Wood or Plastic Pallets — Which Is Stronger and Costs Less?

Customers often ask whether wood or plastic pallets are the better choice. The honest answer is: it depends on the application — but for most freight operations, wood wins on cost and recyclability.

Cost

Wood pallets cost significantly less than plastic up front. Recycled wood pallets are even cheaper, often a fraction of a comparable plastic unit.

Strength

A well-built wood pallet handles heavy industrial loads. Plastic pallets are dimensionally consistent and lighter, but capacity varies and damaged plastic pallets can't be repaired.

Recyclability

Wood pallets can be repaired indefinitely, then ground into mulch. Most damaged plastic pallets end up in landfill.

Need help spec'ing the right pallet? Call (330) 848-0313.