Wooden pallets can be made from a variety of different woods, and the composition often depends on their country of origin. However, there are two species of wood found in high proportion in lumber mixtures used to manufacture pallets, which are oak and southern yellow pine (SYP) . Pine is also commonly used in pallets because softwoods tend to be more consistent in weight than hardwoods, giving the product a high strength to weight ratio. Softwoods are also easier to dry, which helps prevent contamination from fungi, molds, or other pests. Here are some of the more popular types of wood used to create pallets:
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Pine: Pine is a softwood that is light in color with a straight grain. It’s a lower-cost option for pallets, but it’s also not as durable as some of the other woods on this list.
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Oak: Oak is used for its strength and also availability. The pallets are made from leftover oak lumber that was not used for making furniture.
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Maple: Maple is a hardwood that is light in color and has a fine, uniform texture. It is a popular choice for pallets because it is strong and durable.
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Birch: Birch is a hardwood that is light in color and has a fine, uniform texture. It is a popular choice for pallets because it is strong and durable.
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Cherry: Cherry is a hardwood that is reddish-brown in color and has a fine, uniform texture. It is a popular choice for pallets because it is strong and durable.
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Teak: Teak is a hardwood that is yellowish-brown in color and has a straight grain. It is a popular choice for pallets because it is strong and durable.
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Walnut: Walnut is a hardwood that is dark brown in color and has a fine, uniform texture. It is a popular choice for pallets because it is strong and durable.
