types of wooden pallets

You ever think about how many things rely on pallets? Probably not. Most folks don’t. But if you’re shipping products, stacking inventory, or running anything close to a warehouse, wooden pallets quietly carry a lot of weight—literally and figuratively.

Truth is, not all pallets are the same. And picking the wrong one can screw up more than you’d expect. Damaged shipments. Messed up storage. Lost time. More cash down the drain than you’d like.

Knowing the different types of wooden pallets helps you avoid all that mess. Let’s talk through the kinds that actually matter—and how to pick what fits your setup.

Why Wooden Pallets Still Rule

Yeah, plastic and metal pallets exist. But wooden ones still dominate for a reason—they’re cheap, sturdy, easy to fix, and recyclable. You can find a wooden pallets supplier in almost any region. They’re kind of the standard tool in the shipping world.

They come in all shapes and builds, depending on what you’re hauling. And while they might look similar at first glance, the design details make a big difference when you’re loading thousands of pounds or dealing with tight spaces.

Don’t let the wrong pallet slow you down—get professional input today.

The Common Types of Wooden Pallets

Here’s the real breakdown. These are the types you’ll run into most often, and each comes with its own use case.

1. Stringer Pallets

These use two or three wood runners (called stringers) to support the top deck. You’ve probably seen them a hundred times—they’re everywhere.

  • Two-way entry by default, but can be notched for four-way.
  • Easy to repair and relatively cheap.

Best for: General shipping and storage where durability is needed but extreme strength isn’t the main concern.

2. Block Pallets

These are the tough guys. They use both perpendicular and parallel stringers. Think of them as the upgraded version of stringer pallets.

  • Four-way entry—forklifts and jacks can pick them up from any side.
  • They support heavier loads and are more stable.

Best for: Industrial uses, large freight, international shipments.

3. Double-Faced Pallets

These have decks on both the top and bottom. You get more strength, more balance, and better support.

  • Some are reversible (both sides the same), others non-reversible (one side stronger).
  • Can reduce product damage due to more surface coverage.

Best for: Delicate or expensive products, or environments using automated equipment.

4. Solid Deck Pallets

Instead of slats, these have a full sheet of wood on the top. There’s no gap. Super clean-looking and less risk of stuff falling through.

  • They’re harder to clean than plastic ones, but safer for products.
  • Reduce contamination and damage.

Best for: Food products, pharmaceuticals, and light electronics.

5. Winged Pallets

These are stringer or block pallets where the deck extends beyond the stringers or blocks. Looks like the top has little wings sticking out.

  • Helps with better load stability and strapping.
  • Reduces overhang for larger items.

Best for: Odd-shaped boxes or oversized loads where edge support is helpful.

6. Custom Pallets

Sometimes you’ve got stuff that just doesn’t fit standard sizes. Maybe it’s super long, heavy, or oddly shaped. That’s when you talk to a wooden pallets supplier who can build something tailored.

  • Custom sizing, strength, material, and treatment options.
  • Higher cost upfront, but fewer problems later.

Best for: Products that need special handling or regular international transport.

Odd size pallet? Odd weight pallet? We’ve got a puzzle solution.

Other Key Factors: It’s Not Just the Type

Even within the different types of wooden pallets, you’ve got other decisions to make. Stuff like wood type, treatment, and reusability.

Softwood vs. Hardwood

  • Softwood (like pine): Cheaper, lighter, often used for one-time shipping.
  • Hardwood (like oak or maple): Stronger, heavier, longer-lasting.

Hardwood pallets are overkill for short hauls. But if you’re stacking heavy equipment or loading shelves again and again, you’ll want the strength.

Heat Treatment (ISPM-15 Compliance)

If you’re shipping internationally, your pallets usually need to be heat-treated to kill bugs and pests. Look for the stamp—no stamp, no ship.

  • Heat treatment is standard for export.
  • Some countries reject untreated pallets at customs.

Your wooden pallets supplier should know this and offer treated options without you having to ask.

New vs. Used vs. Recycled

  • New Pallets: Top strength, customizable, more expensive.
  • Used Pallets: Budget-friendly, available quickly, might have wear.
  • Recycled Pallets: Remanufactured using used wood—eco-friendly and middle-ground on cost.

Don’t assume new is always better. If you’re not moving fragile stuff, used or recycled can do the job just fine.

How to Pick the Right One for Your Setup

Let’s make it simple. Ask yourself:

What’s the weight of your load?

You don’t want to overload a softwood pallet with machinery parts.

How often will you reuse it?

One-time shipment? Go with softwood or used pallets. Repeated cycles? Go strong.

Are you shipping overseas?

You’ll need heat-treated wood. No exceptions.

How are you handling the pallets?

Using forklifts? You might need four-way access. Only loading from one side? Two-way works fine.

What’s your budget?

Factor in upfront cost and potential damage costs. Sometimes it pays to go sturdier.

Why Your Supplier Choice Matters

Picking the right pallet is only half the game. The other half? Partnering with a wooden pallets supplier who actually knows what they’re doing.

You want someone who:

  • Offers a wide range of options, not just one-size-fits-all
  • Can explain treatment requirements without making it confusing
  • Is reliable on delivery and quality
  • Will work with you on bulk orders or recurring shipments

Don’t just grab pallets off a random listing online. Talk to someone. Ask questions. Build a working relationship so you’re not scrambling every time you need to restock.

What Most People Get Wrong

Let’s clear up a few things that trip folks up:

  • More expensive doesn’t always mean better. Custom hardwood pallets are overkill for cheap plastic products.
  • Pallets aren’t one-time decisions. Needs change. Products change. Keep checking that your pallet setup still fits your business.
  • Not all suppliers are the same. Some just sell bulk. Others actually help you get the right setup. Big difference.

Get pallets that make your packing process painless.

Ready to Choose?

Now that you’ve got the full picture on the types of wooden pallets, picking the right one should feel a little less like guesswork.

Don’t settle for something “close enough.” Whether you’re running a warehouse, loading up a fleet, or shipping out orders from a small shop, your pallet choice directly affects your bottom line.

Need help figuring out what fits? Talk to a wooden pallets supplier who actually listens. You’ll save time, protect your goods, and probably avoid a few headaches along the way.

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