When most people think of a pallet, they picture a flat wooden platform. But beneath that simple exterior lie two fundamentally different construction methods that affect how the pallet performs, what equipment can handle it, how much it costs, and how long it lasts. Understanding the difference between block pallets and stringer pallets helps you make smarter purchasing decisions and optimize your warehouse operations.
Stringer Pallets: The North American Standard
Stringer pallets are the most common pallet type in North America, accounting for approximately 80% of all pallets in circulation. They use two or three parallel boards called stringers as their primary structural support. Top and bottom deck boards are nailed perpendicular to the stringers. The standard 48x40 GMA pallet is a three-stringer design.
Stringer pallets are typically two-way entry, meaning forklifts can only access them from two sides (the ends perpendicular to the stringers). However, many stringer pallets have notches cut into the stringers that allow partial four-way entry for forklift tines, though the opening is narrower than a full four-way entry block pallet.
Block Pallets: The Heavy-Duty Option
Block pallets use solid wood blocks (typically nine — four corners, four edge centers, and one center) instead of continuous stringers. Boards or stringers connect the blocks, and deck boards are nailed on top and bottom. This construction creates true four-way entry — forklifts and pallet jacks can access from all four sides with full opening width.
Block pallets are the dominant type in Europe (the Euro pallet is a block design) and are increasingly used in North America for applications that require four-way access, heavy-duty load capacity, or compatibility with international supply chains.
Structural Strength and Load Capacity
Block pallets are generally stronger than stringer pallets of equivalent size and lumber grade. The nine-block support system distributes loads more evenly and provides better performance in racking applications. Block pallets typically offer 25-35% higher static and dynamic load capacities. They are preferred for very heavy loads (5,000+ lbs) and for applications where pallets are stored in pallet racking where bending resistance is critical.
Stringer pallets, while somewhat less strong pound-for-pound, are perfectly adequate for the vast majority of supply chain applications. A standard three- stringer GMA pallet supports 2,800 lbs dynamic load and 6,000 lbs static load, which exceeds the requirements of most products.
Cost Comparison
Stringer pallets are less expensive to manufacture because they use less material and simpler construction methods. A new stringer pallet costs 20-40% less than a comparable block pallet. In the recycled market, this cost difference is even more pronounced because stringer pallets are more widely available. If you are buying recycled pallets, stringer types will almost always offer the best value.
Repairability
Stringer pallets are easier and less expensive to repair. Replacing a broken deck board requires removing a few nails and attaching a new board. Cracked stringers can be reinforced with metal companion plates. Block pallets are more complex to repair because damaged blocks must be removed and replaced, which is more labor-intensive. This makes stringer pallets more economical in repair and recycling programs.
Handling Equipment Compatibility
The four-way entry of block pallets makes them more versatile for handling equipment. Forklifts, pallet jacks, and automated guided vehicles can access from any side, improving warehouse traffic flow and reducing aisle congestion. Stringer pallets with two-way entry (or limited four-way via notches) require more careful orientation during handling, which can slow operations in high-throughput environments.
Which Should You Choose?
For most domestic operations in North America, stringer pallets are the practical choice. They are cheaper, more widely available, easier to repair, and perfectly adequate for standard load requirements. Choose block pallets when you need true four-way forklift access, are shipping heavy loads that exceed stringer pallet capacities, are working in international supply chains (particularly with European partners), or your automated handling equipment requires block pallet compatibility.
USA Pallet Recycle supplies both stringer and block pallets in standard and custom sizes. Contact us to discuss which type is right for your application.