A short spacer, usually solid wood, composite wood or plastic, used in block pallet construction to support the deck and allow 4-way entry. Most block pallets use nine blocks.
Detailed Definition
Pallet blocks sit between the top deck and the bottom boards of a block pallet. In a typical nine-block layout, blocks are arranged three by three: corner blocks at the corners, mid blocks along the edges and a center block in the middle. Because the spaces between blocks are open on all four sides, forklifts and pallet jacks can enter from any side. Blocks can be solid sawn wood, laminated wood, or compressed wood chips as on many EUR pallets.
What makes a good block
Blocks carry the load from the top deck to the floor or forks, and they take hard impacts from fork tips. Solid wood blocks can split along the grain when nailed close to the edge. Laminated blocks are glued from thinner pieces to reduce splitting. Compressed wood chip blocks are uniform and dry, which helps with ISPM 15 since processed wood like this is exempt from treatment, though the pallet's solid wood boards still need it.
Checks for buyers and repairers
- All blocks present and of matching height so the pallet sits flat
- No split or crushed blocks, and no blocks twisted out of line
- Nails long enough to anchor deck and bottom boards into the block
- Consistent block material on automated lines, since mixed heights cause jams
Block height sets the fork opening, so it must suit your forks and pallet jacks. Confirm the opening dimension on the spec rather than assuming a standard.
Blocks in repaired pallets
Pallet repairers replace split or missing blocks with matching height blocks. On ISPM 15 marked pallets, replacement wood must itself be treated, and marking rules for repaired pallets apply.
Related Glossary Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a block and a stringer?
A stringer is a long board running the full length of a pallet, supporting the deck along its whole length. Blocks are short spacers placed at points under the deck. Stringer pallets usually allow two-way or partial four-way entry, while block pallets allow full four-way entry because the gaps between blocks are open on every side.
Are pallet blocks made from plastic?
Some are. Plastic and composite blocks are used in certain wood-hybrid pallets and in fully plastic block pallets. Compressed wood chip blocks are common on European pallets. Solid wood blocks remain widespread in North America. The choice affects weight, splitting resistance, moisture uptake and whether ISPM 15 treatment applies to the block.