Wood Pallets: Blocks or Stringers? How to Choose the Right Option

In industrial logistics, wood pallets are a fundamental component. However, their design goes beyond appearance. The structure of a pallet determines its strength, its handling method, and its cost. The two main configurations are stringer pallets and block pallets.

Choosing the right pallet for your operation is not a trivial decision. It depends on your load-handling equipment and the requirements of your supply chain.

Wood Stringer Pallets

Stringer pallets are the most common and traditional in North America. Their name comes from the three or more wood "beams" (stringers) that run along the length of the pallet, between the top and bottom deckboards.

Handling Mechanism: These pallets are inherently two-way. This means that a forklift or a pallet jack can only enter through the ends of the pallet. While some designs have notches (cutouts) in the beams to allow for four-way handling, this requires greater operator precision and is more prone to damaging the pallet. Repeated impact on the notched stringers can cause the wood to splinter, compromising its dimensional stability and making repairs difficult.

When to Choose Them:

• If your operation uses forklifts and pallet jacks designed to enter only through the ends.

• If you are looking for a more economical and lightweight option for internal use or one-way shipments.

• They are ideal for applications where extreme durability is not the main factor.

• If your operation has a defined configuration of forklift blades or jacks.

• If the type of load on the pallet is almost always uniform (avoids the need for variable contact points between the forklift and the pallet).

Advantages:

• Low production cost.

• Widely available in the wood pallet industry.

• They tend to be lighter than block pallets.

Disadvantages:

• Less versatile, as they limit handling equipment access to only two sides, or if they are 4-way, the size of the notch limits the width of blades or transport machinery to be used.

• They may have a lower load capacity and impact resistance than block pallets (U.S. Forest Service, n.d.).

• Stringer repairs can be more complex than block repairs.

  
  

Wood Block Pallets

Block pallets are the load-handling standard in Europe and are gaining global popularity. They are characterized by having 9 to 12 blocks of wood or pressed material at each corner and in the center, providing a solid base for the rest of the structure.

Handling Mechanism: They are always four-way pallets. This allows handling equipment to access the pallet from all four sides, improving maneuverability, loading speed, and efficiency in tight spaces.

When to Choose Them:

• If your operation requires maximum versatility in blade width and load handling efficiency.

• If you handle very heavy loads or are looking for a more durable and robust pallet.

• They are ideal for automated logistics systems or high-density warehouses.

• It is required to have variability between the contact points of the pallet with the blades or movement machinery.

Advantages:

• Four-way versatility: Speeds up the loading and unloading process.

• Greater stability and resistance to impacts (U.S. Forest Service, n.d.).

• Easier to repair, as blocks can be replaced individually.

Disadvantages:

• Higher initial production cost.

• Generally, they are heavier (density of the pressed material or simply the volume of the blocks versus the volume of the stringer), which can increase freight costs if weight is a critical factor.

Conclusion: The Decision is Key for your Logistics

The choice between stringer pallets and block pallets should not be taken lightly. By considering the type of handling equipment you use, the weight of your load, and the efficiency of your supply chain, you can make an informed decision that will optimize your operations.

At Kayak Packaging, as wood pallet manufacturers, we offer expert advice to help you select and design the perfect pallet for your needs, whether it is a standard option or a custom-made pallet.

References (APA 7th Edition): U.S. Forest Service. (n.d.). Wood Pallets. Retrieved from https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/tools/wood-products/pallets