Different wooden pallet types (and how to choose the right one)

A pallet is a pallet, right? You load them up and they do they job.

To an extent, you might get away with that. But if you pick the right pallets for the right job, your business becomes more efficient and you’ll avoid any mis-haps.

4-way or 2-way pallets

You can use pallets more efficiently when you know if a 4-way or a 2-way pallet is best for your warehouse.

Pallets with 4-way entry can be moved by a forklift from any side. 2-way pallets on the other hand have two solid sides and two open sides. That means that forklifts generally need more space to move 2-way pallets around the warehouse.

We often provide 4-way pallets to clients in the logistics and retail industries. But that doesn’t mean they’re limited to those industries They’re very versatile.
2-way entry pallets tend to be a little cheaper, so if you’re looking to reduce spend, and space isn’t a problem, then 2-way pallets may serve you best.

Choosing a grade

The grade of the pallet dictates the weight of the load it can carry.

• Grade 1 can hold the most weight. That’s usually around 1,000kg for a UK pallet.
• Grade 2 can hold approximately 750kg.
• Grade 3 is the lightweight option that holds between 200kg and 500kg.

Once you know roughly how your loads are split in terms of weight, you can choose the right Grade of pallet.

Euro or UK size?

Pallets generally come in two standard sizes: Euro or UK.

• Standard Euro pallets are 1200 x 800mm
• Standard UK pallets are 1200 x 1000mm

This may be much of a muchness if you have acres of space in your warehouse. But choosing either Euro or UK pallets can maximise space and efficiencies.

If you’re exporting around Europe then it’s best to choose the standard Euro pallets, as they’re designed to fit most European door frames and property sizes. They’re also stamped with the official European stamp, which means they’re universally accepted throughout Europe and you won’t face any difficulties with your exports.

Stacking or racking?

If you’re stacking your pallets in your warehouse, then you use the space best when the pallets sit flush. For that to work, you need pallets with a perimeter base.
If you’re racking pallets in a warehouse, then you may get on better with pallets that have legged or strapped bases. Our legged pallets are ideal for handling with a manual or electric pump truck, so if you have those in your warehouse, the legged pallets would be a good choice.

Delicate cargo?

You can protect a delicate load with collars on each side of your pallet. A collar stops the goods from moving around during transport. They’re not mandatory, but they add a layer of protection if you’re concerned about fragile loads.

If you’re exporting abroad…

Remember that if you’re exporting your goods abroad, then your pallets must be heat-treated to ISPM 15 regulations. Most of our pallets reach this standard anyway, but please let us know if you need heat-treated pallets. If you’re not sure, we can advise.

Need more guidance?

Head over to our guide , where you’ll find more information on wooden pallets, plastic pallets, or pallets with a collar.