Wooden pallets are essential in modern logistics, warehousing, and transportation, offering a versatile and durable solution for handling goods across industries.
Made primarily from hardwoods or softwoods, they come in various types and designs to meet specific needs.
Learn more about wooden pallets below.
What Are Wooden Pallets?
Wooden pallets are flat structures, typically made from hardwood or softwood lumber, used to support goods during storage and transportation.
These pallets provide a stable base that makes it easy to lift and move large quantities of products with forklifts, pallet jacks, and other handling equipment.
They come in several styles and sizes, with the most common being the standard 48” x 40” pallet, which aligns with the needs of the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA).
They are widely used around the world and have become essential components in the global supply chain.
How Durable Are Wooden Pallets?
Wooden pallets are known for their impressive durability, making them a popular choice for transporting and storing heavy loads.
Their strength and resilience largely depend on the type of wood used.
Hardwood pallets made from oak or maple tend to be sturdier than softwood options like pine, although softwood pallets are often lighter and easier to handle.
Generally, they can support up to 4,600 pounds, so they are suitable for a wide range of industrial applications.
They can endure multiple trips and rough handling, too, especially if they are well-maintained and repaired as needed.
They also have a certain level of flexibility, meaning they can withstand some amount of impact and pressure without breaking.
With regular inspection and repair, you can extend their lifespan significantly, enhancing their durability and making them a cost-effective option for long-term use.
What Wood Is Used for Wooden Pallets?
Wooden pallets are primarily made from either hardwood or softwood, with the choice of wood type affecting the pallet’s strength, weight, and cost.
In North America, hardwood pallets are often crafted from species like oak and maple, which provide a high level of durability and strength.
These hardwood species are naturally dense, offering a robust structure that can better withstand repeated use and rough handling in industrial environments.
Softwood pallets, on the other hand, are frequently made from pine, fir, or spruce. They are lighter and generally more affordable.
The wood used for pallets is often sourced from fast-growing species and may come from lumber by-products, which makes pallet production more sustainable and efficient.
4 Common Types of Wooden Pallets
There are several types of wooden pallets, each designed to suit different needs in storage and transportation. Below are the common types of wooden pallets.
1. GMA Pallets
GMA pallets are the most widely used pallets in North America, designed to meet the standards set by the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA).
They typically measure 48” x 40” and are crafted to be durable and cost-effective for a variety of industries, especially food and beverage distribution.
2. Stringer Pallets
Stringer pallets use three parallel pieces of wood, known as stringers, to support the top deck boards.
These stringers are the main support structure, running along the pallet’s length, and are typically notched to allow for partial four-way entry by pallet jacks and forklifts.
They are durable and commonly found in the United States, with variations in size and wood type.
3. Block Pallets
Block pallets are constructed with both parallel and perpendicular wood blocks, providing a more robust structure than stringer pallets.
These pallets are often designed with a true four-way entry system. Forklifts and pallet jacks can access them from any side.
They are typically more expensive due to their solid construction but are highly valued for their strength and longevity.
4. Recycled Wooden Pallets
Recycled wooden pallets are previously used pallets that have been refurbished to extend their lifespan.
They are repaired or remanufactured, often by replacing damaged boards or stringers, so they can meet similar strength and durability requirements as new pallets.
Available in a range of sizes and styles, they are ideal if you are looking to lower expenses while maintaining quality.
They are also popular for non-industrial uses, such as DIY projects and furniture, due to their affordability and sustainability.
How Much Do Wooden Pallets Cost?
The cost of wooden pallets can vary widely depending on factors such as wood type, pallet size, and whether the pallet is new, used, or recycled.
On average, a new standard 48” x 40” wooden pallet can cost between $11 and $25, with hardwood pallets usually priced at the higher end due to their durability and material density.
Softwood pallets tend to be more affordable, often within the lower range. They are great if you need a lighter, less expensive pallet for single-use or limited-use applications.
Recycled and used pallets are also available at a reduced cost, typically ranging from $5 to $15 per pallet.
Used pallets can often perform just as well as new ones for many applications.
Prices can also fluctuate based on regional lumber availability and market demand, which may drive costs up during periods of high lumber demand or scarcity.
Moreover, additional features such as heat treatment, custom sizing, or specific certifications can increase the cost.
Where to Get Wooden Pallets for Free?
Finding free wooden pallets is possible through a variety of local businesses and community sources.
Many small to medium-sized retail stores often receive shipments on wooden pallets and may give them away for free rather than storing or disposing of them.
Grocery stores and pet supply shops are also good places to check, as they frequently receive large quantities of goods on pallets and may have extras they are willing to part with.
Construction sites and warehouses are other excellent options for sourcing free pallets, especially after completing projects where they may have pallets that are no longer needed.
Check out this article for a comprehensive list of the best places to find free pallets.
Remember to check for any markings that indicate chemical treatments or contaminants, as some pallets may be unsuitable for projects involving direct contact with people, food, or plants.
Conclusion
Wooden pallets can support a variety of storage and transportation needs and their widespread availability makes them accessible for different budget levels.
New pallets can be purchased directly from manufacturers, but there are also numerous options for finding free or discounted pallets.
If you need wooden pallets, we have them. You can learn more about our pallet products here.
Chesapeake Pallets has been helping companies across the United States level up their logistics, one pallet at a time.
For inquiries, email info@chesapeakepallets.com or request a quote below!
