When specifying pallets for your business, one of the most important decisions is choosing between block pallets and stringer pallets. These two fundamental design types differ in construction, performance characteristics, handling compatibility, and cost. Understanding the differences helps you select the right pallet for your specific application, whether you are shipping heavy industrial equipment or lightweight consumer goods.
Design and Construction Differences
Stringer Pallets: The most common pallet design in North America, stringer pallets use two or three parallel boards called "stringers" as the primary structural support between the top and bottom deck boards. The stringers run the length of the pallet (typically the 48-inch dimension on a standard GMA pallet) and provide the framework that supports the load and creates the openings for forklift tines.
Standard stringer pallets are "two-way entry" pallets, meaning a forklift can access them from the two ends where the stringer openings are visible. However, many stringer pallets have notches cut into the stringers on the sides, creating "partial four-way entry" — a forklift can lift the pallet from the notched sides, but only a pallet jack can fully enter from those directions.
Block Pallets: Block pallets use a combination of solid wood blocks (typically 6 or 9 blocks per pallet) and connecting boards (called "stringer boards" or "side boards") to support the deck boards. The blocks are positioned at the four corners, the midpoints of each side, and the center. Stringer boards connect the blocks and provide additional support.
The key advantage of the block design is true "four-way entry" — forklifts and pallet jacks can access the pallet equally from all four sides. This is because the spaces between the blocks create clear fork openings in both directions.
Load Capacity and Structural Performance
Block pallets generally offer superior load capacity compared to stringer pallets of the same size. This is because the nine-block configuration distributes weight more evenly across the pallet's footprint and provides more points of support for both the top and bottom decks.
Typical load ratings for 48x40-inch pallets: - Stringer pallet static load capacity: 2,500 to 5,000 lbs (depending on lumber species and grade) - Block pallet static load capacity: 5,000 to 7,500 lbs - Stringer pallet dynamic load capacity: 2,000 to 3,000 lbs - Block pallet dynamic load capacity: 2,800 to 5,000 lbs
Dynamic load capacity refers to the weight a pallet can safely carry while being moved by a forklift. This is always lower than static capacity because the pallet experiences additional stress from acceleration, deceleration, and vibration during movement.
For racking applications, block pallets also tend to perform better. When a pallet is placed on rack beams that support only the ends, the spanning strength of the pallet becomes critical. Block pallets with their additional intermediate supports typically have higher racking load capacities than stringer pallets.
Handling Equipment Compatibility
Stringer pallets work well with standard forklifts entering from the two primary openings. Pallet jacks can enter from all four sides on notched stringer pallets. However, the partial four-way entry limitation can create bottlenecks in high-throughput operations where pallets need to be accessed from any direction.
Block pallets are compatible with all types of handling equipment from all four sides — forklifts, pallet jacks, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and conveyor systems. This true four-way access makes block pallets the preferred choice for automated warehouse systems, high-volume distribution centers, and operations where space constraints require flexible pallet orientation.
In highly automated facilities such as Amazon fulfillment centers and major grocery distribution warehouses, block pallets are increasingly specified because they give robotic handlers and conveyor systems the flexibility to move pallets in any orientation without repositioning.
Cost Comparison
Stringer pallets are less expensive to manufacture than block pallets. They use less lumber (stringers are cut from a single board, while blocks require individual pieces), require fewer fasteners, and involve a simpler assembly process.
Approximate new pallet costs (48x40-inch): - Stringer pallet: $8 to $18 - Block pallet: $14 to $30
In the recycled pallet market, the cost gap narrows somewhat because the price is based more on condition and availability than on raw materials. Recycled stringer pallets are widely available and affordable, while recycled block pallets may command a slight premium due to higher demand from automated facilities.
Regional Preferences and Global Standards
In North America, stringer pallets dominate. The standard GMA pallet — a 48x40-inch stringer pallet — accounts for approximately 35% of all pallets produced in the US. This dominance is largely a result of the GMA standardization effort in the 1960s and the resulting infrastructure (racking, trucks, equipment) built around the stringer format.
In Europe, block pallets are the standard. The EUR pallet (also called the EPAL or Euro pallet), measuring 1200x800mm, is a block pallet and is the most widely used pallet in European supply chains. The European preference for block pallets reflects the higher adoption of automated material handling in European warehouses and the operational advantages of four-way access.
In Asia and other regions, both types are used, with specific preferences varying by country and industry.
Which Is Right for Your Business?
Choose stringer pallets if: you need an affordable pallet for domestic shipping, your handling equipment is standard forklifts and pallet jacks, you do not require four-way forklift access, you are in a cost-sensitive application such as one-way shipments, or you need to match the GMA standard for compatibility with grocery and retail distribution.
Choose block pallets if: you operate automated warehouse systems (AGVs, conveyors, AS/RS), you need the highest possible load capacity, four-way forklift access is important for your operations, you ship to European markets or work with European supply chain partners, or you require maximum racking performance.
At Albuquerque Pallets, we stock both stringer and block pallets in new and recycled options. Our team can help you evaluate your operational needs and recommend the right type for each application. Contact us for a consultation and pallet samples.