A pallet manufactured from a blend of hardwood species, a common construction for new 48x40 stringer pallets, especially in the eastern US.
Detailed Definition
A mixed hardwood pallet is built from mixed hardwood lumber, meaning boards and stringers cut from several hardwood species such as oak, maple, hickory, ash and gum. It is a common choice for new 48 x 40 stringer pallets where hardwood is plentiful, particularly in the eastern half of the US. In the South and West, pallets made from Southern Yellow Pine or Western softwoods are also widely used. These pallets are valued for durability and nail holding but are relatively heavy, and most are built from green lumber.
What to specify on a mixed hardwood pallet
Because the species vary, the specification does most of the work. A good spec lists overall dimensions, number and size of stringers, number, thickness and width of top and bottom deck boards, notch dimensions for partial four-way entry, nail type and count per joint, and any defect limits such as no decay or splits at nail locations. If the pallet will be racked, state the rack span and load so the design can be checked.
Weight, moisture and mold
A green hardwood pallet can weigh noticeably more than the same pallet once it has dried, and it will shrink slightly as it loses moisture. Pallets shipped green in closed trailers or containers, especially in warm weather, are prone to surface mold. Buyers in food, pharmaceutical or export work often ask for kiln dried or heat treated pallets and specify dry storage. Heat treatment for ISPM 15 kills pests but does not by itself make the pallet dry.
- Store pallets off the ground and under cover.
- Do not stack wet pallets tightly in closed spaces.
- Ask the supplier how long pallets sit between manufacture and delivery.
Related Glossary Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Are mixed hardwood pallets better than softwood pallets?
They suit different needs. Mixed hardwood pallets are usually heavier and resist impact and nail pull-out well, which helps in rough handling and repeated use. Softwood pallets are lighter, which can cut freight weight and make manual handling easier, and they can be designed to carry similar loads with the right board sizes. Compare designs for your load, racking and handling conditions rather than choosing on material alone.
Why do new hardwood pallets sometimes arrive with mold?
Most new hardwood pallets are built from green lumber with high moisture content. When they are stacked tightly, wrapped, or shipped in closed, warm trailers, the moisture has nowhere to go and mold can grow on the surface within days. Drying the lumber, kiln drying the finished pallets, storing them with airflow, and reducing time in closed transport all lower the risk. Specify these if mold would be a problem.