Center block (block pallet)
Also called: middle block, inner block
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.
In depth: Block pallet: construction, dimensions and uses
A standard block pallet has 9 blocks: 4 corner blocks, 4 edge (or end) blocks at the middle of each side, and 1 center block. The Uniform Standard names blocks by position: corner, end, edge, inner and center.
Typical values
| Pallet | Center block |
|---|---|
| EPAL 1 | 78 mm (3.1 in) tall; EPAL 1 blocks are 145 × 100 mm or 145 × 145 mm in plan |
| PDS metric example | 95 × 95 × 145 mm, same as the other blocks |
| North American 48 × 40 block pallets | Varies by design; often the same as the edge blocks |
Fastening
The Uniform Standard (2012) minimum for an interior block is 2 fasteners per connection, versus 3 for a corner block, with at least one fastener per 8 in² (52 cm²) of block fastening surface.
Why it matters
The center block supports the middle of the top deck, where a uniform load is heaviest, so its connection matters for floor stacking. On EPAL pallets the center block faces carry the producer code, year and month, and the IPPC (ISPM 15) mark. See pallet stamps and markings.
On a spec sheet
Blocks are normally listed as one row if all 9 are the same size. PDS 6.9 and later allow individual block sizes, so the center block can get its own row.
Related
- 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.
- 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.
- TypesBlock pallet: construction, dimensions and usesA block pallet is a wooden pallet whose deck sits on blocks, usually nine arranged 3 × 3, joined by stringerboards. The gaps between blocks give full 4-way entry for both forklifts and pallet jacks. EUR/EPAL, CP and the pooled 48 × 40 in pallets of CHEP and PECO are all block pallets.
- TypesEuro pallet (EUR / EPAL 1): dimensions, weight and constructionThe Euro pallet (EUR or EPAL 1) is a licensed European block pallet measuring 1200 × 800 × 144 mm (47.2 × 31.5 × 5.7 in). It weighs about 25 kg (55 lb), has 11 boards, 9 blocks and 78 nails, and carries a safe working load of 1,500 kg (3,307 lb). Only EPAL licensees may build and mark it.
- GuidesPallet stamps and markings: HT, MB, DB, KD and what they meanMost wood pallet stamps are the ISPM 15 mark: IPPC wheat symbol, country code, facility number and treatment code. HT means heat-treated, DH dielectric heating, MB methyl bromide, SF sulfuryl fluoride. DB (debarked) and KD (kiln-dried) are older or separate marks. For reuse, pick HT and avoid MB.
More in Components and construction
- GlossaryActual dimension (pallet and lumber)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.
- 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.
- 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.
- GlossaryCross-board (pallet)A cross-board is a board that runs at right angles to the main deckboards of a pallet. The term is informal: it usually means a block pallet's stringerboard, or the center boards of a cruciform bottom deck.
- GlossaryDeck coverage (pallet)Deck coverage is the percentage of a pallet deck's area that is covered by deckboards. A GMA-style 48 × 40 top deck covers about 59%; a solid deck covers 100%.
Last reviewed 2026-09-24. 234 words.