Wood Pallets
The most widely used pallet material in the world. We carry new, used, and recycled wood pallets in every standard size — plus custom builds to your specifications.
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The Natural Choice for Logistics
Wood pallets account for over 90% of the pallet market in North America. They are affordable, repairable, recyclable, and widely compatible with all standard racking and transportation systems. When you choose used and recycled wood pallets from EcoPallets Pro, you get the same performance at a fraction of the cost — and help keep millions of pounds of wood out of landfills every year.
90%
Of all pallets are wood
40-60%
Cost savings vs new
3-5x
Reuse cycles per pallet
100%
Recyclable material
Cost-Effective
Used wood pallets are the most affordable material handling solution available. Buy in bulk for even greater savings.
Repairable
Unlike plastic or metal, damaged wood pallets can be quickly and inexpensively repaired, extending their lifespan by 3-5 cycles.
Recyclable
At end of life, wood pallets are ground into mulch, animal bedding, biomass fuel, or recycled into new pallets.
Universal Compatibility
Wood pallets work with all standard racking, forklifts, pallet jacks, and conveyor systems without modification.
High Load Capacity
Properly constructed wood pallets support up to 2,800+ lbs in dynamic load and over 5,000 lbs in static applications.
Available Sizes & Types
We carry every major pallet size in stock. Most standard sizes ship within 48 hours of order confirmation.
48 x 40 GMA
The industry standard in North America. The GMA 48x40 pallet is used by over 80% of retail and grocery operations. Ideal for standard racking, truck loading, and warehouse automation.
Euro Pallet
The global standard for European trade. EPAL-certified dimensions ensure compatibility with EU logistics systems, racking, and transport. Required for many international shipments.
42 x 42
A square-format pallet commonly used in the telecommunications and paint industries. The symmetrical design makes it ideal for round containers like drums and barrels.
48 x 48
Heavy-duty square pallet for industrial applications. The extra surface area supports oversized loads, 55-gallon drums, and large industrial components with ease.
36 x 36
Compact pallet perfect for beverage distribution, small retail shipments, and lighter cargo. The smaller footprint maximizes truck space for smaller, denser loads.
Custom Sizes
Cannot find the right size? We build wood pallets to any dimension. Whether you need odd sizes for specialized machinery or non-standard configurations for unique products, we have you covered.
Used vs. New: The Comparison
Used pallets deliver exceptional value. Here is how they stack up against buying new.
Pallet Grading System
We use a standardized three-tier grading system so you always know exactly the condition and quality of your pallets.
Grade A
Premium / Like New
- Used only 1-2 times
- No broken or repaired boards
- No protruding nails
- Minimal staining or marks
- Best for retail displays and export
Grade B
Standard / Good
- Light to moderate use
- Minor cosmetic imperfections
- All boards structurally sound
- May have slight discoloration
- Best for warehousing and general freight
Grade C
Economy / Fair
- Multiple use cycles
- May have repaired boards
- Cosmetic wear acceptable
- Structurally inspected and safe
- Best for one-way shipping and internal use
Heat Treatment & ISPM-15
International Phytosanitary Measure No. 15 (ISPM-15) is a global standard requiring that all wood packaging materials used in international trade be treated to eliminate pests. Heat treatment (HT) is the most common and eco-friendly method of compliance.
At EcoPallets Pro, we maintain a large inventory of HT-stamped pallets ready for export. We also offer heat treatment services for your existing pallets at our certified treatment facility.
Heat Treatment Process
Core Temperature
Pallets are heated until the core reaches 56°C (132.8°F) for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Moisture Control
Controlled environment prevents warping or cracking while ensuring complete pest elimination.
IPPC Stamp
Each treated pallet receives the official IPPC stamp with our certification number, confirming compliance.
Documentation
We provide full compliance documentation for your export records and customs clearance.
Wood Pallet Applications
Grocery & Retail
GMA 48x40 pallets are the standard for supermarkets, big box stores, and distribution centers nationwide.
Manufacturing
Durable pallets for raw material handling, work-in-progress storage, and finished goods shipment.
Food & Beverage
Clean, inspected pallets suitable for food-grade operations. Heat-treated options available for export.
Pharmaceuticals
Grade A pallets meeting strict quality requirements for pharma warehousing and distribution.
Agriculture
Sturdy pallets for produce, feed, seed, and agricultural equipment. Economy grades available.
E-Commerce & 3PL
High-volume pallet supply for fulfillment centers, 3PL warehouses, and last-mile distribution.
Understanding Wood Types
Not all wood pallets are created equal. The species of wood used directly impacts strength, weight, durability, cost, and suitability for different applications. Here is what you need to know about the most common pallet woods.
Southern Yellow Pine
The workhorse of the North American pallet industry. Southern Yellow Pine accounts for the majority of pallets produced in the southeastern United States. It offers an excellent balance of strength, availability, and cost. The wood is easy to nail, accepts heat treatment well, and is widely available from sustainable plantation forests.
Oak (Red & White)
Oak pallets are significantly stronger and more durable than softwood alternatives. They excel in heavy-duty applications where loads exceed 2,500 lbs and multi-trip durability is essential. The dense grain resists wear, splitting, and impact damage. White oak is especially resistant to moisture and decay, making it suitable for outdoor storage.
Spruce / Pine / Fir (SPF)
SPF lumber is the standard for economy-grade and single-use pallets across the northern United States and Canada. Lighter than Southern Yellow Pine, SPF is well-suited for lighter loads, one-way shipments, and cost-sensitive operations. It machines cleanly and is readily available from managed forests in the Pacific Northwest and Canada.
Poplar / Aspen
Poplar and aspen are lightweight hardwoods that offer a middle ground between softwood affordability and hardwood durability. They resist splitting better than most softwoods and are lighter than oak, making them a good choice for operations that need moderate strength without excessive weight.
Maple
Maple is one of the strongest and most durable pallet woods available. It is commonly specified for pallets that must endure extreme loads, rough handling, or many use cycles. Maple pallets are a premium choice for automotive, military, and heavy manufacturing applications where pallet failure is not an option.
Recycled / Mixed Hardwood
Our recycled pallets use a mix of recovered hardwood and softwood lumber. Each board is inspected for structural integrity regardless of species. This is the most environmentally friendly and cost-effective option, ideal for operations where appearance is secondary to function and budget.
Anatomy of a Wood Pallet
Understanding pallet construction helps you choose the right type for your application. The two main designs are stringer pallets and block pallets, each with distinct advantages.
Stringer Pallets
Stringer pallets use two or three long boards (stringers) running between the top and bottom deck boards to provide structural support. They are the most common pallet design in North America, with the standard GMA 48x40 being a stringer pallet. Two-way entry stringers allow forklift access from two sides only, while notched stringers allow partial four-way entry for pallet jacks. Stringer pallets are economical to produce, easy to repair, and compatible with the vast majority of warehouse equipment.
Block Pallets
Block pallets use cylindrical or rectangular wooden blocks positioned at the four corners, four edges, and center of the pallet to support the deck boards. This design provides true four-way forklift entry from all sides, making them more versatile in tight warehouse spaces. Block pallets are the standard for Euro pallets (EPAL) and are increasingly popular in automated warehouse systems. They are generally stronger and more durable than stringer pallets, though slightly more expensive to manufacture and repair.
Key Pallet Components
Top Deck Boards
The flat surface that supports the load. Spacing between boards affects load distribution and product stability. Standard spacing is 3.5 to 4.5 inches.
Bottom Deck Boards
Provide ground contact and stability. Runner-style bottom boards allow smooth pallet jack entry and protect the stringers or blocks from ground moisture.
Stringers
Long structural boards running the length of the pallet between the decks. Typically 2x4 or 3x4 lumber. Notched stringers allow partial four-way entry.
Blocks
Solid wood blocks positioned at corners, edges, and center. Provide support and create true four-way entry openings for forklifts and pallet jacks.
Lead Boards
The outermost top deck boards at each end. They receive the most stress during handling and are often the first boards to require repair or replacement.
Fasteners
Spiral or ring-shank nails hold the pallet together. Screw-shank nails offer greater holding power. Nail quality directly impacts pallet durability and repair frequency.
The Environmental Case for Recycled Wood Pallets
Wood pallets are one of the most recycled products on Earth. According to industry data, over 95% of wood pallets in the US are recovered for reuse, repair, or recycling at end of life. This makes the wood pallet industry one of the most effective examples of a circular economy in modern manufacturing and logistics.
When you purchase used or recycled wood pallets from EcoPallets Pro, you directly reduce demand for virgin timber. Each reuse cycle saves approximately 12 board feet of lumber and prevents roughly 25 pounds of CO2 emissions that would have been generated during harvesting, milling, and manufacturing new pallets. Over a pallet's typical 3 to 5 reuse cycles, the cumulative environmental savings are substantial.
End-of-life wood pallets that cannot be repaired enter our recycling stream where they are processed into valuable byproducts. Ground wood becomes landscape mulch, animal bedding, or particleboard feedstock. Clean wood waste serves as biomass fuel for energy generation. Absolutely nothing goes to waste in our operation.
Many of our corporate customers include pallet reuse statistics in their annual sustainability reports. We provide detailed environmental impact documentation for every order, including CO2 savings, timber preservation estimates, and landfill diversion metrics. Ask us about our sustainability reporting package when you place your next order.
Life Cycle of a Wood Pallet
Sourced
Lumber harvested from managed, sustainable forests and milled into pallet-grade boards.
Built
Boards are assembled into pallets using automated nailing equipment for consistent quality.
Used
Pallets enter the supply chain, carrying goods through warehouses, trucks, and retail locations.
Recovered
After use, pallets are collected from businesses and sorted for condition and grade.
Inspected & Repaired
Damaged boards are replaced, nails are reset, and the pallet is re-graded for resale.
Resold
Refurbished pallets re-enter the supply chain for another use cycle at a fraction of new cost.
End of Life
When repair is no longer viable, wood is ground for mulch, biomass fuel, or other byproducts.
Wood Pallet Questions Answered
How long do wood pallets last?
The lifespan of a wood pallet depends on grade, usage intensity, and handling conditions. A Grade A pallet used in a controlled warehouse environment can last 5 to 7 years or 15 to 20 trips. Economy-grade pallets used in rough conditions may last 1 to 3 trips. On average, a standard GMA pallet survives 3 to 5 use cycles before requiring repair, and with proper repair it can serve for an additional 3 to 5 cycles.
What is the weight capacity of a standard 48x40 wood pallet?
A standard GMA 48x40 wood pallet supports approximately 2,800 lbs in dynamic loading (being moved by a forklift) and up to 5,000 lbs in static loading (sitting on the floor or a rack). Actual capacity depends on load distribution, pallet condition, and the number and spacing of deck boards. Our Grade A and B pallets are tested and verified to meet or exceed these specifications.
Can wood pallets be used in food operations?
Yes, but with certain considerations. Clean Grade A wood pallets are commonly used throughout the food supply chain, from farms to distribution centers to retail. For direct food contact applications, heat-treated pallets are recommended to eliminate any potential pest contamination. Some food processors prefer plastic pallets for their non-porous surfaces, but wood remains the dominant pallet material in the food industry by a wide margin.
What is the difference between a stringer pallet and a block pallet?
Stringer pallets use long boards (stringers) between the top and bottom decks for support and are the most common design in North America. They typically offer two-way forklift entry, though notched stringers provide partial four-way access. Block pallets use solid wood blocks at corners and edges, providing true four-way forklift entry from all sides. Block pallets are standard in Europe and preferred for automated handling systems.
Do you repair damaged wood pallets?
Yes, pallet repair is one of our core services. We repair pallets with broken deck boards, cracked stringers, protruding nails, and other common damage. Repair typically costs 50 to 70% less than buying a new pallet. We can repair pallets at our facility or set up an on-site repair program at your warehouse. Contact us for repair pricing and scheduling.
Are your wood pallets treated for bugs and pests?
Our heat-treated (HT) pallets are processed at 56 degrees Celsius core temperature for a minimum of 30 minutes, which eliminates all insects, larvae, and pests in compliance with ISPM-15 international standards. Not all of our used pallets are heat-treated, but we maintain a large inventory of HT-stamped pallets for customers who require them, especially for export shipments.
Volume Pricing That Makes Sense
The more you order, the more you save. Our tiered pricing structure rewards businesses that buy in volume, with truckload quantities receiving our deepest discounts and free delivery.
Free Delivery
All truckload orders (typically 400+ pallets) include free delivery within our primary service area. LTL and regional delivery available at competitive rates for smaller orders.
Net 30 Terms
Qualifying businesses can set up Net 30 payment terms with approved credit. We also accept purchase orders, credit cards, and ACH bank transfers for maximum flexibility.
Scheduled Delivery Programs
Set up a recurring delivery schedule and lock in your pricing for 6 or 12 months. Weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly programs available. Never run out of pallets again.
Ready to Order Wood Pallets?
With over 500,000 wood pallets in stock, we can fill your order fast. Get a free quote with volume pricing — no minimum order required.