Factors That Impact Durability of Wooden Pallets
Wooden pallets are much more affordable than a pallet made from synthetic materials, but they do come at the cost of being less durable. For many businesses wood pallets work perfectly for their needs. Typically when discussing the durability of wooden pallets the factors of use and environment dominate the conversation. The use of a pallet will vary greatly depending on the type of business utilizing them. All of these factors are significant, however, there are additional factors that can make a significant impact on the lifespan of a pallet. Wooden pallets that are meant to be utilized in supply chain shipping can be preserved by following proper guidelines. By taking care of the pallets you will keep them from rotting, becoming frail, or even losing structural integrity. Additional factors include storage conditions, cleanings and pest control, pallet stacking, and general pallet maintenance. Continue reading to better understand how all of these different factors can impact how durable your pallets are and how this impacts their lifespan.
Different Types of Wood Pallets
Franke’s Wood Products designs and manufactures customized wooden pallets in order to meet the needs of each client. We provide made-to-order pallets as well as standardized pallet sizes. We offer 2-way and 4-way pallets in many different options including heat-treated, non-heat-treated, stringer, block, skid, new, recycled, plastic, and labeling.
Selecting the appropriate pallet for the right job allows you to get the most use out of each pallet without overpaying. By ordering the right transportation equipment for your business you will get the maximum potential out of each pallet. Continue reading to learn more about the different types of wood pallets and how they differ.
Standard Wood Pallets
A variety of factors can impact the lifespan, including the style of the wood and how the wood has been treated. Wooden pallets are more affordable than plastic pallets and are often considered a better investment despite being less durable. The cost of a wooden pallet is very appealing and the wood can even be recycled once the pallet is no longer usable. We provide standard 48×40-sized wooden pallets, as well as custom sizes to meet the needs of any business. All of our pallets are designed to provide long-term use and meet the needs of our customers. Wood pallets have been an industry standard for many decades, and we are dedicated to guaranteeing the quality of our products. There are different options of wooden pallets, and Franke’s can provide the best options to choose from for your particular use and budget.
Recycled Wooden Pallets
Utilizing wood to manufacture pallets means we are using renewable and recyclable materials. The wood from old pallets can be repurposed to create a new recycled pallet that is more affordable without major sacrifices to the durability. Recycled pallets have particular uses and aren’t a one-to-one replacement for brand new pallets, but work perfectly for certain jobs, even including shipping. Typically, recycled or repurposed pallets come in a standardized size and can’t be ordered as a custom size. These are a great option for a business that orders a significant amount of pallets and uses them in ways that don’t require them to be as durable as a newly constructed pallet. Deciding between a new or used wood pallet is entirely based on the needs of each client. Speak to one of our team members regarding your budget and pallet needs so we can determine which style of wood pallet works best for you!
Benefits of Wooden Pallets
A business that has implemented standard practices to take care of its pallets may see a large cost savings compared to buying pallets made from other materials. Wood pallets are more susceptible to environmental factors, may accrue damage more easily, and if not cared for can deteriorate, however, in some industries, the lower price point can still reduce costs. By simply taking care of the pallets and storing them in a proper environment they will remain strong and sturdy.
Because of the durability and strength of wood, these pallets are a great choice for shipping and long-distance delivery. As an added bonus a pallet made from wood is highly recyclable, and biodegradable.
General Lifespan of a Wood Pallet
There are many factors, including environment, use, storage, and general care that can impact the lifespan of any pallet. Other factors that come into play are the materials that are used to manufacture the wood pallets as well as what sort of treatments the wood has undergone. It’s important to take into account if the pallets are made from softwood or hardwood, and what sort of treatments the wood has undergone.
Softwood Vs. Hardwood
Hardwood is considered the stronger, more durable option between hardwood and softwood. While this is true, this isn’t the only factor that one should consider when purchasing pallets. One factor to take into account is the weight of each pallet due to the density of the wood. A hardwood pallet is made from denser wood that weighs more, which may not be the best option depending on the application you need them for. In some circumstances, softwood may be a better option altogether. When creating a pallet that is larger in size, a softwood could make the entire load lighter and the pallet more affordable to purchase.
Choosing hardwood pallets simply because they are stronger can unnecessarily raise the spending cost of shipping. In situations where you are shipping heavier cargo hardwood is probably the best option. Hardwood pallets also typically have a longer lifespan than softwood pallets, simply because of the wear and tear that occurs during unloading, loading, and transportation.
Environmental Factors
The surrounding environment plays a big role in the durability and longevity of a wood pallet. In environments with extreme temperatures, moisture, humidity, and severe weather wood pallets can suffer. Mold is the biggest issue with hardwood and storing in wet environments will make problems with mold worse. Also, in these conditions, they are likely to lose their durability and deteriorate more quickly than in drier, more stable environments. If wooden pallets are stored in a climate-controlled environment, they will likely live up to their expected lifespan. If they are stored in an environment that is temperamental and undesirable their condition will degrade much faster. Hardwood pallets are more resistant to water and humidity, and in these environments are typically a better option compared to softwood. It’s important to take into account the environment of your business, whether your warehouse is climate-controlled, and what sort of use your pallets will get during operation.
Ordering Wood Pallets
Franke’s Wood Products manufactures a wide variety of wood pallets both in standardized sizing and custom sizing. We provide hardwood pallets, softwood pallets, skids, boxes, wood belt cores, crates, and more. Our heat-treated pallets meet ISPM 15 international standards and are great for international shipping.
We are located in Marysville, Ohio just outside of Columbus. As a family business, we believe in strong relationships and excellent customer service. We are established in the pallet industry in Ohio and are ready to accommodate any of your pallet needs. We understand the importance of maintaining the supply chain for our clients and work to ensure we deliver on time.
If you are in the market for wooden pallets or any of the other services listed on our website, fill out our contact form or call our office to speak with one of our employees about what we can provide for you.