With all of the different types of wooden pallets out there, it can be tough to know which type is right for your project. There are pallets made of hardwoods like oak and maple, and there are also softer woods like pine. With the different woods come different durability and price points.
What are wood pallets?
Wood pallets are a flat transport structure that supports goods in a stable fashion while being lifted by a forklift, a front loader, a jacking device, or a crane. The goods are often stacked, and resting on the stringers (support boards) that run perpendicular to the direction of travel.
While there are many ways to create a wood pallet, the most common design in North America consists of three or four flat deck boards placed on top of two stringers (support boards). The stringers are generally cut from 2×4 lumber and nailed or screwed into place.
Pallet wood determines its type
The wood type used in the construction of a pallet will ultimately determine its price, durability, and ability to withstand different types of weather and wear and tear. Here are some of the more popular types of wood used to create pallets:
Pine – Pine is softwood that is light in color with a straight grain. It’s a lower-cost option for pallets, but it’s also not as durable as some of the other woods on this list.
Oak – Oak is a hardwood that ranges in color from white to reddish-brown. It has a coarse grain that is very strong, making it a good choice for pallets that will be used outdoors or for heavy loads.
Maple – Maple is a hardwood that ranges in color from creamy white to reddish-brown. It has a tight grain that makes it strong and resistant to wear and tear.
Cedar – Cedar is a softwood that ranges in color from light brown to reddish-brown. It has a coarse grain and is very durable, making it a good choice for outdoor pallets.
Birch – Birch is a hardwood that ranges in color from creamy white to pale yellow. It has a fine grain that makes it strong and resistant to wear and tear.
Poplar – Poplar is a hardwood that ranges in color from creamy white to light green. It has a straight grain that makes it strong and resistant to wear and tear.
There are many other types of wood used to create pallets, but these are some of the most popular. When choosing a type of wood for your pallet, consider its intended use and the weight of the load it will need to support.
Different types of pallets
Now that you know a little bit about the different types of wood used to create pallets,
let’s take a look at some of the different types of pallets themselvesand heat-treated pallets.
Hardwood Pallets:
These pallets are made of harder woods like oak and maple. They are more durable than softwood pallets and can withstand more weight, making them a good choice for heavy loads.
Hardwood pallets are also more expensive than softwood pallets, so keep that in mind when making your decision.
Softwood Pallets:
These pallets are made of softer woods like pine. They are less durable than hardwood pallets but are still suitable for lighter loads. Softwood pallets are also less expensive than hardwood pallets.
Recycled Pallets:
These pallets are made from recycled wood. They may be made of hardwoods or softwoods, but they are not as strong as new pallets. Recycled pallets are a good choice for lighter loads and are less expensive than new pallets.
How to choose the right type of wood pallet
When choosing a wood pallet, consider its intended use and the weight of the load it will need to support. If you’re not sure which type of pallet is right for your project, ask a pallet expert at your local hardware store or lumberyard.
Your use of the pallet will also help you determine what type of wood to use. If you need a durable pallet for outdoor use, choose hardwood like oak or maple. If you need a lighter-weight pallet for indoor use, choose a softwood-like pine. But most importantly, you should look for a wooden pallet that is free of any sort of toxin.
Why choose a wooden pallet?
Wooden pallets offer a number of advantages over other types of pallets, including:
Strength – Wooden pallets are strong and can support heavy loads.
Durability – Wooden pallets are durable and can withstand years of use.
Versatility – Wooden pallets can be used for a variety of applications, from shipping to storage.
Environmentally friendly – Wooden pallets are made from renewable resources and can be recycled or composted when they’re no longer needed.
Now that you know a little bit about wooden pallets, let’s take a look at how to identify them.
How to identify different types of wooden pallets?
When it comes to identifying different types of wooden pallets, there are a few things you can look for. These include:
The type of wood – Different woods have different colors, grain patterns, and densities. This can help you identify the type of wood used to make the pallet.
The weight of the pallet – Heavier pallets are usually made of hardwoods, while lighter pallets are usually made of softwoods.
The size of the pallet – Standard pallets are typically 40”x48”, but you may also see pallets that are larger or smaller.
The condition of the pallet – Newer pallets will be in better condition than older pallets.
Now that you know how to identify different types of wooden pallets, you’ll be able to choose the right type of pallet for your project.
Final Words
If you’re searching for resilient and enduring wooden pallet manufacturers in East Tennessee, you’ve come to the right place. We have accumulated 40 years of successful experience and customer satisfaction, and we provide you with top-notch services and wood products. Unaka Forest Products has an exceptional product range that caters to your unique requirements and preferences, whether wooden pallets, precut lumber, biofuel chips, or landscape mulch. We also sell organic wooden mulch, precut lumber, and biofuel. Contact us today for the best quality wooden pallets.
