Your industrial pallets have a key role to play in storing and transporting commercial products. The first types of pallets made were constructed using wood and only came in a basic design. Nowadays, pallets come in a lot of different types of materials and designs. Every type comes with its own strengths and weaknesses. They also are different when it comes to cost, ease of use, hygiene, and sustainability. Understanding these differences will help you decide on which one will best suit your shipping and storage needs.

Keep on reading to learn more about one of the most important forklift accessories out there. The more you understand about the different types of pallets, the safer and more efficient your workplace can be.

Wooden Pallets

Wooden pallets are typically used for heavier products. Standard wood pallets are some of the most common types of pallets available. They offer a lot of different advantages, such as:

• Durable and strong;
• Able to be stored in racks;
• Cost less compares to other pallet materials;
• Are quick to build and easy to repair;
• Can be recycled or resold.

Wooden pallets are heavier than other types of pallets, so they will cost more to ship via air freight. They can also be difficult to clean and more at risk for water damage if left outside in the elements. Other issues can be caused by splinters, warping, and shrinking, which can create issues around safety for handlers.

Lightweight Plywood Pallets

Plywood pallets are strong for their lightweight. They give you a smooth, clean surface and don’t soak up as much moisture as wooden pallets. They can also be used for rack stocking and layer stacking. However, plywood pallets are not a good choice for long-term storage solutions, unlike other types of pallets. They can be hard to store in racking and can also suffer water damage if left out. Despite this, they are a good choice for products that end in sturdier packaging, like electronics, medical items, and computer products.

Presswood Pallets

Presswood pallets are made using intense heat and pressure to mold dried wood fibers into a solid piece. This makes a strong, lightweight wood pallet which is a lower-cost alternative to plastic pallets. Presswood pallets able to be tacked on top of each other and are easier to handle compared to other types of pallets. They are also resistant to insect infestations, can be used many times, and are 100% recyclable.

Presswood pallets can suffer from water damage if they are left outside like wooden pallets. They can also be hard to store in racking, and they can have limited use as many warehouses are not designed to handle this type of pallet.