How to choose solid wood pallets? Pine or hardwood?
3 steps to pick the most suitable pallet
Step 1: Determine the size—standard specifications or custom?
The size of a wooden pallet determines whether it fits your racks, forklifts, and transport vehicles. The most common standard size in China is 1200×1000mm (national standard), along with the European standard 1200×800mm and Asian standard 1100×1100mm. If your logistics system has specific requirements (e.g., automated warehouses, specific container dimensions), custom non-standard sizes may be needed.
Recommendation: First confirm your rack dimensions, forklift type, and transport vehicle limitations. Standard sizes offer the lowest price and fastest delivery—opt for standard whenever possible, and go custom only when necessary.
| Size | Standard | Application Scenario |
|---|---|---|
| 1200×1000mm | GB/T 2934 | General warehousing, logistics, export (most common) |
| 1200×800mm | EUR | Export to Europe, specific rack systems |
| 1100×1100mm | Asian standard | Export to Japan/Korea/Southeast Asia, specific containers |
| Custom non-standard | On demand | Automated warehouses, special equipment, irregular cargo |
Step 2: Choose the material—pine or hardwood?
This is the most common dilemma. Here's the direct answer:
| Comparison Dimension | Pine | Hardwood |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Low (best cost performance) | High (30-50% more expensive than pine) |
| Strength | Medium (good bending resistance) | High (impact and wear resistant) |
| Service life | 2-5 years (normal warehousing) | 3-6 years (more durable) |
| Corrosion resistance | Fair | Good (suitable for chemical environments) |
| Processing precision | Good (uniform fibers) | Fair (requires CNC due to hardness) |
| Recommended scenarios | Daily turnover, warehousing, logistics | Heavy loads, chemical, humid environments |
Step 3: Determine load capacity—deck board thickness determines load rating
Many buyers only look at "static load in tons" but overlook the critical variable of deck board thickness. For the same pallet size, a 3mm difference in deck board thickness can double the load capacity.
| Deck Board Thickness | Static Load Capacity | Dynamic Load Capacity | Recommended Scenarios |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15mm | ≤1 ton | ≤0.5 ton | Light cargo, short-distance turnover |
| 18mm | ≤2 tons | ≤1 ton | General warehousing, standard logistics (most common) |
| 22mm | ≤3 tons | ≤1.5 tons | Heavy load scenarios, automated palletizing |
| 25mm | ≤4 tons+ | ≤2 tons | Extra heavy cargo, heavy machinery |
What about export? IPPC fumigation is mandatory
Solid wood pallets exported abroad (including the EU, USA, Australia, Japan, etc.) must undergo IPPC fumigation treatment and be stamped with the IPPC mark, complying with ISPM 15 international standard. Non-fumigated solid wood pallets will be detained or returned by customs, causing losses far greater than the fumigation cost.
If you want to avoid the hassle of fumigation, you can also choose plywood pallets—naturally fumigation-free, suitable for scenarios that do not require high load capacity.
秋来's approach: We have our own fumigation facility, certificates are issued upon shipment, markings are compliant, and we never outsource.
Pitfall checklist: 4 most common mistakes when purchasing pallets
- Skimping on deck board thickness: Labeled as 18mm but actually 14-15mm → request inspection data, measure with calipers
- Reducing nail quantity and material: Standard is 3-4 galvanized threaded nails per block; inferior products use 2 ordinary iron nails → count the nails, check for rust
- Unseasoned wood: Freshly cut wood has moisture content >40%, will shrink and deform in 3-6 months → ask for moisture content, require ≤18%
- Substituting inferior grades: Deck boards with through knots >5cm are defective → inspect at the factory, see the actual product
Not sure which pallet to choose?
Tell us your cargo type, weight, and usage scenario—we'll recommend the best solution for you, free quote.
Free Consultation →Or call directly: 18062392062 for quick communication
Further reading
- Wood pallet vs plastic pallet: which is more cost-effective?
- What procedures are needed for export wooden packaging? Full IPPC fumigation process
- 秋来 solid wood pallet product specifications
Content updated June 2026 · Qiulai Wood · 湖北宜昌