Wood pallets are a staple tool in many different industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, retail, and logistics. Demand continues to grow across Australia, showing a 22 per cent increase from just one year ago.
There are many different types of pallets, with distinct characteristics and capabilities, and at varying price points. It can be difficult to know which is best for any particular project.
This article explores the different kinds of wooden pallets and their intended uses. Keep reading to find out which ones might be right for your industry or business.
Types of Wooden Pallets by Material
Many different materials are used to make wooden pallets. The most common ones available include:
- Hardwood
- Softwood
- Reclaimed wood
Hardwood Pallets
As the name suggests, hardwood refers to wood from deciduous trees that is quite dense. The most common types include oak, cherry, maple, walnut, and mahogany. A big advantage of hardwood pallets is that they are more durable and resistant to wear and tear.
Another distinction of hardwoods is that they tend to feature intricate and varied grain patterns. This is why hardwood is common in wooden furniture making.
One downside to hardwood is that the trees it comes from take longer to grow. This makes it more expensive than other types of wood.
Softwood Pallets
Softwood comes from coniferous trees or cone-bearing evergreens. Common ones include pine, cedar, spruce, fir, and redwood. They tend to be less dense than hardwoods.
Softwood pallets tend to be much lighter than hardwood ones. This can be a huge advantage for minimising fuel costs. Also, despite its lightweight, softwood can still be quite strong.
Softwood trees also grow much faster than hardwoods, which makes them readily available and sustainable. It is one of the main reasons that softwood pallets tend to be more affordable than hardwood ones.
Softwood is also much easier to cut and shape than hardwood. This translates to lower labour costs, which drives the price of softwood pallets down even further.
Recycled Wood Pallets
Recycled wood pallets are those that take previously used wood and refurbish it. This includes wood used in building materials, such as flooring or panelling, as well as old pallets. They often contain various types of wood, but pine and oak are two common ones.
Recycled wooden pallets contribute to greater sustainability in several ways. They keep otherwise quality wood from going to disposal, and they limit the need for having to source more wood, conserving natural resources. A related benefit is that sourcing new wood requires greater energy use, which recycled wood pallets help avoid.
Types of Wooden Pallets by Design and Use
Beyond materials, there are other considerations to make when choosing wooden pallets. This involves their design and related pallet applications. Here are the main configurations:
- Block pallets
- Stringer pallets
- Double-face pallets
- Winged pallets
Block Pallets
Block pallets use blocks arranged in a grid in the middle of the pallet to support the top deck boards. They are usually placed at the corners and centre of the pallet.
There are several advantages of block pallets. One is its strength and durability. They can handle large loads and hold up well under heavy use.
Another benefit of block pallets is that forklift or pallet jack forks can enter the pallet from any of the four sides. This makes them versatile for handling and loading in almost any environment, which can greatly improve efficiency.
Finally, block pallets are commonly used in other parts of the world besides Australia. This makes them preferable for international logistics.
One drawback of block pallets is that they can be more expensive than other wooden pallet types. Due to their robust design, they also can be heavier than other pallets.
Stringer Pallets
Stringer pallets use two or three long pieces of wood, or “stringers,” that run parallel to each other along the length of the pallet. The top surface deck boards of the pallet are nailed to the stringers.
Stringer pallets are less expensive to make than block pallets. This can be an attractive option for businesses looking to limit costs. They also are usually lighter than block pallets, which can reduce fuel and transportation costs.
One drawback of stringer pallets is that they allow forklift or pallet jack forks to enter from only two sides of the pallet. Some stringer pallets have been modified with notches cut into the stringers to allow entry from the other two sides, though this can diminish the stability of the pallet.
Double-Face Pallets
Double-face pallets have deck boards on both the bottom and top sides. That makes them reversible so that both sides can be used to support materials. Double-face pallets can have two- or four-way entry, depending on their design.
Double-face pallets have great strength and stability. This makes them useful for stacking exceedingly heavy loads. They also can be good for situations where stability is crucial.
One drawback of double-face pallets is that, due to the extra material, they can weigh more than other types. The extra wood also can increase the production costs of the pallet.
Winged Pallets
Winged pallets have deck boards that extend beyond the edges of the pallet blocks or stringers. This creates additional surfaces or “wings” on the pallet. Most winged pallets allow four-way entry.
One of the biggest advantages of a winged wooden pallet is that it can accommodate loads that are larger than standard widths. It also is less likely to shift during transit.
Winged pallets may not be ideal for transport or storage spaces that are not designed to accommodate larger dimensions. They also may unnecessarily take up more space, if the extra surface is not needed. A final drawback is that the winged surface is weaker than the rest of the pallet.
Find Wooden Pallets Near You
Now that you understand the different types and uses of wooden pallets, you can determine which one is right for your business or project. An experienced manufacturer or retailer can further advise you on distinct wooden pallet benefits and uses.
Pinewood Products is a family-owned producer of treated pine products, located on the Gold Coast. For more than 30 years, we have been providing Australian merchants and contractors with the highest quality wooden pallets available, and at competitive prices. Reach out to us today to learn more.
