If you compare wooden pallets with pine platforms, you’ve probably decided between durability and affordable options. Unlike hardwood, softwoods such as pine are inexpensive enough to use stringers only one-way. So what are the differences between hardwood and softwood pallets? And which one to choose?

When pallets are produced, they come in several types of wood; hardwood and softwood materials. However, many people may not understand that difference. Softwood species influence pallet functionality and pricing. To understand the differences between hardwood pallets vs soft hardwood pallets and what is needed in each product, please read below.

Why Choose a Wooden Pallet in the First Place?

Unlike other types of pallets, wood pallets are strong: wood pallets have high stability which allows for the strong lifting of heavy objects. Outside of food-grade industries, hardwood is used for many applications requiring a stronger, more durable pallet that will make many more trips than its aspen counterpart. The durability of a pallet made of wood has a strong strength and can last a lifetime. Wood pallet is used in different applications for shipping and storage of products. Wooden pallets are produced using renewable materials so that they are reusable or compostable after being not used anymore.

Properties of Hardwood Pallets

Hardwood comes from deciduous broadleafs like oaks, maples, beech, hickory, and walnuts. This is a type of tree called a dicot that has a wide spread across the Midwest and Eastern Coast. Approximately a quarter of the hardwoods harvested annually from domestic markets are cultivated in regions that spread throughout the country.

Other kinds of hardwood, like maple, are imported into international countries. Hardwood can be extremely durable because they have dense properties. There has been much misinformation about hardwood pallets being much stronger than softwood. Realistically, the pallet is only slightly stronger when compared to softwood.

Choosing Wood for the Best Pallets

Depending upon the wood used, the pallet is often crafted according to the country of origin of its construction. Pallets represent only one component of a much more extensive supply system. Pallet manufacturers seek a material that will meet a specific need as well as be easily accessible.

If wood supply is high and accessible, the chain to produce pallets remains constant, and most importantly. The most common pallet type for wood is oak pine in the USA. Hardwood pallets were the preferred choice for many years but quite a few pallets are built from softwoods these days, especially southern yellow pine.

Pallet Wood Types

Each wooden pallet is differentiated by the materials used to make it. However, there are some other things that play a role in developing different types of pallets. The most common thing among those is the process used to obtain the pallet.

Sanding

The most important change that leads people to pick pallet wood is sanding. It involves joining three or four pieces of sanding discs using a random orbiter, on both sides until very smooth. Some boards require a single piece. What are the good reasons a board is almost invincible? Is it really possible? Sanding makes the wood more durable as it can be molded to another piece of wood using adhesive materials. Hence, sanding is an important step and the pallets that are sanded prove to be more durable.

Smells

You can often notice scents of different trees from pallets. This happens usually when sanded, and sometimes when sliced. You can easily figure out if the pallets are made of pine wood because of the distinct smell. Since pine is a plentiful wood and is easy to process, pine pallets tend to be relatively cheap and easy to come by. Such smells can help you identify the type of lumber used in manufacturing the pallets which can also tell you the kind of wood used in it.

Pallet Wood Determines Its Type

It will determine whether or not wood is used as a material to construct a pallet and can also determine its cost. For example, pine is a woody material that has a light color and straight grain. Pine wood is a cheaper choice for pallets and is less strong than many kinds of wood. Oak is a hardwood that has a color range of white and reddish-brown. Its extremely coarse grain is very sturdy which makes the pallet ideal for outdoor use or heavy loads.

New hardwood pallets are generally stronger than new softwood pallets due to being denser, although the hardwood species vary quite a bit and some species are actually less dense than pine. In general, though, they withstand more stress before they bend and break and hardwood pallets tend to retain their shape under higher pressure than those made of softwood.

How to Choose the Right Type of Wood Pallet?

When selecting a wood pallet, think about the intended use and weight of the load needed. You can use the pallet as a guide when deciding what wood to use. Choose wood such as maple or oak to provide durability and withstand heavy outdoor use. For lighter-weight pallets to use indoors select softer woodlike pine.

Pallets come in many types: there are plastic pallets, steel pallets, and wooden pallets. Each kind of pallet offers benefits but also presents its disadvantages. Plastic pallets are more difficult to disinfect, steel pallets are costly, and wooden pallets can have a high replacement rate depending on their material.

Key Differences Between Hardwood and Softwood Pallets

Here are some main differences between hardwood and softwood pallets:

Hardwood Pallets

Pallets made of hardwood have historically been employed because of their strength and longevity. They are more affordable and environmentally friendly than metal or plastic, making them the greatest choice from an economic and environmental standpoint. Hardwood pallets can frequently be reused repeatedly without any problems. Hardwoods, like oak, maple, and walnut trees, are derived from blooming plants. Most frequently utilized in long-lasting projects like construction, luxury furniture, flooring, and others. Their density is higher than that of softwoods.

Hardwoods are typically more pricey. However, because of the resilience provided by their higher density, objects constructed of hardwood survive longer. What you’re shipping must be taken into careful consideration while choosing the right kind of wooden pallet for your business. A less thick material would be better for conveying lighter items like plastic or paper goods. However, the higher the density, the less sensitive it will be to mold and damage if you are transporting food-grade materials.

Softwood Pallets

When a hardwood shortage in the US occurred, demand for softwood pallets began to rise. To reduce the chance of mold or fungus formation, the majority of producers kiln dry their pallets. Using softwood pallets could have additional advantages besides just its desired hue, such as:

• Gymnosperm plants like pine and spruce provide softwood.
• You won’t have to worry about shortages because they make up 80% of all lumber.
• A greater variety of uses than hardwood, such as windows, doors, paper, and furniture for simple pallet recycling,
• Less costly and typically lower density than hardwoods

Conclusion

Choosing between different types of wood for your pallets can be a tricky task. There are a number of factors you need to consider before purchasing the right type of wood for your pallets. For instance, the weight of the wood matters the most. If your pallets are heavy, then your overall packaging will become heavy resulting in costly delivery. Hence, you should choose the type of wood that is not only practical but also durable.

Unaka Forest Products is a well-reputed pallet construction company. The pallets we produce are highly durable and can sustain high pressures. We will suggest the right kind of pallets you should be using for your business. We have all types of hardwood and softwood pallets to offer. We guarantee our customers long-lasting pallets. Contact us today and place an order!

Mulching your lawn can help you with many different benefits. Suitable landscaping requires proper and thorough trimming. Mulch provides an invisible barrier between plants and uncontaminated ground. The barrier can consist of many organic materials, including wood chips, pine trees, and straw. Mulching, however, doesn’t just enhance your property. Know the benefits of mulching by reading this blog.

Mulch is a common garden product. Mulch makes grass appear good and usually needs less maintenance because there’s less modding or pruning. Different mulch surfaces also present problems.

Kinds of Mulch

While certain mulches are more useful and can add nutrients to the soil, others are more aesthetically pleasing. The two types of mulch—organic and inorganic—each have advantages and disadvantages. Mulch controls weeds, retains moisture, prevents soil erosion, maintains soil nutrients, and helps control pests. There are numerous natural mulching options, some of which you can even get from your backyard. Materials such as bark, wood chips, pine needles, straw, and grass clippings make the best natural decomposing

Organically Attained Mulch

This mulch is made entirely from natural components. It can sometimes partially inhibit weeds and works best for feeding nutritious nutrients to your plants.

Bark

Bark mulches work best when placed around trees, bushes, and garden beds where little digging will be required. Also, foundation plantings and front walkways are the finest places to apply bark. These woody mulches don’t blend into the soil well, and it can get tiresome to continually move them out of the way to make room for new plants. However, they will endure longer than finer organic mulches.

Pine Needles

You may have heard that pine straw, also referred to as pine needles once they have fallen, lowers the pH of the soil. Pine needles may mildly acidify the soil when used as mulch, but not enough to harm plants. The sole warning is that using fresh, green pine needles as mulch may slightly increase the soil’s acidity. However, this increase may be minor. Pine needles can be a wonderful option if you’re searching for a mulch that won’t compress, inhibits weeds, and maintains soil moisture.

Grass Clippings

Grass clippings are usually a mixed bag and are ideal for weed suppression in secluded regions of your garden. Use caution while using grass clippings because they decompose quickly and can become rather slimy and smelly. This is true of most green plant materials with high water content, including grass clippings. Additionally, grass clippings have the propensity to mat down and block the passage of water.

Inorganic Mulch

Mulch that is inorganic is manmade and not formed of natural components. It doesn’t improve the soil, but it works best for completely blocking weeds, holding onto water, and preserving longer than organic materials.

Plastic Fabric

For the area around foundation plantings and other shrubs and trees, plastic and landscape fabric are suitable options. You don’t want to have to bother with weeding them all summer because these plants don’t need frequent fertilizing, and you won’t typically be working in these beds.

If there is not enough moisture, plastic can destroy all the beneficial soil organisms, including plant roots and bacteria, in addition to covering weed seeds. 5 Make careful to make enough holes in the fabric for the water to pass through. You don’t have enough drainage if you notice puddles building up on the plastic or fabric. Landscape cloth is porous, so unless it becomes blocked, there shouldn’t be a problem. Plastic harms the ecology and the soil as it breaks down, though. Similar to landscape cloth, which decomposes after a few years, weeds can pass through it.

Gravel & Stone

In locations that need good drainage or beds with plants that enjoy a bit extra heat, such as Mediterranean herb gardens, and rain gardens, gravel, and stone work well as mulches. Think carefully before using stone or gravel as mulch since stone is difficult to remove.

Which mulch you select will depend on its intended use and appearance. Every year, there are more possibilities available. Before you start spreading, weigh your options carefully and pick a mulch that will suit your tastes and benefit your garden for many years.

Benefits of Mulching

Mulch has a major advantage in adding a protective barrier to the root of plants and trees. Mulching reduces weed growth and keeps moisture at an ideal level reducing soil erosion and maintaining soil nutrients and pests from growing. The natural mulching process is extensive and is often found in the garden.

The naturally decomposing mulch combines wood chips, pine, and straw to produce a beautiful product. A less invasive option is to include materials such as black plastic and landscaping fabrics, recycled tires, pebbles, and river rock. Here are some of the most common benefits of mulching:

Controlling Weeds

Weed can damage cultivated plants, as it can also kill them. Mulch is a layer that provides weeds with less room to develop and makes their growth harder. This additional layer adds another barrier to stop daylight from reaching the open spaces where weeds thrive. Wide areas have become popular with weeds because they have ample openings that allow for dropping seeds and growing quickly. Mulching eliminates weeding from the bare ground so that seeds will not reach the soil.

Retaining Moisture

One crucial part a landscaping plan must include is that your lawn is not just beautiful, but can withstand periods of occasional rain. Mulch helps keep the soil moist. It also prevents the sunlight from vaporizing the humidity during the day, which results in cooler and humid soil which helps to grow thriving plants.

Any mulch’s capacity to keep soil moist is one of its best features. Over time, organic mulches decompose and improve the condition of the soil. This can be quite beneficial, particularly if your land is not very fertile. Mulch aids with weed management and lessens winter damage.

Preventing Soil Erosion

Mulch is a material that is spread around a plant or over the soil surface as a protective layer. Soil erosion can cause significant damage in commercial and residential landscape projects. Mulch also reduces erosion. The mulch helps keep the ground dry, which helps reduce erosion. Mulching protects the soil from being swept up by heavy rainfall and also prevents damage.

Controlling Soil Temperature

Control Mulching will moderate soil temperature fluctuations! This means that in the hot summer season, plant roots will be kept cooler by mulch covering the soil. In the frigid-winter season, mulch protects plant roots from the cold and helps to prevent frost-heaving, where plants are pushed out of the ground by natural expansion

Controls Pests

Putting up mulch can prevent pest infestation. Mulch reduces leaf rot in the plant significantly. Mulching reduces leaf foliar fungal pathogens by reducing soil splashes which prevent fungal growth in plants. Consult our landscaping professionals to see what mulch would fit in your lawn and any pest problem.

Prevent Soil Erosion

Unlike a traditional mulching system, mulches will keep the water from getting into the ground. Mulch helps to reduce the effect that rain has on the soil and reduce its friction. When the rain is heavy mulching is an easy way to prevent the soil from becoming damaged.

Mulch acts as a shield that, helps keep your landscape in place and finally prevents soil erosion. Soil Nutrients Not only does mulch prevent soil erosion, it also can keep soil nutrients from getting washed away by the forceful rain.

Conclusion

Mulch can be a very useful substance as you can use it in your backyard as well as in large scaled projects. It is something you can attain easily at a cheap rate. So why let something so useful go to waste?

Unaka Forest Products has been in the pallet and mulch business for a long time. With our given experience, we provide our customers with the best quality services. We also provide precut lumber and biofuel. So if you are in need of landscaping mulch or high-quality wooden pallets, then contact us today!

While pallets provide an ideal transport system for manufacturers and retailers, they are increasingly found among homeowners and other people looking for cheaper, free wood to be used on construction projects, firewood, etc. Pallet use is widespread, which has resulted in a significant increase in fatalities. The following blog will describe some important tips to keep your wooden pallets safe and avoid any injuries that may be caused by them.

Safety is paramount no matter the position. The use of pallet equipment is essential for the prevention and treatment of common injuries such as sprains or broken ankles and toes while working.

Read the Codes

Choose an EPSA-based system. The one with EUR refers to an older railway system. Using EPAL-approved products is acceptable. It also has heating treatment (HT). In Europe, it has been banned by the United Kingdom. The pallet is able to hold up to 500kg. A pallet might be seen without indicating it. It is generally a single pallet. The stronger ones are used in construction equipment (brick, cement, etc.) science equipment, and machinery. It is free of chemicals and can be reused safely and efficiently.

The Different Types of Pallets and Are they safe?

Pallet rentals provide pallets for re-utilization. Colored pallets are produced by companies and the color identifies the durability and type of pallets. Color pallets (blue pallets, brown pallets, and black pallets) have been criticized in the past. The pallets are treated with methyl bromide. Some pallet rentals use international shipping, so there may be some concerns. Some states fumigate every single pallet they receive. Most countries don’t follow international standards at all. It is possible to distinguish the four major pallet pool manufacturers in different colors.

CP Pallet Markings

The CPC Pallets Scheme was established in the early 90s by the Chemical Industries Association of Germany. Therefore the pallets are designed to serve the Chemicals industries only. It is part of the pallet system that is easily repaired and replaced. Standard CP describes wood quality measurement marks and repairs. The pallet block is marked with the manufacturer’s or repairer’s name and the date of the repair. The pallet can be heated according to ISPM or IPPC requirements or can be dried at kilns. CP Pallet comes in nine different sizes so there will be CP 1, CP2, or CP3.

Pallet Stamps and Marks

Wood pallets meet IPPC standards. A certified agency should provide the necessary markings and certifications for these items. However, it’s crucial that you know the meaning behind the coding to eliminate the toxic or harmful option. USDA indicates the combinations of qualities on the pallet that include: Source [MB] indicates the wood has been treated using methyl bromide. Even if it is a wood pallet that is only yours, avoid handling it with bare hands. The pallet can contaminate the home if exposed to toxic substances. These stamps were originally referred to as heat treatment.

Things to Look For in a Pallet Stamp

Avoid contaminated pallets for your safety. Use them cautiously! Pallets can be completely safe without the stamp logo, but it’s difficult for you to see the details. The following are some key details for checking the pallet stamp. The second letter on the stamp indicates which country the pallet was manufactured in according to the ICAE code, followed by identifying regions and the unique registration code. Identifying such details on a pallet stamp is highly important because it lets you know which ones to purchase.

Choosing the Safe Treatment Method

Wooden pallets manufactured in Canada or the U.S. undergo a pest control treatment called heat treating (HT) which involves heating the pallet at a minimum temperature of 56°C for softwoods and 60°C for hardwoods for 30 minutes in an HTP pallet is harmless for both the body and the environment. The use of kiln-dry lumber reduces wood moisture content (18% – 11%). The coding is used for controlling swabbing, fungal growth, and other properties. Typically wood drying ovens do not reach the 133 degrees Fahrenheit (55 degrees Celsius) temperature a thermal treatment would require.

Avoid MB Pallets

Methylbromide fumigation has been linked to human health problems as well as depleting ozone layers. Methyl bromide fumigation eliminates pests such as pine beetles invasive. The 1987 Montreal Protocol was a measure that was meant to restrict the use and production of methyl bromide along with other substances that had the effect. These treatment methods have been banned in many countries because they pose serious health dangers to workers who handle pallets. It’s also available to be viewed elsewhere.

MB Pallets Are Not Safe

Methylbromide has broad spectral pest control applications to kill the weed and parasitic organisms including pathogens and rodents. The use of methyl bromide was first used for soil fumigation and also for commodity quarantine treatment, structural fertilizer, and structural fertilization for agricultural products.

Methyl bromide enters a person’s bloodstream through the air through the skin or eyes. Inhaling methyl bromide causes skin irritation, itching, and burns. Dielectric heating is used to treat wood packing material, whether it is new, old, previously built, repaired, or remanufactured.

Don’t Be Fooled by Old Appearances

The cure temperatures of woods like cherry or oak cause the release of saps from within. Sap covers wooden boards with dark stains making them look old and wearable. Heat-treated containers and boxes are able to remain stable without damage. KDD pallets are safe. New or used wood package materials may be cooled by dielectric heating and treated with DH codes.

Understanding Chemistry

Various researchers have confirmed that toxic substances like methyl bromide are not safe for humans to use. After prolonged exposure to MeBr, neurological disorders may occur. Toxicopedia has found pesticides to reach humans through air or eyes. Its classification is highly acute. An alternative method of treating wood pallets is heat treatment (HT), which is an efficient and acceptable treatment method that heats a package to a minimum temperature of 56° C. for 30 minutes.

Pallet Treatment

IPPC developed an innovative approach that helps mitigate the risks associated with spreading infectious agents to other plants. The isp 15 phytosanitary measures require that pallet manufacturers use appropriate handling to quarantine pest infestations that have been shown to be harmful to forest health and biodiversity and prevent further exploitation of timber. According to the USDA, the current standard for WPM treatments includes MeBr (Methyl Bromide) fumigation and HT heat treatments.

Hazards to Avoid When Using Pallets

Our research suggests that many people hurt themselves when using pallets for home-building projects or other unattended purposes. Often the pallet is damaged by deconstruction. Deconstruction of pallets involves taking apart different boards by pulling, trimming, or smashing.

Each method presents some risks and extra precaution is necessary to prevent getting hurt while removing boards. It would be highly recommended to not hit any of the pallets in the attempt to take out parts. Remove damaged pallets from your workplace to reduce injury.

European Pallets

Depending on where in the US and Canada the pallet may be made, it is different. The Euro pallet is represented by two different names: EUR or EPPAL. Europe prohibits chemical treatments of wood and it can easily be used on the pallet. But in the case when stamps mention EUR, they originate in older versions of the rules, and the easiest way to avoid the pallet should be avoided.

What Happens if Pallets Don’t Have Stamps? Is It Safe?

When pallets don’t have stamps they are categorized as national pallets. National pallets can be used for domestic transportation across your country. Most domestic pallets do not contain chemical substances so should be the safest. But we have to be cautious.

What Are Safety Tips for Pallets?

Make sure the pallet is packed at the same weight with varying loads. Keep pallets away from any area that needs access, including doors, emergency exit points, smoke detectors, emergency lighting, and electrical outlets. Avoid dumping the pallet. Anyone attempting to disassemble a wooden pallet should be aware that the majority of them employ specialty nails that are quite challenging to remove. In order to make pallets endure longer, pallet nails typically feature a “screw shank,” which is difficult to remove without specialist tools.

Conclusion

When you go to the market to purchase any appliance, it is important that you have some prior knowledge of the product. With pallets, its the same case. As a business owner who requires pallets, you should know all the precautionary measures that need to be taken before and making any purchase. Other than that, handling something every business owner should be aware of. Pallet safety precautions should taken, a safe working environment is typically the result. Whether you’re running a business or you’re an employee somewhere that pallets are regularly used, be sure the proper procedures are taught and reinforced.

Unaka Forest Products specializes in manufacturing thee highest quality wooden pallets. The treatment processes we use are safe and according to safety standards. We also provide pallet repairing services. Our pallets are reliable and durable. Contact us today to place an order!

When it comes to storing food items, there are many options that a business can resort to. Some options are considered unsafe for the storage of such items because they can cause contamination. Wooden pallets have been the go-to for the food industry for storage and transport. We will look at the major reasons why wooden pallets are considered safe for the food industry and how to properly use them to avoid contamination.

Apart from wooden pallets, there are also other materials that can be used instead. Plastic pallets are commonly preferred over wooden pallets as they are much more durable and don’t cause much contamination. But there are other harmful effects that can be caused by using plastic pallets. Wooden pallets can be sterilized to offer safety to your edible goods. Hence, it is a much safer option than plastic pallets. 

Reasons Why Wooden Pallets are Safe For Food Storage

The relationship between wood pallets and food safety has come under scrutiny in recent years from consumers and supply chain decision-makers alike. There are various reasons why wood pallets are best for food safety. Wood pallets are safe for transporting food in many different ways. Not only that but they are affordable and reliable. Some of the reasons why you should prefer a wooden pallet instead of any other material are listed here:

It Doesn’t Hold Pathogens

A wooden pallet, when properly sterilized, is highly safe to store food in. After sterilization, the wood does not harbor any harmful substances or pathogens. So if you’re wondering that the wood may have termites or other microorganisms that could harm the food, you’re wrong. When wood is treated before the formation of a pallet, all the pathogens are removed and no harm can be done to the food. 

The Surface of the Wood is Clean

As mentioned above, when the wood is sterilized, all the harmful contaminants are cleared out and none remain on the surface of the wood. For the majority of food businesses, wooden pallets are used to store raw materials, store work in progress or store finished product. 

After heat treatment, the contaminants inside the wood are also removed so it is completely safe to be used. However, if you plan to store the food for a longer period of time, then it is suggested not to store it in a wooden pallet. Because as we know, food doesn’t have a long shelf life hence, it can contaminate the wood.

Wood Pallets Keep the Packaging Safe

When you purchase wooden pallets from a well-reputed pallet company, your packaging will not be damaged. In most cases, the packaging gets damaged because of the poor build quality of the pallets. However, a good quality pallet will keep your goods safe and in good condition throughout the transportation. The safety of goods in food transportation is a major concern for many manufacturers and wooden pallets provide the safety you need. 

Wooden Pallets are Designed to Meet Food Industry Standards

It may not be possible for a lot of food companies to eliminate wooden pallets in their production site. So control measures are implemented to avoid contamination of the finished product and raw materials. The design of wooden pallets is specific to accommodate food transportation. The pallets are free of any damage and nail heads sticking out that can damage the goods. When pallet manufacturers design these pallets, they make sure the edges are cut out properly to ensure the safety of the food items. 

Food Safety Modernization Act

The Food Safety Modernization Act stipulates that food cannot be harmed by pallets. When used as tertiary packaging, pallets of a specific material are not required, nor is their sanitization for applications involving indirect food contact. Pallet providers are increasingly creating procedures to make sure that pallets are maintained as dry and clean as possible until they are delivered to the client. Users of pallets are also urged to adhere to a set procedure to guarantee that pallets are handled carefully and inspected before being put under load.

Safety Measures for Buying Used Pallets Used pallets are a great option, but it is still important to follow FDA and Food Safety Modernization Act regulations for dry, clean, damage-free pallets. If you buy used, make sure to get good quality pallets that adhere to those regulations and check for codes to avoid unsafe food storage.

No Evidence of Wood Pallets Causing Contamination

There is no proof of wood pallets causing a substantial outbreak of food-borne illness. According to some studies, wood pallets are actually safer than alternatives because contaminants are absorbed into the wood, as opposed to non-absorbent material pallets, which would leave contaminants on the surface of the pallet where they provide a higher danger of cross-contamination.

Heat Treatment Process For Wooden Pallets

Wooden pallets are heated as part of the heat treatment process in a dedicated chamber until the core reaches 132.8 degrees Fahrenheit (56 Celsius). Before cooling down, it must remain at this temperature for at least 30 minutes. When the procedure is finished, a stamp indicating compliance with ISPM 15 requirements is applied.

Advantages of Heat Treatment

There are several reasons why this wood pallet treatment is desirable. The ability to ship internationally is essential since heat will kill any wood-boring insects and shield the wood from infestation. All insects and larvae will be eliminated if the core is kept at a high temperature for 30 minutes. As a result, insects are kept from spreading and colonising new places, especially those where they are not native. 

Wooden pallets that have undergone heat treatment also weigh less than untreated pallets. The savings on freight alone might be substantial. Additionally, you won’t sacrifice quality because heat treatment will make your wooden pallets survive even longer. They are resistant to organisms that contribute to wood and less prone to decay.

Unaka Forest Products is a well-reputed pallet manufacturing company. We produce high-quality pallets that are capable of supporting heavy loads. Our products will fulfill the needs of every sort of business. Whether you want pallets that can bare heavy or light loads, we have both! We guarantee our customers a long life-span of our products. Contact us today and make your purchase right now!

Palletization of merchandise is an essential part of supply chain operation. Pallets were regarded widely as the biggest material handling invention of the 20th century alongside barcodes. While palletization of materials was considered an important component of material processing strategies in the past, the industry now considers this practice as an important part of the business. If you’re a business owner and use pallets for storage of your goods, then there are some things that you should know about pallets. We will discuss important things all pallet users should know.

The correct placement of loaded pallets is important for the safe transportation of the goods from the warehouse to storage facilities. The occupational safety and health standards (OSHS) recommend the placement of materials in an open stack. Storage isn’t the only possible risk. Poorly stacked pallets can cause significant injuries or fatalities in a warehouse. The stability of pallet loads when stacked on pallets enables minimal product degradation.

Use Good Material Handling Procedures

While pallet handling falls under material handling, there can be other methods other than those used in forklifts to protect pallets. How do I prevent my pallet from falling? Always keep your pallets flat. Putting them upright or on their sides could cause the pieces to fall and get damaged. In a falling situation, boards are not only vulnerable but can also damage joints. It’ll be like dropping a pallet. Do not put too much weight on a pallet. You can stack pallets neatly into piles without risking being hit or bumped by forklifts.

Ensure That Pallets Are Properly Constructed

When your pallets are designed with an engineering team, they are built to meet the particular specifications that ensure pallet damage will not exceed. Custom pallet systems are built to protect your items during transport, so minimizing pallet loss will be critical for doing this. Usually, in wood packing construction a few items are not discussed: the type of fastener and the kind used for the fastenings used. In preventing pallet damage, the right fasteners are necessary if the goods are palletized.

Consider Different Pallet Materials

Wood pallets are less expensive to manufacture and they can typically carry more weight. But, since they’re made of natural resources, wooden pallets are susceptible to mold, rot, and insect infestation. Plastic pallets are more expensive; but, they are extremely durable (long shelf life) and will not retain moisture or harbor bugs.

Some businesses also prefers recycled pallets but some issues come with them. No matter how cautious a pallet recycler is when completing repairs, there may be concealed pallet damage that is difficult, if not impossible, to discover. It might also imply that skipping the purchase of recycled pallets is the best course of action for preventing damage to them. Interlocking pallet patterns, however, are associated with greater unit load stability and bridging strength.

Use the Correct Pallet for the Right Product

The selection of a proper pallet may seem like an obvious choice, but it will surprise many people who have done it wrong. The first thing a palletizing process does is make certain the items are properly placed on the packaging. Make sure that the product does not have too much room in the package. Product sticking to the pallet may cause injuries during transport. However, large products can damage the pallet themselves. Therefore it is pertinent to analyze the kind of pallet you are purchasing and for what kind of products.

One of the most important techniques to prevent pallet damage is to use the right weight for the pallet design together with good weight distribution. When utilising a strapping or banding groove, keep the product flush with the pallet. Make sure the product is flush with any strapping or banding grooves you use to attach it to the pallet.

Keep the Pallets Dry

Moisture often gets missed in the process of damage prevention. The truth is that moisture damages the pallet. This damage is seen in the industry sectors like pharmaceuticals and food and beverages in many respects. It is necessary to keep these items dry to avoid pallet damage. Palette molds are an extremely important business in many sectors. Going with an entirely heat-treated inventory is a way to idiot-proof the process and might save money in the long run. Know your material handling environment

Proper Forklift Training Can Prevent Pallet Damage

When a wooden box has damaged its packaging, the major culprit is faulty lifting and pallet lifting devices. Forklift injuries can only be avoided by ensuring that workers are properly trained. Always enter a pallet using the tines at a suitable speed. Be sure the tines for the forklift are aligned with the pallet before lifting.

Storage Space Investments

Storage units vary greatly in size, but if the inventory is large the company will rent them. The possibilities include a storage facility that can be rented for storage needs, which will help with the receipt, packing, and shipping of an order as well. You must invest in the space that works well with your employees as well as carriers. Insurance, docks, and loading stations are all important factors to consider when considering investment in storage.

More efficient material handling and storage, better optimization of cube utilization in transportation and storage Standard-sized pallets can optimize operations across supply chains, offering greater flexibility and ensuring compatibility.

Install Shelving & Racks

A typical truckload can supply about 26 pallets of product, with the option to buy additional. So ensuring optimal storage in an industrial facility becomes crucial to your long-run success. If a company operates from a large warehouse facility or even from the home, installing shelves is often an excellent option. Storage containers with appropriate labeling also make a good idea for many businesses. However, you must be careful when arranging these boxes.

Catalog and Itemize Everything

Firstly, make sure everything arrives as planned. This includes checking all shipment details as well as quality. The second thing to be sure of is the label of everything. There are always multiple labels, but a list of different labeling options can give you a better idea of how everything should get to your facility.

There’s no need for stock mismatches or incorrect orders, which can result in unsatisfactory customers. Storage bins with proper labeling are also a good idea for many businesses, but you should just be careful when stacking these types of boxes because you can put too much stress on the lowest boxes.

Invest in Your Company’s Floor Plan

Always follow a thorough planning process with the layout of your premises, because the best use of your space helps you improve business efficiency in a better way. Inventory management and warehouse configuration always go hand in hand, so be attentive while you are buying or renovating a warehouse space. It would be best if your office had enough room.

Categorize Your Inventory

Many times pallets can carry mixed goods overlapping with different types. It may confuse when there’s no clear organizational strategy. So if you break up a pallet, you want to categorize as many items as possible by defining categories, conditions, and SKUs.

Separate Unsellable Inventory

You shouldn’t let unsellable items use up space in a building if there is something you cannot sell. It’s very frustrating sometimes when an inventory has no functioning. It also helps to separate the unsellable inventory. There is likely someone taking this kind of nonfunctional inventory of parts to help avoid being completely wiped from your life.

Conclusion

As a business owner, there are many things that you should focus on while purchasing pallets. Since you will be storing your inventory on these pallets, it is crucial to consider the best options available. Many businesses don’t focus on this part of the process because they think it won’t cause many issues. But the truth is, such minor details of things play an integral part in the progress of your business.

Unaka Forest Products is a well-reputed pallet manufacturing company. We produce high-quality pallets that are capable of supporting heavy loads. Our products will fulfill the needs of every sort of business. Whether you want pallets that can bare heavy or light loads, we have both! We guarantee our customers a long life-span of our products. Contact us today and make your purchase right now!

Helpful Tips Before Painting Wood Pallets

Wood pallets can help increase curb appeal and increase your house’s appeal. The outdoors are suitable for decorative and functional use. Pallets can be used to make any kind of decoration from flower boxes to coffee tables and chairs. When painting your pallet you must decide on what paint. Then paint a durable color with a strong resilience to the environment. It would be useful to know helpful tips before painting wood pallets.

What paints are recommended? It is usually possible to paint pallets from wood using latex and acrylic paints. Indoor use of the standard version. For outdoor simple or combo pallets, use incredibly durable latex or acrylic paint for high prices.

Precautions Before Painting Your Pallet Wood

The pallets can be constructed of different materials. Similarly, different colors are necessary for choosing a specific kind of color to suit the wood. Following these simple tips can help you get the most out of your pallets. The number of layers of paint on the pallet will vary depending on which finishes you prefer. The more layers, the thinner and lighter the coats are. We recommend fewer layers when achieving a faded effect. The paint must also be kept dry between the layers.

Paint Pallet Crafting Ideas

Once you know about the procedure to paint pallets and their history you’ll have to find some interesting pallet painting ideas and prime examples of wood pallet art that are simple. This is a list of some good ideas.

Finding a Pallet

Get the local distributor or building contractor to check if there’s a pallet left on the building site to see if the replacement pallet can be ordered. Be certain your chosen pallet has no marks stained to prevent spillages during transportation and is safe to use.

In a study carried out by the NCL, a group studying shipping pallets for food found that 10 percent of wood pallets were free of bacteria. To keep it clean and disinfect, it’s advisable to use a vacuum swab to dry and wash the pallets.

Preparing Your Pallet

When assembling your materials you should sand them so the surface doesn’t get rough. Keep your work an open area. To sand wood pallets use a medium grit sander paper sheet or roll to sand each surface with soft sand to remove uneven edges. Sanding the grain leaves marks that can be obvious after painting stains or varnishing the surface. Heat-treated pallets also swerve as a great canvas for painting. Learn how to choose the perfect sandpaper.

Why Use Pallet Wood?

Pallet wood is usually easily found and is usually big and stable enough to be used as shelf furniture, coffee tables, or even as the bed base. Many pallet furniture ideas exist in this world! DIY pallets are a great way to reuse old wood that was previously buried.

Tree Painting On Reclaimed, Recycled Pallet Wood

Tree painted from recycled pallet wood from Pinterest. This is a great idea. Using only black & white colors, the contrasts effectively depicted the forlorn autumn tree and the autumn.

Breaking Down Your Pallet

If you selected the right pallet, you have to divide it into useful sections. Take care to dismantle a pallet for safety reasons.

Preparation For Painting

Make sure to remove the nails and other hardware before painting your pallet after disassembling. For this part, we advise using an electric sander. Pallets are rough, therefore we suggest using an orbital or mouse sander to prevent splinters and backbreaking effort. Completely sand the pallet, then wipe out all of the dust with a moist washcloth. Although TSP is another option, it is normally just used as a damp washcloth. To ensure the paint sticks to the wood, thoroughly clean the surface.

Use A Primer

Pallets are probably porous, which can cause your paint job to have a very uneven finish. Before painting your wood, we would suggest priming it. In that case, you could definitely get away without using the primer if you’re trying for a worn-in, rustic appearance. Unless the wood is oily, the paint should stick easily to the pallet if it is dry and porous, especially if the wood has been properly sanded.

Simply put, primer would assist your paint project have an even finish. You can paint your work once you’ve cleaned, primed, and sanded it. Here are some ideas to get you started on your next pallet project. I hope your luck with paint pallets is great!

Remaining Process

On wood pallets, latex and acrylic paints are the two most common types that can be applied. Use the standard versions indoors. However, for outside pallet projects, be careful to use more expensive, weatherproof latex and acrylic paint of higher quality.

If you want to give your wooden pallets a more worn-in appearance, staining them is a terrific way to change their appearance and make them look brand-new again. All you have to do to stain or paint the work is make sure you use the proper equipment and follow the instructions.

Indoors

The most common types of wood pallets in the US are pine or oak. The latter is a softwood, whereas the former is hardwood. Painting the surface of your pallets for indoor usage can be beneficial in two ways, regardless of the sort of wood they are constructed of. First of all, it will hide any flaws, stains, or grime that may be present on the wood. Second, and maybe more significantly, it will aid in defending the wood from any potential harm. If you plan on using wooden pallets inside your warehouse, then painting them is a good option.

Sand the Pallets

Sand the wood first to make the surface smooth. Use medium-grit sandpaper (grit range: 100–150) for sanding, then move up to a fine grit (grit range: 180–220). Sand the wood first to make the surface smooth. Use medium-grit sandpaper (grit range: 100–150) for sanding, then move up to a fine grit (grit range: 180–220). 

Seal The Paint (Optional)

Once the paint has fully dried, it is time to seal it with a high-quality product. Even if it’s not necessary, sealing the paint will make it more resilient and endure longer, especially if it’s your favourite patio furniture or a piece of artistic artwork made of wood pallets. Use a polyurethane-based sealer for more longevity or a water-based sealer for a more natural-looking surface when sealing wood pallets.

It would be even better if you can use a water-based polyurethane sealant to combine durability with a natural-looking finish. Use a brush or roller to apply the sealer of your choice, and allow each layer to fully dry in between.

Outdoors

Use repurposed wood pallets that have previously been exposed to the elements to create outdoor projects with a more rustic appearance. But if you want to create a brand-new creative project for your patio or yard, follow these instructions for painting the naked wood pallets:

Start With a Clean Pallet

It is crucial to start with clean wooden pallets. Painting wooden pallets for outdoor use requires a bit more intricacy since your final product will be exposed to the atmosphere at all times hence, it needs to be carefully painted to protect it from unnecessary wear off.

Use A Sand Paper

Again, before painting any wooden surface, you must even it out. Once that’s done you can continue with the rest of the project.

Applying a Primer Coat

The next step is to use a primer coat for your product. The benefits of using a primer coat before applying paint is making the surface even smoother.

Apply The Paint

After all the prerequisites have been done, its finally tome to apply the paint. It is important to choose a kind of paint that will be suitable for outdoor conditions. Painting pallet wood or any wood surfaces can get tricky at this point. Many people follow all the steps but at this step, making one wrong decision can ruin your final product.

Conclusion

Using wooden pallets for your furniture is a very innovative and creative idea. You have full freedom of coming up with any design that you like. You don’t have to run to stores to find the perfect type of furniture that fits your patio or living room. With simple DIY tips, you can start constructing furniture and painting pallets. The steps are simple and brief. Anyone with basic painting knowledge knows that you have to process the wooden surface before you start painting them. You cant paint on bare wood hence, you have to follow the basic steps given in this blog.

If you’re searching for resilient and enduring wooden pallet manufacturers in East Tennessee, you’ve come to the right place. We have accumulated 40 years of successful experience and customer satisfaction, and we provide you with top-notch services and wood products. Unaka Forest Products has an exceptional product range that caters to your unique requirements and preferences, whether wooden pallets, precut lumber, biofuel chips, or landscape mulch. We also sell organic wooden mulch, precut lumber, and biofuel. Contact us today for the best quality wooden pallets.