Things You Should Know Before Buying Wooden Pallets

Pallets made of wood are beneficial materials. They have crucial functions in the corporate sector, assisting with storing and moving commodities, but their usefulness goes well beyond that. These inexpensive platforms may also be used for inventive do-it-yourself projects. However, when purchasing wooden pallets, it’s essential to consider a few important variables as they can significantly affect their general quality and suitability for your purposes. Keep reading this blog post to learn about things you should know before buying wooden pallets.

The type of wood is a crucial factor to consider since hardwood pallets are frequently more resilient and long-lasting than softwood variations. To further assure safety, it is essential to check for structural integrity, including loose or cracked boards and projecting nails. Size and weight should correspond to the planned purpose.

 

Type of Wood

One important consideration when selecting wooden pallets is the kind of wood: hardwood or softwood. Compared to their softwood counterparts, hardwood pallets have greater resilience and a longer lifespan because of their solid and robust nature. Because of its inherent strength and ability to withstand the stresses of storage and transit, hardwoods are ideal for ensuring that your items are safe and secure for a lengthy period of time.

This endurance translates into cost savings by minimizing the need for regular repairs and helps make the pallet choice for your particular requirements more sustainable and trustworthy.

 

Size and Dimensions

The size and dimensions of wooden pallets are another significant factor to consider. It’s crucial to carefully evaluate and ascertain whether the chosen pallet’s size complies with your unique storage or transit requirements. To avoid future logistical difficulties and operational inefficiencies, be sure your planned usage is compatible with the dimensions of the pallet.

Pallets that are too big can save space and increase shipping expenses, while those that are too tiny might jeopardize the stability and safety of the cargo. Therefore, choosing the appropriate size and dimensions is a wise move toward streamlining your process and ensuring that your pallets properly fulfill their function.

 

Weight Capacity

When it comes to wood pallets, weight capacity plays a huge role. You need first to determine the purpose of the wooden pallets you’re getting. Getting sturdy wooden pallets would be the right call if you wish to use them for storage in your warehouse or transporting goods. The good thing is that wooden pallets come in various kinds and types, giving you the freedom to choose from. High-quality wood pallets of durable wood last longer and have a large weight capacity, making them extremely diverse.

Pallet size matters a lot. A wood pallet with less weight capacity can be used for DIY projects to make home furniture, etc. However, it is highly crucial to determine the weight capacity of wood pallets. The weight capacity changes as you choose between different pallet sizes, meaning the wood used to make those pallets must be even more durable.

 

Chemical Treatments

Wooden pallets are usually treated with different chemicals or at least heat treated. The benefit of this type of wood pallets is that they are even more sustainable than usual. To sterilize the wood and protect it from insects, germs, and other natural impurities, wooden pallets are treated by being fired in a specialized kiln. The long-term preservation and recyclability of wooden pallets and other accessories depends on heat treatment.

In addition to enabling international shipment, using wooden pallets in sanitary areas is safer. The extra moisture concealed within the wood is also removed during this process, which can help the pallets endure considerably longer without rotting or breaking.

 

Check For Certifications

You may select from a variety of wooden pallet kinds. Prior to exporting, you should verify the appropriate packing or pallet specifications for the final destination. The rules for importing goods from other countries vary per nation. The wooden pallets used for export shipments must be ISPM 15 certified.

The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) created this with the intention of halting the spread of insects or pest wood rodents. The Euro Pallet (or EPAL Pallet) is suitable for international exports in addition to ISPM 15 hardwood pallets, particularly to several European nations.

 

Manufacturer’s Reputation

Suppliers of wooden pallets are in charge of offering consumers high-quality pallets that satisfy their demands. Because pallets come in various sizes, shapes, and materials, providers must supply the appropriate pallet for a given purpose.

Additionally, suppliers must ensure the pallets are delivered on schedule and in excellent shape. Deliveries that are inconsistently made can seriously disrupt the supply chain, resulting in delays, higher expenses, and disgruntled consumers. Suppliers must also have effective inventory management systems in place to guarantee that they have enough pallets on hand to satisfy client demand.

 

Environmental Impact

Although it’s commonly implied, using wood pallets does not significantly contribute to deforestation. Although many wood pallet producers are working to make their methods more sustainable, wood pallets nonetheless involve harvesting natural resources.

Companies who still use wooden pallets in their supply chain and want to lessen the impact of those pallets on the environment can look for pallet producers who follow environmentally friendly standards, such as planting trees and utilizing softwood rather than hardwood. However, there are techniques to decrease wood pallets’ effect on the environment.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, many factors need to be considered when purchasing wood pallets. Focusing on those factors will benefit you and your business, as you’ll be able to get the most out of your pallets. Many companies favor getting used pallets as they cost less and are somewhat equally sustainable. However, a used pallet needs to be treated to enhance its lifespan. Among all the factors that need to be considered, choosing a well-reputable manufacturer is the most important one because you should be able to trust the supplier with the products.

Unaka Forest Products Inc. specializes in wooden pallet production. Our built wood pallets are extremely durable, offering sustainability. We provide new pallets according to your specifications and requirements. We also provide Landscaping Mulch, Biofuel/Chips, and Precut Lumber. Our pallets have a high weight capacity and are highly trustworthy and reliable. Contact us today to purchase pallets that last you years!

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digitalengage blog October 30, 2023 0 Comments

How Does Moisture Affect Wood Pallets

Wooden Pallets are preferred and used by many businesses all around the world. Although Wooden Pallets are highly durable but easily affected by moisture content, resulting in declining quality. Therefore, the quality of pallets is the first demand and priority of businesses. The companies required wooden pallets that can be used for a long time, are durable, sustainable, and resist all weather conditions. Therefore, keeping in mind the demand of the businesses, the pallet manufacturers use the type of wood with the lowest moisture content. We’ll answer the question, ” How Does Moisture Affect Your Wood Pallets” and how they are bad for your final product.

Thus, tests and methods are applied to remove moisture from the wood. All these processes are done to ensure that the quality of pallets is of supreme quality and that businesses can use them for a long time. The moisture is very dangerous for the life of the wooden pallets. It decreases the durability and strength of the wood pallets and makes them old. Here we will discuss the effects of moisture on the wood pallets and how to treat them properly to end their moisture content. 

Defining the Quality of Wood Pallets

Several criteria and standards determine the quality of a wooden pallet. One of the critical factors is the moisture content of the wood used in making the pallet. Wood with too much moisture is prone to warping, cracking, and weakening. Therefore, a good quality wooden pallet should have a low moisture content to make it more durable and less prone to damage. Another factor determining the quality of a wooden pallet is the type of wood used in making it. 

Different types of wood have varying levels of strength, durability, and sustainability. The wood that makes high-quality pallets are pine, oak, and hardwood. Each of these woods has unique properties that make it suitable for specific applications. The design of a wooden pallet is also an essential factor that affects its quality. A good quality wooden pallet should be designed to ensure it is stable, safe, and easy to handle. It should also be designed to support the weight of the goods it is transporting without bending or breaking. 

Effect of Moisture on Wood Pallets

How Does Moisture Affect Wood Pallets? Moisture is evil for any wood, ultimately damaging the wood to a useless level. The trait of wood is that it absorbs moisture content very quickly and can keep it for a long time. As a result, the wood starts to expand, crack, and warp. All these things deteriorate the quality of wood and make it completely useless. Avoiding exposure to wooden pallets’ moisture is essential in the case of pallets made from wood. Wooden pallets are used for long periods, and moisture can destroy their quality. 

Moistness is one of the most common factors that can damage the quality of wooden pallets. When wood is exposed to moisture, it becomes a breeding ground for mildew and mold growth. These microorganisms not only create an unpleasant smell but also deteriorate the quality of the wood. They cause dislocation and damage to the wooden pallets, ultimately making them obsolete. The dislocated and damaged pallets affect the products being transported and cause a significant risk to the workers handling them.

Protecting Wood Pallets by Using Heat Treatment

The treatment of the wood used in making the pallet is also an essential part of improving the quality of wooden pallets. Wood treatments such as heat treatment are used to reduce moisture content, remove pests, and improve the strength and durability of the wood. In all these scenarios, wooden pallet manufacturers prioritize producing a durable, sustainable, and robust product. To achieve this, they always use the best quality wood available and modern technological tools and machinery to ensure that all wood treatment is done correctly.

The Mold and Mildew Effect on the Wooden Pallets

The mold and mildew on the wooden pallets can also directly affect the goods transported. As a result, the pallets become unstable, and the goods can easily fall off during transportation. Moreover, mold and mildew can also cause health hazards for workers who come into contact with them. These things can cause allergies and respiratory problems. Hence It is essential to avoid exposure of wooden pallets to moisture and humidity to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. This can be done by storing pallets in a dry and well-ventilated area, covering them with a waterproof material, or treating them with different methods. Proper maintenance of wooden pallets is crucial to ensure the safe and effective transportation of goods.

Protecting Wooden Pallets from Pests, Fungi, and Bacteria

Moisture and dampness attract insects and pests to wood. Insects such as the beetle and termites can feed on wood and cause damage. Fungi and bacteria can also grow on the wood due to the moisture content. This can cause decay and rot in the wood. Wooden pallets used outdoors are at risk of exposure to unfavorable weather conditions such as rain and snow. This can cause the wood to weaken and age, reducing its lifespan. 

It is important to keep wooden pallets away from water sources such as lakes, underground water, and rivers to prevent decay. Wooden pallets should be stored in dry areas with access to air and some sunlight. Insecticides and fungicides can protect wooden pallets from pests and reduce the chances of decay.

How to Prevent Water Exposure for Wood Pallets?

That moisture exposure makes the wood grow old and weak and thus reduces its life. So it is necessary to keep the wooden pallets away from water sources such as lakes, underground water, and rivers. Any water exposure will lead to the decay of the wood pallets. It is necessary to keep and store the wood pallets in dry areas with access to air and some sun. Also, some insecticides and fungicides protect the wooden pallets from pests and help reduce the chances of decaying wooden pallets.

Moisture Absorption in Green Hardwood.

Different wood species have varying abilities to absorb water. For instance, green wood’s ability to retain moisture differs from other types of wood. Green hardwood, or green wood pallets, can hold moisture due to their living plant cells. Sometimes, up to 50% of the weight of green hardwood is from water content, making them more susceptible to cracking and decay. Hardwood pallets must be sealed and treated with water-resistant coatings or different additives to prevent water absorption. 

Green hardwood pallets have more moisture content, so that a better alternative would be kiln-dried wood pallets with nearly 19 % moisture content. Kiln dry pallets will always have a long life and will remain durable. The key to managing the green wood pallets is to inspect them regularly and keep them away from direct exposure to sunlight and rain. Another way to protect them from moisture is to apply the coating and waterproofing sealant. Through these measures, the quality of green hardwood pallets can be maintained for a long time.

Shrinking of Wood Pallets Due to Moisture

Wood pallet parts shrink when they are exposed to different weather conditions. This is due to the natural tendency of wood to absorb moisture during humid seasons and subsequently release moisture and shrink when exposed to high temperatures and Harsh winter weather conditions

This shrinkage can damage the hardwood pallets, leaving them useless. Pallet manufacturers ensure that the wood they are using is heat treated. Damaged wooden pallets can be recycled, but it is necessary to treat them through heating methods or by applying a water-resistant coating. Because damaged pallets can be reused, the damaged wood with moisture content is mostly useless.

Container Rain Effect on Wood Pallets

Due to moisture, the parts of the pallets that are holding them also get affected. For example, the nails or strings in stacked stringer pallets get eroded or damaged because of the moisture causing damage to the overall pallet design. That’s why it’s essential to dry hardwood pallets through heating treatment and suitable heating methods. 

The container rain is another leading factor that adds moisture to the wood. The moisture in the air inside the container condenses on the ceiling or walls of the container, which causes adding moisture levels to the wooden pallets stored in the container. This mostly happens during shipping and transporting the goods. This damage caused by the container rain effect can be controlled by packing the pallets properly in water-resistant materials.

Unaka Forest Products manufactures and produces the best Wood Pallets in East Tennessee. We are specialized in making other products, such as Organic Wooden Mulch and Pre-Cut Lumber. So Contact us today if you are looking for the best quality products for your business. 

 

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digitalengage blog October 15, 2023 0 Comments