How Wood Pallets Are Made

Wood pallets play a crucial role in transporting goods around the globe. Have you ever wondered about the meticulous process behind their creation? Find out how wood pallets are made to make an informed decision on whether wood pallets are ideal for you.

Wood Selection

Wooden-pallets-are-usually-a-combination-of-soft-and-hardwood

Wooden pallets typically incorporate a blend of hard and soft woods in their construction. For example, a robust oak is commonly employed in load-bearing sections, while more pliable woods like pine are often utilized for other components. 

In the case of plywood pallets, the plywood likely consists of layers containing both hard and soft wood, aiming for an ideal strength-to-weight ratio. Wood selection is a careful blend, where each type plays a crucial role in meeting the challenges of global shipping with resilience and efficiency.

Factors to consider

In the world of making new pallets, choosing the wood is a bit like finding the right pieces to complete the picture. Every step considers important things, so come along as we uncover the key things to think about when making pallets. 

  • Strength: Pallets need to withstand the weight of the cargo they carry. The chosen wood must also possess the strength to endure the rigours of transportation.
  • Durability: A good pallet should have a long lifespan. Durability is essential, ensuring the pallets can be reused multiple times without compromising their structural integrity.
  • Weight: While strength is vital, the wood should strike a balance by not adding unnecessary weight to the pallet. The goal is efficiency in transportation, after all.
  • Availability: Sustainable sourcing is key. Opting for wood that is readily available helps in maintaining a steady supply chain without harming the environment.
  • Price: Cost-effectiveness is a consideration. The chosen wood should be economical, aligning with the budget constraints of pallet manufacturers.
  • Intended Use: Different industries have varied demands. Understanding the specific purpose the pallet will serve helps in tailoring the wood selection to meet those requirements.

Wood Types

There are three types of wood used by pallet manufacturers

  • Softwood: Commonly used for pallet construction, softwoods like pine and spruce offer a good balance of strength and cost-effectiveness; ideal for pallets used in industries where weight is a critical factor.
  • Low-Density Hardwood: Hardwoods like oak fall into this category. While slightly heavier than softwoods, they provide added strength and durability. Perfect for pallets carrying heavier loads or enduring rough handling.
  • High-Density Hardwood: For the toughest jobs, high-density hardwoods such as birch and hickory come into play because of their exceptional strength and durability.

The Process

Once the wood selection is finalized by the pallet supplier, the intricate process of transforming raw timber into functional pallets begins.

    • Milling
      The journey starts in the lumber mill, where it is cut and shaped into the required components. Precision is key during this stage, ensuring that each piece meets the specifications for the intended pallet.
    • Assembly

Using-screws-or-nails,-the-components-are-assembled-into-a-wooden-pallet
The pieces are joined together using nails or screws, depending on the design and intended use of the pallet. This stage demands both skill and efficiency to create pallets that can withstand the demands of transportation and storage.

    • Quality Inspection
      Post-assembly, the pallets undergo a series of quality checks. These checks include structural integrity, weight-bearing capacity, and overall durability. Any defects or issues are addressed promptly to ensure that the final product meets industry standards.
    • Treatments
      Once the pallets pass inspection, they may undergo additional treatments such as heat-treating or chemical treatments to comply with international shipping regulations, particularly if they are destined for overseas transport.

Comparing Heat Treatment and Chemical Treatments for Pallets

In the realm of pallet treatments, the choice between heat treatment and chemical treatments plays a pivotal role in fortifying pallets for the rigours of global shipping. Each method offers a distinct approach and a comparative exploration provides a comprehensive understanding.

    • Treatment Methods
      Heat treatment involves subjecting pallets to high temperatures, typically above 56°C (132.8°F), for a specific duration. This process eradicates pests, fungi, and pathogens by disrupting their biological structures and is commonly achieved through kiln-drying or specialized heat chambers.

      On the other hand, chemical treatments involve applying specific chemicals to the wood surface or immersing pallets in treatment solutions. These chemicals create a protective barrier, preventing pests and decay, with multiple substances used, including insecticides, fungicides, and preservatives.

    • Environmental Impact
      Looking at it from an eco-friendly angle, heat treatment is often seen as a greener option since it doesn’t rely on chemicals. It does however have a bit of an energy appetite, needing prolonged high temperatures, which might nudge the carbon emissions needle a bit.

      Chemical treatments, while effective, can pose environmental concerns depending on the chemicals used. Industry initiatives focus on adopting eco-friendly chemicals and sustainable sourcing to mitigate these concerns.

    • Effectiveness Against Pests
      In terms of pest eradication, heat treatment is highly effective against wood-boring insects and larvae, ensuring pest-free pallets without the need for additional chemical additives. Chemical treatments, on the other hand, utilize targeted insecticides to eliminate specific pests, providing continuous protection throughout the pallet’s lifespan.
    • Treatment Duration
      Heat treatment is generally faster than chemical treatments, requiring less processing time and contributing to quicker pallet production. In contrast, chemical treatments may involve longer processing times depending on the chemicals used and the desired level of protection.
    • Global Regulatory Compliance
      Both heat treatment and chemical treatments must adhere to international regulations to ensure global acceptance. Heat treatment, recognized globally as an approved method for pallet treatment, complies with International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM 15), ensuring acceptance in international trade.

      Chemical treatments, while effective, also require compliance with international regulations, with pallets treated using approved chemicals aligning with global shipping requirements.

Making wood pallets is a process that combines the science of wood selection with the craftsmanship of assembly. The next time you see a stack of pallets, you can appreciate the journey each one has undertaken to become an essential component in the intricate web of global trade. 

Revolutionize your logistics experience with Woodbridge Pallet, your go-to wood pallet Toronto supplier! Ready to level up your supply chain game? Contact Woodbridge Pallet today at (905) 856-3332.