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Pallet Types

Every type of wood pallet, explained

A clear, visual breakdown of every common wood pallet — what each one is called, what it looks like, and where it fits. Use it to pinpoint exactly what you need.

Construction 3 stringers · notch = 4-way
01 / CONSTRUCTION

Stringer Pallet

The stringer pallet is the workhorse of North American freight. Its frame is built from three (sometimes more) parallel boards called stringers that run the length of the pallet, with deck boards nailed across the top and bottom.

Because the stringers are continuous, a forklift naturally enters from the two ends. Cut notches into the stringers and a forklift can also enter the sides — giving 'partial 4-way' access — though a pallet jack can still only enter the two un-notched ends.

  • Three stringers form the load-bearing frame
  • 2-way entry, or partial 4-way when notched
  • Lowest cost and easy to repair with companion stringers

BEST FOR · The everyday GMA freight pallet for grocery, retail, and general warehousing.

Construction 9 blocks · true 4-way
02 / CONSTRUCTION

Block Pallet

A block pallet replaces the long stringers with nine solid blocks — one at each corner, one at the middle of each side, and one in the center — joined by top and bottom boards.

Those gaps between the blocks let a forklift or pallet jack enter from all four sides (true 4-way), and the block structure carries and stacks more reliably. It's the standard for automation, racking, and pallet-pooling programs.

  • Nine blocks instead of stringers
  • True 4-way entry from every side
  • Stronger, more stable — ideal for automation & export

BEST FOR · Automated lines, racking systems, pooled and export loads.

Deck Top & bottom deck
03 / DECK

Double-Face Pallet

A double-face pallet has a deck on both the top and the bottom. The extra bottom deck spreads the load, adds rigidity, and gives a stable surface for conveyors and stacking.

It comes two ways: reversible, where both faces are identical so either side can carry the load and wear evens out, and non-reversible, where only the top is built to carry while the bottom adds support.

  • Top and bottom decks for strength
  • Reversible (either side up) or non-reversible
  • Even load distribution; great for racking & conveyors

BEST FOR · Heavier loads, racked storage, and conveyor handling.

Deck Top deck only · no bottom
04 / DECK

Single-Face Pallet

A single-face pallet has a top deck only — no bottom deck. That makes it lighter, cheaper, and easy to stack flat when empty.

With nothing on the underside it's a common choice for retail displays, light one-way (expendable) shipments, and as a top cap on a stacked load.

  • Top deck only — no bottom boards
  • Light, stackable, and economical
  • Best for displays and one-way shipments

BEST FOR · Retail display bases and expendable one-way shipping.

Construction Top deck on legs · no bottom
05 / CONSTRUCTION

Skid

The skid is the ancestor of the modern pallet: a top deck supported on legs or runners with no bottom deck at all. With nothing underneath, it slides easily and sits flat on the floor.

Skids are favored under heavy machinery and equipment, in permanent floor storage, and anywhere the load is dragged or set down on a smooth surface.

  • Top deck on legs/runners, no bottom deck
  • Easy to drag and sits flush to the floor
  • Great under machinery and for permanent storage

BEST FOR · Heavy machinery, equipment bases, and static floor storage.

Deck Boards laid tight · no gaps
06 / DECK

Solid (Closed) Deck

On a closed-deck pallet the top boards are laid tight with no gaps, creating one continuous surface.

That solid top stops small parts from falling through, contains spills, and is easier to keep clean — making it the pick for sanitary, food, and small-item applications.

  • Top boards laid edge-to-edge
  • Nothing falls through; easy to sanitize
  • Ideal for small parts and no-spill loads

BEST FOR · Food, pharma, small components, and hygienic loads.

Deck Spaced boards · gaps between
07 / DECK

Open Deck

The open-deck pallet — by far the most common — spaces its deck boards apart with visible gaps between them.

The gaps make the pallet lighter and cheaper, let debris and moisture fall through instead of pooling, and speed up drying and cleaning.

  • Spaced deck boards with gaps
  • Lighter and lower cost
  • Sheds debris and moisture

BEST FOR · General freight and most everyday shipping.

Profile Deck flush with supports · no overhang
08 / PROFILE

Flush Pallet

On a flush pallet the deck boards end even with the outside edge of the stringers or blocks — there's no overhang on any side.

Keeping everything within the footprint maximizes usable deck area and makes the pallet easier to push tight against walls, racks, and other pallets.

  • Deck flush with the supports — no overhang
  • Maximizes deck within the footprint
  • Packs tightly against walls and racks

BEST FOR · Dense storage and tightly-packed trailers.

Profile WING Top deck overhangs · bottom flush
09 / PROFILE

Single-Wing Pallet

A single-wing pallet has a top deck that overhangs the stringers — the overhanging ends are called 'wings' — while the bottom deck stays flush.

The extra top area gives more support for the load and a lip that bar slings or clamps can grab, while the flush bottom still sits stable on the floor.

  • Top deck overhangs the supports
  • Bottom deck stays flush
  • Wings add support and sling-handling points

BEST FOR · Loads handled by bar slings or needing extra top support.

Profile Both decks overhang · winged I-beam
10 / PROFILE

Double-Wing Pallet

On a double-wing pallet both the top and bottom decks overhang the stringers, forming a winged, 'I-beam'-like profile.

That shape is strong and rigid and is purpose-built for bar-sling and crane handling, where the wings give the slings a secure place to lift.

  • Both decks overhang the supports
  • Rigid winged 'I-beam' profile
  • Built for bar-sling / crane lifting

BEST FOR · Crane and bar-sling handling of heavy or bulky loads.

Entry 4-way: forks enter all sides
11 / ENTRY

2-Way & 4-Way Entry

'Entry' describes how many sides a forklift or pallet jack can slide into. A 2-way pallet accepts forks from two opposite sides only — typical of solid, un-notched stringer pallets.

A 4-way pallet accepts forks from all four sides, thanks to notched stringers or block construction. Four-way entry speeds up handling in tight docks and busy warehouses where approach angle isn't always the same.

  • 2-way: forks from two opposite sides
  • 4-way: forks from all four sides
  • 4-way = faster handling in tight spaces

BEST FOR · Choose 4-way for busy docks; 2-way where approach is always the same.

Export US–1138 HT · DB IPPC · ISPM-15 Heat-treated & IPPC stamped
12 / EXPORT

Heat-Treated (ISPM-15)

Any solid-wood pallet leaving the country has to meet ISPM-15. The most common path is heat treatment (HT): the wood's core is held at a minimum of 56°C for at least 30 continuous minutes, killing pests without chemicals.

Once treated, a certified facility brands the IPPC 'wheat' stamp with the country code, facility number, and the HT mark — your proof that the pallet is export-compliant and ready to clear customs.

  • Heat-treated to a 56°C core (no chemicals)
  • IPPC 'wheat' stamp = export compliant
  • We handle the documentation for customs

BEST FOR · Any international shipment on solid-wood packaging.

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