Pallet Types & Products
From stringer pallets to block pallets, hardwood to softwood, new to recycled — learn the options, then request a quote. Requests from Phoenix and the Valley; availability depends on partner suppliers.
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Understanding Pallet Types
Selecting the right pallet type is critical for safe, efficient shipping and storage. Each design has distinct advantages depending on load weight, handling equipment, storage conditions, and whether the pallet will be used domestically or for international export.
Stringer Pallets
The most common pallet design in North America. Stringer pallets use two or three parallel pieces of lumber (stringers) to support the deck boards. They are a common, economical choice for most warehousing and shipping applications. The stringers run the full length of the pallet and provide structural support, while notched cutouts along each stringer allow fork entry from two or four sides depending on the configuration.
Key Features
- 2-way or 4-way partial fork entry
- Often lower cost than block pallets
- Easy to repair and recycle
- Ideal for standard warehouse racking
Block Pallets
Block pallets use solid wood blocks between the top and bottom deck boards, typically nine blocks arranged in a 3x3 pattern. This design provides true 4-way fork entry from all sides, making them the preferred choice for high-volume distribution centers and automated material handling systems. Block pallets are generally stronger and more durable than stringer pallets, and they distribute weight more evenly across the deck surface.
Key Features
- True 4-way fork entry
- Higher load capacity
- Generally more durable than stringer pallets
- Compatible with automated systems
Hardwood Pallets
Constructed from dense hardwood species such as oak, maple, birch, and hickory, hardwood pallets deliver exceptional strength and load-bearing capacity. Hardwoods have a higher density and tighter grain structure, which means they resist impact damage, splitting, and surface wear better than softwoods. They are the go-to choice for heavy loads, export shipments, and applications where the pallet will be reused many times over.
Key Features
- Higher static and dynamic load capacity
- Excellent resistance to damage and wear
- Longer service life with proper maintenance
- Ideal for heavy industrial loads
Softwood Pallets
Made from pine, spruce, fir, and other coniferous species, softwood pallets are the workhorse of the pallet industry. They are lighter weight, easier to handle, and often less expensive than hardwood alternatives. Softwoods accept heat treatment and chemical treatment more readily, making them a common choice for international shipping that requires ISPM 15 treatment. Their lighter weight also reduces transportation costs.
Key Features
- Lightweight and easier to handle
- Often less expensive than hardwood
- Readily accepts heat treatment (ISPM 15)
- Lighter to ship because of lower weight
Heat-Treated (HT) Pallets
Heat-treated pallets have been processed by an authorized treatment provider so the wood core reaches 56 degrees Celsius for a minimum of 30 minutes, as described in the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (ISPM 15). This treatment targets insects, larvae, and pathogens that could spread across international borders. Treated pallets carry an IPPC mark showing the treatment. Treatment is generally required for wood packaging used in international shipping; confirm the requirements for your destination.
Key Features
- Treated to ISPM 15 for international shipping
- Treatment targets pests and pathogens
- Used for international shipments
- Marked with the IPPC treatment mark
New vs. Recycled Pallets
Choosing between new and recycled pallets depends on your application, budget, and sustainability goals. New pallets offer uniform dimensions and clean condition, making them a common choice for automated systems and customer-facing applications. Reused pallets often cost less than new, and reusing a pallet avoids building a new one. Condition varies by supplier and grade, so ask a partner supplier what is available and request a quote to compare.
Key Features
- Reused pallets often cost less than new; ask for a quote to compare
- Reuse avoids building a new pallet
- New pallets offer exact dimensional consistency
- Sizes and availability depend on partner suppliers
Product Resources
Dive deeper with detailed size guides, grading information, and accessories for your pallet needs.
Pallet Size Guide
Reference for standard US and international pallet sizes, dimensions, typical weight capacities, and industry-specific considerations.
View size guidePallet Grades
Learn how Grade A, Grade B, and Grade C pallets are commonly described, and which grade tends to fit different operations.
View gradesAccessories & Custom Products
Pallet collars, top frames, slip sheets, corner boards, stretch wrap, and custom wood products made from reclaimed pallet lumber. Ask a partner supplier.
View accessoriesPallets for Every Industry
Food & Beverage
Clean, uniform, heat-treated or untreated pallets are commonly requested for food and beverage shipping. Ask the supplier about condition, treatment and any handling requirements your customers set.
Export & Shipping
Pallets and crates shipped internationally are generally required to be treated to ISPM 15 and carry the IPPC mark. Ask for treated pallets when you request a quote.
Manufacturing
Heavy-duty hardwood or block pallets are commonly used for heavy loads and repeated forklift handling in production facilities.
Retail & E-Commerce
Recycled pallets are commonly used for one-way shipping, display pallets, and high-volume distribution centers.
Pallet Anatomy 101
Understanding the individual components of a pallet helps you make smarter purchasing decisions, communicate repair needs clearly, and evaluate pallet quality with confidence. Here is every part of a standard wood pallet, what it does, and why it matters.
Top Deck Boards
The horizontal boards on the upper surface of the pallet where products are placed. Standard top decks use 5 to 7 boards, each typically 3.5 to 6 inches wide and 5/8 to 3/4 inch thick. Board spacing matters: gaps wider than 3.5 inches can cause small packages to fall through, while tighter spacing distributes weight more evenly across the load. Top deck boards take the most abuse from fork tines, product edges, and stacking pressure, so their condition is a primary factor in grading.
Bottom Deck Boards
The horizontal boards on the underside of the pallet that contact the floor, racking, or conveyor surface. Most pallets have 3 bottom boards — one along each edge and one in the center. Bottom boards are typically the same thickness as top boards but may be narrower (3 to 4 inches wide). They prevent the stringers from rocking on flat surfaces and distribute the pallet weight across racking beams. Missing or cracked bottom boards cause instability on conveyors and in racking.
Stringers
The long structural members that run the full length of a stringer pallet, connecting the top and bottom deck boards. Standard stringers are 2x4 lumber (actual 1.5 x 3.5 inches) and are the primary load-bearing element. A typical pallet has 3 stringers: one on each edge and one in the center. Notches cut into the stringers at regular intervals allow forklift fork entry. The center stringer is the most critical — if it cracks, the pallet can lose a significant share of its load capacity.
Blocks
Solid wood cubes (typically 3.5 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches) used in block pallets instead of full-length stringers. A standard block pallet uses 9 blocks arranged in a 3x3 grid, connected by short stringer boards running between them. Block construction provides true 4-way fork access from all sides and distributes compression loads more evenly than stringers. Blocks are made from hardwood or compressed wood and are generally resistant to cracking, which is part of why block pallets are considered more durable.
Lead Boards
The outermost top and bottom deck boards at each end of the pallet. Lead boards take the heaviest impact from forklift entry and are the first boards to show damage. On a quality pallet, lead boards are often thicker (sometimes 3/4 inch instead of 5/8 inch) or made from harder wood species than interior boards. Inspectors pay special attention to lead boards during grading because they are the most common failure point. A pallet with cracked lead boards should not be used on racking systems.
Notches & Fork Entry
Rectangular cutouts in the stringers (typically 9 inches wide by 1.5 inches deep) that allow forklift forks to slide under the top deck. A 2-way pallet has notches on both ends; a partial 4-way pallet adds notches along the sides as well. The notch dimensions must match standard fork tine widths (4 to 6 inches), and the opening must be at least 3.25 inches tall for proper fork clearance. Damaged or undersized notches cause forks to jam, increasing handling time and the risk of pallet breakage.
Chamfers
Angled cuts on the bottom edges of the lead boards or stringer ends that create a tapered entry point for pallet jacks and forks. Chamfers reduce the chance of a fork tip catching on the pallet edge during insertion. A standard chamfer is cut at a 45-degree angle, removing approximately 3/4 inch of material. Pallets used in automated systems almost always require chamfers, because robotic handling equipment relies on smooth, consistent entry geometry to avoid jams on conveyor lines.
Fasteners (Nails & Screws)
The hardware that holds the pallet together. Most pallets are assembled with helically threaded (spiral shank) or ring-shank nails, which resist withdrawal better than smooth-shank nails. Nail length typically ranges from about 2.25 to 2.5 inches for deck-to-stringer connections. Protruding nails are a common safety hazard and a typical reason to downgrade a pallet. Some specialty pallets use screws for higher pull-out resistance, though this adds to assembly cost.
Deckboard Spacing
The gaps between individual top deck boards, typically ranging from 1 to 3.5 inches depending on design and application. Tighter spacing (1 inch or less) is required for small items, automated systems, and food-handling applications. Wider spacing (up to 3.5 inches) saves lumber and reduces weight but limits what can be placed on the pallet. Many 48x40 pallets use five to seven top boards, leaving gaps wide enough for airflow in cold storage but narrow enough for most carton sizes.
New vs. Recycled: A Side-by-Side Comparison
The new-versus-recycled decision affects your budget, your sustainability goals, and your operational needs. Here is a general comparison to help you decide what to ask for.
| Factor | New Pallets | Recycled Pallets |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Priced by quote; depends on lumber market conditions and order size | Reused pallets often cost less than new; ask a partner supplier for a quote to compare |
| Environmental Impact | Requires new lumber to be harvested and milled for each pallet | Reusing or repairing a pallet avoids building a new one; wood that can't be repaired can often be ground into mulch or fuel, depending on the recycler |
| Structural Strength | Built to a specification, so boards and construction tend to be consistent | Varies with grade and repair quality; ask the supplier about condition and your load requirements |
| Availability | Depends on lumber supply and supplier schedules | Depends on partner suppliers; sizes and quantities vary |
| Customization | Can usually be made to a requested size, wood species, board count, treatment, and branding | Usually limited to the sizes suppliers have on hand; some suppliers may sort or select for larger requests |
| Dimensional Consistency | Built to a specified size, which tends to suit automated material handling and AS/RS systems | Can vary from pallet to pallet; tight-tolerance applications may need sorting or a tighter specification |
| Appearance | Clean, uniform color with no prior wear; suited to customer-facing and retail environments | Varies by grade; Grade A is commonly described as visually clean, Grade B may show minor wear, Grade C shows clear signs of prior use |
| Sustainability Documentation | Some suppliers may be able to source lumber from forests with chain-of-custody programs; ask | Reuse may support waste reduction and circular economy goals; ask the supplier what documentation is available |
The Bottom Line
For many applications, a Grade A or Grade B recycled pallet is a practical alternative to a new one, and reused pallets often cost less than new; ask for a quote to compare. Common exceptions include fully automated AS/RS warehouses that require tight tolerances, applications with strict cosmetic requirements, and custom sizes that may not be available in recycled form. A partner supplier can talk through the options for your loads and handling equipment.
Wood Species Guide for Pallets
The wood species used in a pallet determines its weight, strength, moisture resistance, and cost. Understanding the properties of each species helps you match the right pallet to your specific application and environment — especially in Arizona, where heat and low humidity create unique challenges.
Know Your Wood
Species selection affects strength, weight, and cost
Why Wood Species Matters
The species of wood used in pallet construction directly impacts load capacity, durability, weight, and cost. Hardwoods like oak and maple offer greater strength for heavy loads, while softwoods like pine and spruce provide a lighter, more economical option for standard shipping. In Arizona's dry climate, moisture content stays naturally low, which benefits all species but particularly enhances softwood performance.
Hardwood
Typically higher load capacity and more use cycles
Softwood
Typically lighter, widely used and often less expensive
Southern Yellow Pine
Janka Hardness: 690 lbf — Softwood | Approx. 35 lbs per pallet (48x40; typical, confirm with the supplier)
One of the most commonly used pallet woods in the United States. Southern Yellow Pine (SYP) is affordable, widely available from southeastern U.S. mills, and accepts heat treatment and chemical treatment readily. SYP is a common choice for ISPM 15 export pallets.
Moisture Resistance
Moderate moisture resistance; requires treatment for prolonged outdoor use. Absorbs and releases moisture faster than hardwoods, which can cause warping in high-humidity environments but performs well in Arizona's dry climate.
Availability in Arizona
Generally performs well in Arizona. The dry climate keeps moisture content low, which tends to help wood strength. SYP pallets stored outdoors in Phoenix can develop surface checking (small cracks) from UV exposure. Availability depends on partner suppliers.
Oak (Red & White)
Janka Hardness: 1,290 lbf (Red) / 1,360 lbf (White) — Hardwood | Approx. 55 to 65 lbs per pallet (48x40; typical, confirm with the supplier)
A premium choice for heavy-duty pallets carrying heavy loads. Oak pallets are common in the automotive, steel, and heavy manufacturing industries. A well-built oak pallet can go through many use cycles before needing repair. White oak is often preferred for outdoor applications due to its moisture resistance.
Moisture Resistance
White oak has strong moisture resistance due to tyloses that block the wood pores. Red oak is more porous and more susceptible to moisture damage. Both species resist rot better than most softwoods.
Availability in Arizona
Oak is typically sourced from eastern U.S. forests, so it may be less common in the Arizona pallet market. Its density and hardness make it a strong choice for heavy loads and rougher forklift handling. Availability depends on partner suppliers.
Hard Maple
Janka Hardness: 1,450 lbf — Hardwood | Approx. 60 to 70 lbs per pallet (48x40; typical, confirm with the supplier)
Hard maple is one of the densest and strongest North American hardwoods, making it a fit for pallets that support very heavy loads such as engine blocks, steel coils and industrial machinery.
Moisture Resistance
Moderate moisture resistance. Maple is susceptible to staining from moisture contact but resists structural damage from intermittent wetting. In Arizona's dry climate, moisture is rarely a concern.
Availability in Arizona
Maple is sourced primarily from the northeastern U.S. and upper Midwest, so it may be harder to find locally. It is mainly relevant for specialized heavy-load applications. Availability depends on partner suppliers.
Spruce / Fir (SPF)
Janka Hardness: 490 to 590 lbf — Softwood | Approx. 30 to 35 lbs per pallet (48x40; typical, confirm with the supplier)
SPF lumber is a staple of the Canadian and northern U.S. pallet industry. It is lightweight, easy to nail without splitting, and generally economical. SPF pallets are often used for lightweight consumer goods, electronics, and any application where reducing pallet weight is a priority. The light color of spruce also gives pallets a cleaner appearance.
Moisture Resistance
Low moisture resistance compared to other species. Spruce and fir are susceptible to fungal growth in humid environments but perform well in dry climates. Both species dry quickly and maintain dimensional stability once seasoned.
Availability in Arizona
SPF pallets arrive in Phoenix through Canadian and northern U.S. supply chains and may be available through recycled channels. The wood performs well in Arizona's dry heat, though it is softer and more prone to fork damage than pine or hardwoods. Availability depends on partner suppliers.
Poplar / Cottonwood
Janka Hardness: 540 lbf — Hardwood (classified, but relatively soft) | Approx. 38 to 45 lbs per pallet (48x40; typical, confirm with the supplier)
Poplar occupies a middle ground between softwoods and true hardwoods. It is technically a hardwood but has a lower density and hardness closer to softwoods. Poplar pallets are used for moderate-weight loads where some additional strength over pine is needed. Common in the furniture, paper, and general manufacturing industries.
Moisture Resistance
Poor moisture resistance. Poplar absorbs water readily and is highly susceptible to decay in wet conditions. However, it dries quickly and performs adequately in covered or indoor environments.
Availability in Arizona
Poplar grows throughout the eastern U.S. and arrives in Arizona on inbound freight. It performs adequately in the dry climate but is more susceptible to splitting from rapid moisture loss than denser species. Best suited for indoor or covered applications. Availability depends on partner suppliers.
How Pallets Are Made
Whether new or recycled, every pallet goes through a precise manufacturing and assembly process. Understanding how pallets are built helps you appreciate the engineering behind this deceptively simple product and why quality varies so widely across suppliers.
Lumber Selection & Grading
The process begins with raw lumber selection. New pallet manufacturers source green (freshly cut) or kiln-dried lumber from sawmills. The lumber is graded for structural defects: knots larger than a third of the board width, wane (bark edge), splits, and rot are all evaluated. For recycled pallets, this step involves sorting incoming used pallets and dismantling those beyond repair to salvage usable boards.
Cutting to Dimension
Lumber is cut to precise lengths and widths on industrial cut-off saws and rip saws. A standard 48x40 stringer pallet uses deck boards cut to 40 inches and stringers cut to 48 inches. Accurate cuts matter at this stage, because boards need to be close to target length for the finished pallet to meet its dimensional specification. Larger pallet plants commonly use automated lumber feeders.
Notching (Stringer Pallets)
For stringer pallets, each stringer is run through a notching machine that cuts the fork-entry openings. Standard notches are about 9 inches wide and 1.5 inches deep, positioned to create enough fork clearance. A 4-way partial entry pallet receives notches on both the ends and the center of each stringer. The notching must be precise: oversized notches weaken the stringer, while undersized notches prevent proper fork entry.
Assembly & Nailing
The cut lumber is assembled in a nailing jig, a metal fixture that holds boards in exact position during fastening. Pneumatic nail guns drive helically threaded or ring-shank nails through each deck board into the stringers. Nail depth, angle, and spacing all matter to prevent splitting and to ensure pull-out resistance. Plants may use skilled operators or automated nailing machines.
Chamfering & Finishing
After assembly, lead board edges may be chamfered on a belt sander or router table to create the angled entry surface for forks and pallet jacks. Some pallets also receive branding stamps, customer logos, or barcodes at this stage. For recycled pallets, finishing commonly includes removing protruding nails, sanding rough edges, and checking dimensions against the specification.
Heat Treatment (If Required)
Pallets destined for international shipping are heat treated so that the wood core reaches 56 degrees Celsius (132.8 degrees Fahrenheit) and holds for a minimum of 30 minutes. This treatment is performed by authorized treatment providers. After treatment, the pallet carries an IPPC mark showing the country code, the provider and the treatment method (HT for heat treatment).
Quality Check & Stacking
Finished pallets are commonly checked for protruding nails, cracked boards, dimensional accuracy, and overall structural integrity. Pallets that pass are sorted by grade (for recycled) or by order (for new), then stacked and often banded with steel or poly strapping for transport. Pallets that fail may be repaired or dismantled for lumber recovery.
Storage & Delivery
Finished pallets are typically stored organized by size, grade, and treatment status. What a supplier has available, and whether pickup or delivery is available, depends on the partner supplier. Describe your sizes, quantities and location in a quote request and a partner supplier can follow up with options.
Pallet Lifecycle: From Forest to Recycling
A wood pallet is one of the most commonly reused and recycled shipping products. Here is a general overview of the stages in a pallet's life, from lumber to repair to end of life.
Forest & Harvest
Sawmill lumber
much of it from lower-grade logs and mill byproducts
Pallet lumber commonly comes from sawmills, including lower-grade logs and byproducts that are not suited to furniture or construction. Pallet manufacturing is one outlet for this lower-grade timber, which is why pallet lumber is often described as a byproduct market for forest products.
Manufacturing
Lumber in, pallets out
cut to size, assembled and fastened
Manufacturers cut lumber to size and assemble pallets, with a standard 48x40 pallet using a sizable volume of lumber. Sawdust, bark and offcuts from manufacturing are commonly sold for mulch, animal bedding or biomass fuel.
First Use & Distribution
Many trips
before a pallet needs repair or retirement
Once manufactured, pallets carry goods from manufacturers to distributors to retailers. Over its life a pallet may make many trips and may need repair along the way. How long it lasts depends on the load, the handling equipment and the construction.
Collection & Sorting
Sorted by condition
size, type and repair needs
Used pallets are collected from retailers, manufacturers and distribution centers by recyclers. Recyclers typically sort by size and condition: some pallets are reusable as they are, some need repair, and some are dismantled for lumber recovery. Pickup may be available through partner suppliers.
Repair & Refurbishment
Replace boards
rather than rebuild the whole pallet
Pallets that need repair typically have damaged boards removed and replaced, often with lumber reclaimed from dismantled pallets. Repaired pallets are commonly re-sorted by grade and returned to service. Repairing a pallet generally uses less new material than building one from scratch.
End of Life
Second life
for wood that can't be repaired
When a pallet can no longer be economically repaired, its lumber can often be recovered. Depending on the recycler, the wood may be ground into landscape mulch, processed into animal bedding or chipped for biomass fuel. Some reclaimed pallet wood is also used in custom wood projects such as garden beds and display stands.
Choosing a recycled pallet can mean getting another trip out of a pallet that has already been built. Reusing a pallet avoids building a new one, and wood that can't be repaired can often be ground into mulch or fuel, depending on the recycler. A partner supplier can tell you what is available.