Not all pallet wood is created equal. The type of wood used in pallet construction directly affects strength, weight, durability, moisture resistance, cost, and even compliance with international shipping regulations. Understanding the differences between hardwood and softwood pallets — and the specific species commonly used — helps you select the right pallet for your application and get better value from your pallet purchases.
Hardwood vs. Softwood: The Basics
The terms hardwood and softwood refer to the botanical classification of the tree, not necessarily the physical hardness of the wood. Hardwoods come from deciduous (leaf-bearing) trees like oak, maple, and birch. Softwoods come from coniferous (cone-bearing) trees like pine, spruce, and fir. In general, hardwoods are denser, heavier, stronger, and more durable — but also more expensive and harder to work with. Softwoods are lighter, more affordable, easier to nail, and more widely available.
Quick Comparison
- Hardwood pallets: Heavier (50-70 lbs), stronger, more durable, higher cost ($12-18 new)
- Softwood pallets: Lighter (30-50 lbs), adequate strength for most loads, lower cost ($8-12 new)
- Hardwood advantages: Better for heavy loads, longer lifespan, higher recycling value
- Softwood advantages: Easier to repair, better for workers handling manually, more affordable
- Mixed wood: Many pallets use hardwood stringers with softwood deck boards for an optimal balance
Common Hardwood Species Used in Pallets
Several hardwood species are commonly used in pallet construction, each with distinct characteristics that make them suitable for different applications.
Oak
Oak is the most common hardwood used in pallets, prized for its exceptional strength and durability. White oak and red oak are both used, with white oak offering superior moisture resistance. Oak pallets are ideal for heavy loads, long-term storage, and applications where durability justifies the higher cost. They command premium pricing in the buyback market due to their superior material properties.
Maple
Maple is harder than oak and extremely durable, but also heavier and more expensive. Maple pallets are used in demanding industrial applications where maximum load capacity is required. They are less common than oak pallets but highly valued in the recycled pallet market.
Birch and Beech
Birch and beech are mid-range hardwoods that offer good strength at lower weight than oak or maple. They are commonly used in European pallet manufacturing and appear in imported goods pallets. Both species are susceptible to moisture and rot if stored outdoors without protection.
Common Softwood Species Used in Pallets
Southern Yellow Pine (SYP)
SYP is the most widely used pallet wood in the United States, accounting for an estimated 40% of all new pallet production. It offers excellent strength-to-weight ratio, wide availability, competitive pricing, and good nail-holding capacity. SYP pallets are the standard choice for general-purpose shipping and warehousing applications.
Spruce, Pine, and Fir (SPF)
SPF is a commercial lumber grading category that groups several similar softwood species. SPF lumber is widely available, affordable, and suitable for light to medium-duty pallet applications. It is the default material for economy-grade pallets and is commonly found in imported goods pallets from Canada.
Douglas Fir
Douglas fir is a premium softwood that offers strength approaching hardwood levels at a significantly lower weight. It is commonly used in pallets for the Pacific Northwest lumber industry and in applications where strength and light weight are both priorities.
Choosing the Right Wood for Your Application
- Heavy industrial loads (3,000+ lbs): Hardwood (oak or maple) recommended for stringers at minimum
- Standard warehouse shipping (1,000-3,000 lbs): SYP softwood offers the best value
- Light loads and one-way shipping (under 1,000 lbs): Economy SPF softwood is sufficient
- Export shipments: Any ISPM-15 heat-treated species works; softwood is most economical
- Food and pharmaceutical: Choose clean, untreated softwood or certified food-grade pallets
- Outdoor storage: White oak or treated wood for best moisture resistance
- Manual handling environments: Lighter softwood reduces worker fatigue and injury risk
Wood Quality and Pallet Grading
The species of wood affects pallet grading and buyback pricing. Hardwood pallets generally receive higher buyback prices because the material is more valuable and the pallets last longer. However, wood species alone does not determine grade — the overall condition, structural integrity, and cosmetic appearance are equally important factors in the grading process.
At Pallet Wichita, we supply pallets in both hardwood and softwood varieties and can recommend the best option for your specific needs. Whether you are buying or selling, understanding wood types helps you make more informed decisions and get better value from every pallet transaction.