Many industries, particularly the warehousing and manufacturing industry, are completely dysfunctional in the absence of wooden pallets. Manufacturing, agriculture, retail, logistics, and several other sectors call for the highest-grade wooden pallets and used pallets to maintain optimal business operations. Different types of pallets are available in the markets with distinctive tips, characteristics and capabilities. They come with different features, so choosing the most beneficial one can be very tough. This article explores various types of wooden pallets and their uses in different industries. This guide will help you understand different types of pallets and where they can be used around us.

TYPES OF WOODEN PALLETS BY MATERIALS

When we talk about wooden pallets, we must know that different materials are used in manufacturing. The most common names are – 

  • HARDWOOD
  • SOFTWOOD
  • RECLAIMED WOOD

WHAT ARE HARDWOOD PALLETS?

Used pallets, reconditioned pallets, and new pallets made from hardwood are those made from wood derived from deciduous trees. An important feature of this wood is its very dense and hardness. The most common trees that generate hardwood are oak, cherry, maple, walnut and mahogany. The most significant advantage of hardwood pallets is that they are more durable than all their counterparts and resistant to wear and tear. You will find used pallets made from hardwood and reconditioned pallets with very intricate and varied grain patterns. This grain pattern makes hardwood a perfect raw material for designer furniture manufacturing and for high-quality materials like doors and windows. The only downside of hardwood is that it takes a long time to grow, and this is why hardwood pallets are not cheap pallets at all.

WHAT ARE SOFTWOOD PALLETS?

Softwood pallets are those made from wood derived from coniferous trees or cone-bearing evergreen trees. The most common names to include in this list are pine, cedar, spruce, fir and redwood. One significant difference you will immediately notice between hardwood and softwood is that the latter is also less dense and lightweight. 

This is why used pallets are never made from softwood, as the wood is less durable and prone to quick damage and wear and tear. However, since they are lightweight, they contribute a lot towards minimising transportation costs, and a fantastic fact about softwood pallets is that despite being lightweight they are very durable and robust. Trees that generate softwood grow much faster than trees that generate hardwood, and this is why softwood is readily available. Moreover, pallets made from softwood can be categorised as cheap pallets, as they are more affordable than their hardwood counterparts.

RECYCLED WOODEN PALLETS

Recycled wooden pallets are also called ‘used pallets' or ‘reconditioned pallets' and are basically those previously used and refurbished for further use. This includes used pallets made from hardwood, which was used earlier as building material or for some other task. Recycled wooden pallets are made from hardwood like pine and oak. These pallets contribute immensely towards sustainability and play a significant role in conserving natural resources.

TYPES OF WOODEN PALLET BY DESIGN AND USE

Warehouses across the globe use different types of wooden pallets, and they are different in design and application. Some main configurations are discussed below, beginning with block pallets.

WHAT ARE BLOCK PALLETS?

Block pallets use blocks arranged as a grade to support the deck board and have several advantages. Strength and durability are two main characteristics, and block used pallets can handle large loads under intense pressure. Another benefit is that machines like pallet jacks, forklifts, etc., can enter the pallet from all four sides. This versatility is not found in other used pallets and is responsible for improved efficiency.

WHAT ARE STRINGER PALLETS?

Stringer pallets are made from two or three long pieces of wood that run parallel along the length of the pallet. They are less expensive but equally attractive options for businesses. They are lighter and help you reduce fuel and transportation costs.

Then, there are double-face pallets and wing pallets used the most at our warehouses. Double-face pallets are reversible and can be used from both sides with two or four-way entry. Winged pallets are known for creating additional surfaces, and the most significant advantage is that they can support loads of larger sizes than their original platform size.