Wood pallets are more sustainable and durable than plastic pallets. While plastic pallets definitely have a place in the industry, wood pallets are generally more sustainable and durable — which is why they are so popular.
But just how durable are wood pallets? What happens when they get wet? Are they waterproof? These are some of the most frequently asked questions, and we're going to answer them.
At Plain Pallets, we care about the environment. We provide high-quality new wooden pallets andused wood pallets in a range of sizes.
Frequently asked questions about wooden pallets
Wooden pallets are essential in packaging and distributing goods. They are built to last and are more affordable than plastic pallets. They hold more weight than the plastic variety and can be recycled.
Do pallets rot?
In the short-term, most wooden pallets can withstand weather conditions like rain and sun exposure. However, if pallets are stored outdoors for long periods of time, the wood will rot. To prevent pallets from rotting, you should:
- Keep pallets off the ground
- Ensure proper airflow
- Rotate the stock
- Move the pallets periodically (every few months)
To find out if the wood in your pallet is rotten, hit the boards with a hammer. Rotten boards will break in a straight line and look brittle.
How long do wooden pallets last outside?
If you want to store your wooden pallets outside, you can do so for a few months before noticing signs of mould or rot. If you're planning on storing them long-term, however, it's best to store them in a dry area, protected from sun exposure.
Can wood pallets get wet?
Untreated wood cannot get wet. But if you use wooden pallets which have been treated with weatherproofing chemicals, the wood can get wet as long as you move it to a dry place after.
Are wood pallets weatherproof?
All pallets used for imports and exports must be treated to comply with the International Plant Protection Convention (IPCC) regulations. Domestic pallets, however, may or may not be treated.
How do you weatherproof wood pallets?
Most wooden pallets will be heat treated, but this only serves to kill any bugs present in the wood. If you want to weatherproof wooden pallets, you need to use varnishes or finishes which will make it last longer outside.
Packing and distribution companies won't bother with applying finishes to wooden pallets, but DIY upcyclers and recyclers will want their pallet outdoor furniture to last. In this case, linseed or Tung oil create a beautiful protective hand-rubbed finish.
Wood versus plastic
People have been arguing over which type of pallet is better for years. But the truth is, both types of pallets are useful in different ways.
Wood pallets
Wood pallets can be made out of brand-new wood, but they're usually created from recycled or reclaimed timber. Often, wooden pallets can be sold on to be used for firewood, or DIY projects.
- More affordable
- Easy to repair
- Can be resold
- Can be made out of recycled materials
- Can be recycled into mulch
- More slip resistant than plastic pallets
Plastic pallets
While some argue plastic pallets are less environmentally friendly, now many manufacturers are creating products made out of recycled materials. Plastic pallets are also:
- Safe to handle — no screws, nails, or splinters
- Can be picked up by forklifts via four entryways
- Able to be used in all weather conditions
- Stack together compactly
- Easy to clean
- Lighter than wood pallets
Why choose Plain Pallets?
At Plain Pallets, we pride ourselves on our range of high-quality pallets. We back all our workmanship with a guarantee, and use second-hand and reclaimed materials wherever possible. We also:
- Custom build pallets to any shape or size you need
- Offer fast delivery all over Melbourne and Victoria
- Hold full public liability insurance which covers all custom made pallets
We care about the environment
Every year, we recycle 500 tonnes of recycled timber boards, which we use in creating new pallets. We also repurpose 6,000 pallets every week, and transform excess timber into garden mulch. Our efforts have diverted thousands of waste materials from ending up in landfill every year.
Get in touch with our friendly team if you'd like to find out more about our range of wooden pallets or receive a detailed quote.
FAQs
Wooden pallets are durable, but they're not indestructible. If you abuse them, they will break down faster. Be sure to use them for their intended purpose and nothing more. Using wooden pallets for anything other than their intended purpose will cause them to break down faster.
How long will pallet wood last? ›
New wooden pallets can last up-to five years of regular use in the correct conditions. By manufacturing and supplying new wooden pallets in a range of sizes and styles, we can ensure the needs of our customers are met.
What are the disadvantages of wooden pallets? ›
Firstly, wood is a quite heavy material, and because of that it can break easier than other materials. Another downside would be the fact that it cannot be cleaned easily. Additionally, there is a higher risk of growing bacteria and fungus, which makes it unsafe for transporting food or other sensitive items.
How strong is a wooden pallet? ›
In many ways, standard wood pallets are a marvel. While no single piece of wood seems particularly strong, the standard pooled wood pallet has a 2800 pound dynamic capacity. That's almost one and a half tons.
What happens if wooden pallets get wet? ›
Not only can high moisture levels damage the wood pallet itself, but it can also damage the products supported by it. Wet conditions can lead to the development of mould and mildew. Metal products can be corroded or rusted.
Why not to use pallet wood? ›
The main arguments for not using pallets as furniture indoors are: Wooden pallets are susceptible to vermin and insects infestations. To move across borders (in the US at least) they require fumigation – which is often performed with methyl bromide, a highly toxic, ozone-depleting chemical. Shipping pallets contain e.
Why are wooden pallets a problem? ›
Product and Equipment Damage: Wood pallets can break apart and leave behind splinters that can cut into packages and damage products. The hardware used to hold these pallets together, like nails and metal fasteners, may come loose and puncture products, contaminating shipments.
What pallets to avoid? ›
Pallets with an MB stamp have been treated with a highly toxic pesticide which can be necessary in certain regions of the world where there are pests that can't be eliminated by heat treatments. You should never use pallets with a MB stamp for any home project nor should they be burned.
How can you tell if wood pallets are good? ›
Look for the IPPC stamp on the side of the wood to determine how it was treated. Pallets marked with an “HT” were heat-treated and did not come into contact with chemicals during the treating process. Avoid unmarked pallets or those stamped with an “MB” for methyl bromide.
Why are wood pallets so expensive? ›
Lumber prices are undoubtedly one of the most important factors to keep in mind when it comes to overall wooden pallet costs, and at the moment the lumber industry is experiencing a major shortage that is causing prices to skyrocket to unprecedented levels.
Hard Wood Pallets:
These pallets are sturdier than their soft wood counterparts, and are put to long-term use by warehouse operators. Unlike stringer pallets, they can typically be lifted by four sides rather than two, and are more expensive.
How much weight can a wood pallet support? ›
The load capacity of the pallet can depend on many factors such as block or stringer and the number of blocks or stringers. However, the standard 48” x 40” pallet with 5/8” wood thickness can hold up to 4,600 lbs. This makes it an ideal pallet for grocery or retail.
Are pallets strong enough for decking? ›
It's certainly possible to use pallet wood for your decking timber. I'd recommend using pallet wood only on a low-level deck as it's not graded to ensure strength, and it wouldn't be safe for an elevated deck.
Do you need to seal pallet wood? ›
Most wooden pallets will be heat treated, but this only serves to kill any bugs present in the wood. If you want to weatherproof wooden pallets, you need to use varnishes or finishes which will make it last longer outside.
How do you make wooden pallets not rot? ›
Pallets should be kept in dry, well-ventilated areas, and kept off the ground as stated before to prevent pallet rot. Ensuring that proper air flow is entering the room will help to dry out any boards if any moisture exposure occurs.
How can you tell if a wooden pallet is rotten? ›
Spot rotted wood by looking at the colour, and condition of the boards. They will often take on a darker color and may start to splinter. Placing heavy loads onto these pallets is not safe. If they are not repaired quickly, the wood can splinter and break at any time.
How long will pallet wood last outdoors? ›
How long do wooden pallets last outside? If you want to store your wooden pallets outside, you can do so for a few months before noticing signs of mould or rot. If you're planning on storing them long-term, however, it's best to store them in a dry area, protected from sun exposure.
Is pallet wood rot resistant? ›
Wooden pallets are highly susceptible to decay because of their biodegradable organic composition. The environmentally friendly part of pallets can also be their downfall. Pallet rot can present as surface mold, softening of wood, discoloration, or fungal growth.
Is pallet wood good quality? ›
Myth 2: Wood Pallets Consist of Low-Quality Wood
Wood pallets are often made from low-grade wood, but that doesn't mean they are low quality. Low grade wood is the part of the lumber that can't be used for buildings and large construction projects.
