Wood Pallets

Durable and versatile wooden pallet solutions

Wood Types

Hardwood Pallets

Made from oak, maple, or other hardwoods. Extremely durable and long-lasting. Perfect for heavy loads and repeated use. Higher cost but better long-term value.

Softwood Pallets

Made from pine, fir, or spruce. Lighter weight and more affordable. Ideal for one-time shipping or lighter loads. Most common type in circulation.

Mixed Wood Pallets

Combination of hardwood and softwood. Balances durability with cost-effectiveness. Good general-purpose option for various applications.

Benefits of Wood Pallets

Cost-Effective

Wood pallets offer excellent value, especially when considering repair and recycling options that extend their useful life.

Strong & Durable

Can support heavy loads and withstand rough handling. Properly maintained wood pallets can last for years.

Repairable

Damaged wood pallets can often be repaired rather than replaced, reducing costs and environmental impact.

Recyclable

At end of life, wood pallets can be recycled into mulch, fuel, or new products, supporting sustainability goals.

High Friction

Wood surface provides natural grip, reducing load shifting during transport without additional securing materials.

Customizable

Easy to modify or customize for specific applications. Can be cut, nailed, or reinforced as needed.

Wood Species

Oak

Premium hardwood offering exceptional strength and durability. Dense grain structure resists splitting and damage. Ideal for heavy-duty applications requiring maximum load capacity and extended service life. Higher cost justified by longevity in demanding environments.

Southern Yellow Pine

Most common softwood for pallets offering excellent strength-to-cost ratio. Harder and denser than other pines, provides good durability at affordable price. Widely available throughout Southeastern United States including Florida.

Maple and Ash

Quality hardwoods with good strength characteristics. Lighter color than oak with fine, uniform grain. Balance strength and economy for applications requiring durability without premium oak pricing. Popular in Northern pallet manufacturing.

Douglas Fir

Western softwood prized for strength and straightness. Superior to most pines in load capacity while remaining cost-effective. Excellent stiffness makes it ideal for stringers and structural components in pallet construction.

Poplar and Aspen

Lightweight hardwoods suitable for lighter-duty applications. Lower density reduces pallet weight, saving shipping costs. Good choice for one-way shipping or retail display pallets where maximum strength not required.

Mixed Hardwoods

Combination of various hardwood species depending on regional availability. Economical option providing good performance. Species mix varies but typically includes oak, maple, ash, and other hardwoods. Consistent quality despite species variation.

Treatment Options

Heat Treatment (ISPM 15)

Required for international shipping to eliminate pests. Wood heated to 56°C core temperature for minimum 30 minutes. Does not affect strength or durability. Pallets receive official stamp proving treatment compliance. Standard requirement for export worldwide.

Kiln Drying

Reduces moisture content to 15-19% preventing warping, mold, and dimensional instability. Drying in controlled kiln ensures consistent results. Premium option for applications requiring stable dimensions and clean appearance. Lighter weight than green lumber.

Pressure Treatment

Chemical preservatives forced deep into wood fibers protect against rot, decay, fungi, and insects. Extends outdoor life significantly, ideal for pallets stored outside or in high-moisture environments. Not food-contact safe.

Fumigation

Alternative to heat treatment using methyl bromide gas. Being phased out due to environmental concerns but still accepted for ISPM 15 compliance. Less common than heat treatment. Some countries restricting or banning fumigation.

Flame Treatment

Surface charring for aesthetic effect or slight hardening. Not a preservation method but creates distinctive appearance. Sometimes used for display pallets or specialty applications where appearance matters. Minimal impact on durability.

No Treatment (Green Lumber)

Untreated wood pallets suitable for domestic use where ISPM 15 not required. Most economical option. Higher moisture content than kiln-dried but performs adequately for many applications. Cannot be used for international shipping.

Grade Differences

Premium Grade (Grade A)

Like-new appearance with no repairs, stains, or blemishes. All original components, consistent color, tight construction. Suitable for visible applications, retail display, or when appearance matters. Commands premium pricing but delivers professional presentation.

Standard Grade (Grade B)

Minor repairs acceptable, structurally sound and tight. Some cosmetic imperfections but good overall appearance. Workhorse grade suitable for most applications. Best value balancing quality and cost for typical warehouse and transportation use.

Utility Grade (Grade C)

More extensive repairs and wear but functionally sound. Cosmetically imperfect with stains, variations in wood types, and visible repairs. Performs reliably where appearance not important. Economical choice for storage and one-way shipping.

Combo/Economy Grade

Mixed qualities from Grade B and C. Variable appearance and repair levels. Very economical option. Suitable for non-visible applications, internal use, or temporary needs. Each pallet functional though appearance varies significantly.

Repaired/Refurbished

Damaged pallets professionally repaired to restore functionality. Replacement components match originals. Performs comparably to original pallets at fraction of cost. Graded after repair as Premium, Standard, or Utility based on final appearance.

Recycled/Remanufactured

Built from reclaimed pallet components. Mixed wood species and board widths common. Functional and economical but variable appearance. Sustainable option keeps wood in service while providing budget-friendly pallets for non-critical applications.

Maintenance Tips

Regular Inspection

Check pallets regularly for damaged boards, loose fasteners, or structural issues. Catch problems early before minor damage becomes major failure. Remove damaged pallets from service immediately to prevent injury or product damage.

Proper Storage

Store pallets on level surface in dry, ventilated area when not in use. Stack carefully to prevent warping or crushing bottom pallets. Keep away from water, chemicals, and extreme temperatures. Proper storage extends life significantly.

Correct Handling

Train forklift operators in proper pallet handling techniques. Insert forks fully, lift smoothly, avoid dragging or dropping. Mishandling causes most pallet damage. Proper equipment operation dramatically extends pallet fleet life.

Load Distribution

Distribute weight evenly across pallet surface. Avoid point loads or unbalanced loads causing localized stress. Keep load within pallet perimeter preventing overhang that stresses boards. Proper loading prevents premature failure.

Timely Repairs

Repair damaged pallets promptly before damage worsens. Simple repairs like replacing single board prevent collapse. Deferred maintenance turns minor issues into pallet failures. Regular repair program keeps fleet operational and safe.

Rotation System

Rotate pallet inventory ensuring even wear across fleet. Prevents some pallets getting excessive use while others sit idle. First-in-first-out system maximizes utilization and identifies damaged units before they fail in service.

Lifespan Factors

Wood Species Selection

Hardwood pallets outlast softwood 2-3x in demanding applications. Species density and strength directly impact longevity. Premium woods justify higher cost through extended service life. Match wood species to application intensity.

Usage Intensity

Light warehouse use yields 10+ year lifespan. Heavy industrial use may limit life to 2-3 years. Frequency of handling, load weight, and handling care significantly affect durability. Understanding usage helps predict replacement needs.

Environmental Conditions

Indoor, climate-controlled storage maximizes lifespan. Outdoor storage, moisture, and temperature extremes accelerate deterioration. UV exposure weakens wood fibers. Chemical exposure can damage or stain pallets. Environment dramatically affects longevity.

Quality of Construction

Well-built pallets with proper fastening and quality materials last longer. Adequate fasteners, properly sized components, and good craftsmanship prevent early failures. Initial quality investment pays dividends in extended service life.

Maintenance Program

Regular inspection and timely repair extends life 50-100% compared to neglected pallets. Small repairs prevent major failures. Proactive maintenance program maximizes fleet longevity and return on investment.

Handling Practices

Careful handling prevents most damage. Forklift abuse, dropping, dragging, and overloading cause premature failure. Operator training and proper equipment use critical to achieving potential pallet lifespan. Handle carefully to maximize investment.

Environmental Benefits

Renewable Resource

Wood is renewable material from sustainably managed forests. Trees regrow replacing harvested timber. Responsible forestry ensures long-term availability. Unlike petroleum-based plastic, wood pallets come from renewable, sustainable source.

Carbon Storage

Trees absorb CO2 during growth, wood pallets store that carbon throughout their life. Using wood products reduces atmospheric carbon. Long pallet service life extends carbon storage duration supporting climate change mitigation.

Lower Production Energy

Manufacturing wood pallets requires less energy than plastic or metal alternatives. Sawmill operations use renewable wood waste for power. Lower production energy means smaller carbon footprint per pallet manufactured.

Repairability and Reuse

Wood pallets easily repaired extending useful life dramatically. Multiple use cycles before recycling maximizes resource efficiency. Repair infrastructure well-established throughout industry supporting sustainable practices.

Complete Recyclability

At end of life, wood pallets become mulch, animal bedding, fuel, or engineered wood products. Zero waste possible with complete recovery. No landfill necessary unlike some alternative materials. Circular economy ideal.

Biodegradability

Unlike plastic lasting centuries in landfills, wood naturally decomposes. If pallets do enter waste stream, they break down into soil without environmental harm. Natural material returns to earth completing biological cycle.

Wood Pallets FAQ

How do I choose between hardwood and softwood pallets?

Hardwood suits heavy, repeated loads while softwood is cost-effective for lighter applications.

Do you kiln-dry lumber?

Kiln drying and heat treatment are available when moisture control matters.

Can pallets be branded?

We add stencils, ink stamps, or branding plates for fast identification.

What load capacities are typical?

Standard 48x40 pallets handle about 2,500 pounds dynamically, and heavier builds are available.

Can I order recycled wood pallets?

We stock multiple grades of recycled wood pallets for budget-friendly use.

Do you offer pest control treatments?

Heat-treated pallets eliminate pests and meet international requirements.

How can I extend pallet life?

Store pallets indoors, avoid throwing them, and schedule repairs when damage appears.

Do you source sustainable lumber?

We prioritize mills that follow responsible forestry programs.

What custom sizes can you build?

Any footprint can be manufactured with the proper lead time and drawings.

Are there inspection reports?

QC logs document each production batch and can be shared with customers.