Actual dimension (pallet and lumber)
Also called: actual size, net size, dressed size
An actual dimension is the measured size of a pallet or component at manufacture. Pallet spec sheets state component sizes as actual dimensions, for example a 5/8 × 3-1/2 × 40 in deckboard.
In depth: How to read a pallet spec sheet: every field explained
An actual dimension is what the part really measures. A PDS spec sheet line such as "5 0.625 3.500 40.00" means five boards that are actually 0.625 in thick, 3.5 in wide and 40 in long, averaged, at the time of manufacture.
Manufacturing tolerances (Uniform Standard, 2012)
| Part | Thickness | Width | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deckboards, stringerboards | ±1/16 in (±1.6 mm) | +any / −1/4 in | +1/8 / −1/4 in |
| Stringers, blocks | ±1/16 in (width and height) | +1/8 / −1/4 in | |
| Assembled pallet | +1/4 / −1/2 in (overall size) |
Why it matters
Strength, board feet, weight and fastener penetration are all calculated from actual sizes. Green wood shrinks as it dries, roughly 1% of dimension for each 5% drop in moisture content below about 28%, so a board cut to size green will measure slightly smaller later. PDS reports this shrinkage.
On a spec sheet
Always give actual sizes, as decimals or fractions, and state the unit. If you received a quote in nominal terms ("1×6 deckboards"), ask for actual thickness and width before comparing prices.
Related
- GlossaryNominal dimension (pallet and lumber)A nominal dimension is the named or trade size of a pallet or piece of lumber, such as a 48 × 40 pallet or a 2×4, rather than its measured size. Lumber nominal sizes are larger than actual: a 2×4 is 1-1/2 × 3-1/2 in.
- GlossaryMoisture content (pallet lumber)Moisture content (MC) is the weight of water in wood expressed as a percentage of the wood's oven-dry weight. Pallet specs usually call for 19% or less when dry wood is needed; green lumber is above about 28%.
- GlossaryWhat is a board foot?A board foot is a unit of lumber volume equal to 144 cubic inches, a board 1 in thick, 12 in wide and 12 in long (about 0.00236 m³). Pallet board feet = thickness × width × length in inches ÷ 144, summed over every part.
- GuidesHow to read a pallet spec sheet: every field explainedA pallet spec sheet has four parts: identification and classification (size, class, deck style, entry, use), component tables (count and actual size of every board, stringer or block), materials (lumber species, grade, moisture, fasteners), and often an analysis of safe load and deflection by support condition.
- GuidesHow to measure a pallet: length, width, height and every boardMeasure the stringer (or stringerboard) direction first and call it length, then the deckboard length as width, then overall height from floor to top deck. A 48 × 40 pallet is 48 in along the stringers. For a quote, also record every board's actual size, count and position, and the notch and opening sizes.
More in Components and construction
- GlossaryBlock (pallet)A block is a rectangular, square or cylindrical spacer between the decks of a block pallet. Most block pallets have 9 blocks in a 3 × 3 grid, and the block height sets the fork entry height.
- GlossaryBottom deck (pallet)The bottom deck is the lower layer of deckboards (or a perimeter, runner or panel base) on a double-face pallet. It spreads the load onto the floor, rack or conveyor and stabilizes the stringers or blocks.
- GlossaryBottom deck coverage (pallet)Bottom deck coverage is the percentage of a pallet's underside covered by bottom deckboards. A GMA-style 48 × 40 bottom deck covers about 45%, less than the top deck, to leave room for notches and pallet-jack wheels.
- GlossaryCenter block (block pallet)The center block is the middle block in the 3 × 3 grid of a nine-block pallet. It supports the middle of the deck and, on EPAL pallets, carries the producer, date and treatment marks.
- GlossaryChamfer (pallet)A chamfer is a bevel cut along the edge of a bottom deckboard, usually a lead board, so pallet-jack wheels can ride up and over it instead of hitting a square edge.
- GlossaryCorner block (block pallet)A corner block is one of the four blocks at the corners of a block pallet. Corner blocks take the most fork and pallet-jack impact, so the Uniform Standard requires more fasteners there than at interior blocks.
Last reviewed 2026-09-24. 195 words.