Two Designs, Different Strengths
Walk into any warehouse in America and you'll find two fundamental pallet designs: stringer pallets and block pallets. While they both serve the same basic purpose — elevating and supporting goods for storage and transport — their construction differs significantly, and that difference affects performance, cost, and compatibility with your operations.
What Is a Stringer Pallet?
Stringer pallets use two or three long boards (called stringers) running the length of the pallet to provide structural support. The top deck boards are nailed across these stringers. The stringers are typically 2×4 or 3×4 lumber, and they're the backbone of the pallet.
Key characteristics:
- Usually a two-way entry design, meaning forklifts can only access from two sides (the ends)
- Can be notched to allow partial four-way entry for fork tines (but not pallet jacks)
- Lighter weight than comparable block pallets
- Less expensive to manufacture
- The standard GMA 48×40 pallet is typically a stringer design
Most stringer pallets weigh between 35 and 50 lbs depending on lumber species and dimensions. They're the dominant pallet type in North America, accounting for roughly 80% of all pallets in circulation.
What Is a Block Pallet?
Block pallets use solid wood blocks (typically 4×4 or larger) positioned at the four corners, the four side midpoints, and the center — nine blocks total in a standard configuration. Deck boards are attached to the top and bottom, with the blocks providing the structural support.
Key characteristics:
- True four-way entry: Forklifts and pallet jacks can access from all four sides
- Stronger overall construction due to the block-and-board architecture
- Heavier than stringer pallets (typically 50–75 lbs)
- More expensive to manufacture
- Commonly used in Europe and in pallet pooling systems (CHEP, PECO)
Performance Comparison
Load capacity: Block pallets generally support heavier loads. A standard block pallet can handle 2,800+ lbs dynamically, while a comparable stringer pallet handles around 2,500 lbs. For heavy industrial loads, block pallets are the safer choice.
Durability: Block pallets tend to last longer because damage to a single component is less likely to compromise the entire structure. If a stringer cracks, the pallet may fail entirely. If a deck board on a block pallet breaks, the remaining blocks and boards often maintain enough integrity for continued use.
Repairability: Both types are repairable, but stringer pallets are simpler and cheaper to fix. Replacing a stringer is straightforward; replacing blocks requires more labor and precision.
Which Should You Use?
Choose stringer pallets when:
- You're working primarily with forklifts (not pallet jacks)
- Cost per pallet is a primary concern
- You're shipping domestically within standard North American supply chains
- Weight savings matter for freight cost optimization
Choose block pallets when:
- You need four-way pallet jack access (common in retail and grocery)
- Load weights are high (2,500+ lbs)
- Pallets will be reused many times (pooling programs)
- You're shipping to or within Europe
- Your racking system requires block pallet compatibility
A Practical Note
Many warehouses use both types. There's no rule saying you must standardize on one design. The key is matching pallet type to application. Use block pallets for your heaviest, highest-value loads and pallet-jack-intensive operations. Use stringer pallets for lighter, cost-sensitive applications. Universal Pallet Supply stocks both stringer and block pallets in all standard sizes, in new, recycled, and custom configurations.