Block vs stringer pallets: differences and when to use each

The difference is what sits between the top and bottom decks. A stringer pallet uses two or more continuous beams, the stringers, running the full length. A block pallet uses nine (sometimes more) blocks with stringerboards tying them together. That one choice changes fork entry, strength behavior, cost and repair.

#Side-by-side comparison

Weights are typical ranges for new hardwood or mixed-species builds and vary with species, moisture and board sizes. See how much a pallet weighs.

#How they carry load

A stringer pallet behaves like two or three beams. When the stringers span between rack beams (beams under the stringer ends), the stringers carry the load efficiently. When the pallet is turned so the beams run parallel to the stringers, the deckboards must span the gap and capacity drops sharply. Notches cut for fork entry also take material out of the stringer at the point where bending is highest, which is why notch depth and length are controlled in the Uniform Standard for Wood Pallets.

A block pallet carries load through the stringerboards into the blocks. Its behavior is similar in both directions, which makes it more predictable in racking and in automated systems where the pallet may arrive turned. Blocks also resist the side impacts that break stringers, so block pallets usually survive more trips.

Neither type has a fixed capacity. The rating comes from the design (species, grade, board sizes, fasteners) and the support condition. See pallet load capacity.

#Handling and fork entry

• Stringer: forks and pallet jacks enter from the two ends. With notched stringers, forklift tines also enter from the sides, but a pallet jack cannot, because its wheels need gaps in the bottom deck. This is partial 4-way entry.
• Block: all four sides have full-height openings, and bottom deck layouts are designed so pallet jack wheels reach the floor from at least two sides, often all four.

If your warehouse turns pallets frequently, uses pallet jacks on both faces or loads trailers sideways, block pallets save time. See two-way vs four-way pallets.

#Cost

Stringer pallets are cheaper to build: fewer parts, simpler assembly, and every US pallet shop can make them. A new 48 × 40 in GMA-style stringer pallet is roughly $10–25 in 2026 US estimates, moving with lumber prices, volume and specification. Block pallets use more pieces and labor and usually cost more per pallet. Buying used lowers both; see pallet cost.

For one-way shipping, stringer usually wins on cost. For many trips, block pallets can cost less per trip because they last longer and repair well. Pooled block pallets are rented, not bought; see pallet pooling.

#When to choose each

Choose a stringer pallet when:

• the pallet is one-way or used in a short closed loop;
• handling is mostly from the ends, or partial 4-way is enough;
• you need a custom size quickly from local shops;
• lowest purchase price matters most.

Choose a block pallet when:

• you need full 4-way entry for pallet jacks;
• pallets go through racking in both directions or automated systems;
• the customer requires pooled pallets (CHEP, PECO) or EPAL / CP pallets;
• pallets make many trips and you can recover them.

#Specifying it for a quote

Put the class (stringer or block), footprint, entry (2-way, partial 4-way, 4-way), deck boards, stringer or block sizes, species, fasteners, load and support condition, and heat treatment on the RFQ. See the pallet RFQ checklist. You can open a block pallet in the designer or start from the GMA stringer template.