Types of Wooden Pallets and Their Uses

Hardwood vs Softwood Pallets

The terms "hardwood" and "softwood" refer to the specific species of wood that was used in the construction of a pallet. Pine, for example, is a type of softwood that is characterized by its light color and straight grain pattern. It's inexpensive to produce, which makes pine one of the more cost-effective pallet options out there. The trade-off is that they're not as durable when compared to other wood types.

Another example of a softwood pallet would be those made out of cedar. Cedar is known for being very durable, which typically makes it an ideal choice for pallets that are going to be stored outside. You don't have to worry about harming the structural integrity of the pallet if it is exposed to the elements for long periods of time.

Oak is an example of a hardwood pallet. It is also very strong meaning that it can not only be used outdoors, but for heavier loads as well.

2-Way vs. 4-Way Pallets

Other types of pallets include 2-way and 4-way varieties. The main difference between them comes down to accessibility. 2-way pallets are open on two sides, which means they have to be stacked and stored very precisely to be easily moved around in the future. 4-way pallets are open on all sides, meaning that a piece of equipment like a forklift or a pallet jacket can access them from any angle.

Depending on the layout of your warehouse, it's entirely possible that you can get by with 2-way pallets. However, if versatility is a top priority, 4-way pallets may be necessary. If you're having a hard time deciding, don't worry - we're here to help. The team at Advance Pallet will go over all of your options with you so that you have the most accurate information to work from when making decisions.

Stringer vs. Block Pallets

One reason that a business might choose stringer pallets over block pallets has to do with the extra support offered by the former. With stringer pallets, you have two boards running across the top and bottom deck on two opposing sides. This typically means that stringer pallets are sturdier and can hold more weight.

The potential downside is that because of that design, stringer pallets can be lifted from the two open sides. Having said that, four-way stringer pallets are available if you need them.

Heat Treated Pallets

As the name implies, heat-treated pallets are exposed to extreme heat during their construction in an attempt to fend off not only pest and insect infestation but the potential spread of disease, too. These are all very real dangers that you might face, especially if you're transporting food items over long distances. In that specific example, using heat-treated pallets would be a far better alternative to fumigation, which may not be an option at all depending on how sensitive your cargo is.

Used/Recycled Pallets

Finally, we have used and/or recycled pallets. Just because these pallets aren't brand-new doesn't mean they are somehow of a lower quality. Oftentimes used pallets are available because a business no longer had space in their warehouse for them – not because they are "inferior" in some way. Likewise, recycled pallets can be just as strong as newly constructed ones.

If you'd like to find out more information about the types of wooden pallets and their uses, or if you just have additional questions you'd like to have answered in more detail, please don't hesitate to contact Advance Pallet today.