and 4-drum formats with an open-topped sump, ventilated doors and 3-point locking — the same dispensing layout, weather-protected and lockable. Our covered & enclosed drum stores guide compares the options, and the drum storage collection shows the full range, with drum handling equipment for getting drums in and out.
Horizontal drum storage FAQs
What is horizontal drum storage?
Drums lie on their side in cradles so you can dispense by gravity from a tap into cans and containers.
Which unit is listed?
The GPC DH274Z four-drum horizontal drum store, made in the UK by GPC Industries.
When is horizontal storage the right choice?
When you decant the same drums regularly, for example lubricants in a workshop or plant room.
Do I need a tap?
Dispensing by gravity relies on a tap fitted to the drum, which is the standard arrangement for horizontal stores.
Is it suitable for outdoors?
The open DH274Z suits indoor use. Outdoors or where security matters, see the fully enclosed horizontal stores, which have a sump, ventilated doors and 3-point locking.
Where do drips go?
Decanting is where drips happen, so place a drip tray or spill pallet under the dispensing point. See our spill containment range.
What containment size is needed?
The bund must hold 110% of the largest container or 25% of the total stored, whichever is greater.
What if I store sealed drums only?
Vertical drum storage keeps bungs uppermost and drums compact.
How do I handle the drums?
See our drum handling equipment guide and the drum storage collection.
