Types of Pallets

Understanding different pallet designs and their applications

By Construction Type

Stringer Pallets

Most common type. Use boards (stringers) between the top and bottom deck boards. Cost-effective and widely available. Two-way or four-way entry options.

Block Pallets

Use blocks instead of stringers for support. Four-way entry from all sides. Better weight distribution and durability. Ideal for heavy loads.

Double-Face Pallets

Deck boards on both top and bottom. Provides extra strength and reversibility. Perfect for heavy-duty applications requiring maximum stability.

Solid Deck Pallets

Continuous surface without gaps. Prevents small items from falling through. Easy to clean and maintain. Great for food and pharmaceutical industries.

Specialty Pallets

Drum Pallets

Designed specifically for drums and barrels with circular cutouts or reinforced centers for stability.

Display Pallets

Attractive finish for retail environments. Often painted or branded for promotional displays and in-store merchandising.

Rackable Pallets

Engineered for use in warehouse racking systems with reinforced construction to prevent sagging under load.

Export Pallets

Meet international shipping standards including ISPM 15 heat treatment requirements for pest-free certification.

Stackable Pallets

Designed to interlock when stacked, maximizing storage space and preventing shifting during transport.

Nestable Pallets

Can be nested inside each other when empty, saving significant storage and return shipping space.

Construction Methods

Notched Stringer Construction

Stringers feature notches allowing partial four-way forklift entry while maintaining structural strength. More versatile than unnotched stringers and more economical than block pallets for many applications.

Full Perimeter Base

Bottom deck boards run entire pallet perimeter providing maximum strength and protection. Ideal for heavy loads or rough handling environments where bottom board damage is common concern.

Flush Design

Top deck boards align flush with pallet edges, no overhang. Creates smooth, even surface ideal for automated handling systems and conveyors requiring precise dimensions without protruding elements.

Reversible Construction

Identical top and bottom deck configurations allow pallet to be flipped and used from either side. Doubles usable life before repair needed, excellent value for one-way shipping applications.

Winged Pallets

Top deck boards extend beyond stringer edges creating overhang or "wings." Provides extra surface area for product while maintaining standard forklift entry. Common in specific industries with unique packaging needs.

Captive Pallet Design

Special construction with features preventing removal from specific racking or handling systems. Used in closed-loop systems where pallets remain within controlled facility or network.

Material Options

Heat-Treated Wood

Wood pallets treated to ISPM 15 standards for international shipping. High-temperature treatment eliminates pests without chemicals. Required for export to most countries, ensuring customs compliance and preventing shipment delays.

Kiln-Dried Lumber

Wood dried in controlled kiln reduces moisture content preventing warping, mold, and dimensional changes. Premium option for applications requiring consistent dimensions and clean appearance throughout pallet life.

Pressure-Treated Wood

Chemical treatment protects against rot, decay, and insect damage for outdoor storage or harsh environments. Extended life in challenging conditions where standard wood deteriorates quickly. Not suitable for food contact.

Reclaimed Lumber

Salvaged wood from dismantled pallets or other sources. Environmentally friendly option at lower cost than new lumber. Suitable for applications where cosmetic appearance less critical than functionality and price.

Composite Materials

Engineered wood products like plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) offer consistent properties and smooth surfaces. Ideal for specialized applications requiring specific performance characteristics or flat deck surface.

Combination Construction

Mix materials strategically - hardwood stringers for strength with softwood deck boards for economy. Optimizes cost-to-performance ratio by using premium materials only where structural demands require it.

Special Features

Anti-Slip Surfaces

Textured or coated top deck prevents load slippage during transport. Crucial for smooth-bottomed products or applications where load shifting creates safety hazards or product damage risks.

Drainage Holes

Strategically placed holes allow water, ice, or spills to drain rather than pool on pallet surface. Essential for food processing, outdoor storage, or products susceptible to moisture damage.

Chamfered Edges

Beveled deck board edges reduce splinters and ease forklift entry. Improves worker safety and protects products from edge damage. Professional touch that extends both pallet and product life.

Reinforced Corners

Extra blocking or bracing at corners where stress concentrates. Prevents the most common failure point in pallets, particularly important for heavy loads or rough handling environments.

Integrated Runners

Bottom runners facilitate dragging pallets when forklift access unavailable. Allows ground-level movement without lifting equipment in space-constrained areas or temporary staging situations.

RFID Compatibility

Design accommodates embedded RFID tags for tracking and inventory management. Pockets or protected areas prevent tag damage during handling while ensuring reliable scanning throughout pallet lifecycle.

Application Guides

Warehouse Storage

Block pallets excel in racking systems with four-way entry and superior weight distribution. Stringer pallets work well for ground stacking. Choose pallet type based on racking configuration and load requirements.

Transportation and Shipping

Standard stringer pallets most economical for one-way shipping. Reversible pallets maximize value in closed-loop systems. Size selection critical for optimizing truck cube and minimizing freight costs.

Manufacturing and Production

Durable block pallets handle repeated cycles through production lines. Smooth deck surfaces protect finished goods. Standardization simplifies material handling and reduces equipment variety needed.

Retail and Display

Half or quarter pallets fit retail floor space efficiently. Display-grade pallets with clean appearance and sometimes paint or branding. Lighter construction acceptable since handling less intensive than warehouse use.

Export and International

Heat-treated pallets meeting ISPM 15 standards essential for international shipment. Consider destination country size standards. Plastic pallets avoid treatment requirements but cost significantly more.

Food and Pharmaceutical

New or thoroughly cleaned pallets prevent contamination. Plastic pallets ideal for washdown environments. Smooth surfaces without splinters or cracks prevent bacterial growth and simplify sanitation compliance.

Durability Comparisons

Stringer vs Block Longevity

Block pallets typically last 25-30% longer than comparable stringer pallets due to superior load distribution and reduced stress concentration. Higher initial cost offset by extended service life and lower total cost of ownership.

Hardwood vs Softwood Life

Hardwood pallets endure 2-3 times more handling cycles than softwood in demanding applications. Softwood adequate for light use or one-way shipping. Hardwood investment pays off in heavy-duty, multi-trip scenarios.

New vs Repaired Performance

Professionally repaired pallets perform comparably to new pallets for most applications. Quality repairs restore 90-95% of original strength and life expectancy at fraction of new pallet cost.

Treatment Impact on Longevity

Heat treatment does not reduce pallet durability - purely pest control measure. Pressure treatment extends outdoor life significantly but limits applications. Kiln-drying improves stability and longevity versus green lumber.

Usage Intensity Effects

Pallet life varies dramatically by application. Gentle warehouse use allows 10+ years. Rough shipping environments may require replacement in 2-3 years. Understanding usage intensity guides appropriate pallet selection and budget.

Maintenance and Longevity

Regular inspection and timely minor repairs prevent small problems from becoming major failures. Proper handling practices and suitable storage dramatically extend pallet fleet life regardless of type selected.

Selection Criteria

Load Weight Requirements

Match pallet construction to maximum load weight including dynamic (moving) and static (stationary) loads. Racking loads highest stress requiring strongest pallets. Overloading causes failures and safety hazards.

Handling Equipment Compatibility

Verify pallet type works with your forklifts, pallet jacks, and conveyors. Two-way entry requires forklift access from specific sides. Four-way entry offers more flexibility. Automated systems need precise specifications.

Environmental Conditions

Indoor, climate-controlled environments allow lighter construction. Outdoor storage, temperature extremes, or moisture require treated wood or alternative materials. Chemical exposure dictates material selection.

Trip Frequency and Distance

One-way shipping uses economical expendable pallets. Closed-loop systems justify investment in durable, repairable pallets. Long-distance shipping needs rugged construction; local moves allow lighter pallets.

Regulatory and Industry Requirements

Export requires ISPM 15 treatment. Food/pharmaceutical industries need clean, non-porous surfaces. Some retailers mandate specific pallet specifications. Compliance requirements narrow selection options significantly.

Budget and Total Cost

Consider acquisition cost plus repair/replacement costs over time. Cheapest initial price may cost more long-term. Balance upfront investment with durability, repairability, and expected service life for true value assessment.

Pallet Types FAQ

How do I choose between block and stringer pallets?

Block pallets allow four-way entry and higher strength, while stringers are lighter and economical.

Do you build specialty pallets for drums or coils?

Yes, cradles and cutouts are engineered for cylindrical products.

Are double-face pallets heavier?

They use more lumber and weigh slightly more, but provide reversibility and strength.

Do you supply nestable plastic pallets?

Space-saving nestable designs are stocked for retail and export programs.

How should specialty pallets be maintained?

Store them on level surfaces, keep them dry, and inspect hardware regularly.

Can you retrofit pallets with extra boards?

We add runner boards, cleats, or stops to support delicate goods.

Are solid-deck pallets good for food use?

Yes, solid decks prevent product leakage and can be built with heat-treated lumber.

Do you rent specialty pallets?

Short-term rental pools cover display pallets, export pallets, and reinforced models.

How do I recycle unusual pallets?

We dismantle them into reusable parts or send them to specialty recyclers.

Can you certify pallets for automated systems?

Engineering teams confirm tolerances for conveyors and AS/RS equipment.