Flush (pallet)
Also called: flush pallet, non-winged
Flush describes a pallet whose deckboards end even with the outside faces of the stringers or blocks, so no part of either deck overhangs. Most pallets are flush.
In depth: Flush pallet: deckboards flush with the stringers
A flush pallet has straight sides: the deckboards stop at the outer stringers (or blocks), and the lead boards sit even with the stringer ends. It is the opposite of a winged pallet. GMA-style 48 × 40 pallets and EPAL pallets are flush.
Why it matters
| Flush | Winged |
|---|---|
| Deckboard ends are supported by a stringer, so they split less | Overhanging ends can be lifted by slings |
| Pallet footprint equals the frame footprint | Top deck footprint is larger than the frame |
| Fits racks, conveyors and automation that expect straight sides | Can catch on conveyor guides and rack uprights |
| Standard for pooled and retail pallets | Used for bagged goods and crane lifting |
On a spec sheet
PDS records the overhang as "Wing: 0.00" for a flush deck. Classification strings do not always state it, so a spec that says nothing about wings is normally assumed flush. If you need flush sides for automation, say so.
Common confusions
"Flush" is also used for a block-pallet base where filler boards make the bottom level (a "flush overlap" or recessed base, as on the CP 9). That is a different meaning: it describes the bottom surface, not the deck edges.
Related
- TypesFlush pallet: deckboards flush with the stringersA flush pallet is a pallet whose deckboards end exactly at the outside faces of the outer stringers or stringerboards, with no overhang. Almost all standard pallets, including GMA and EUR pallets, are flush. The alternative is a winged pallet, whose deckboards extend past the stringers.
- GlossaryWing (winged pallet)A wing is the part of a pallet deck that overhangs the outer stringers or stringerboards. A single-wing pallet has only the top deck overhanging; a double-wing pallet has both decks overhanging.
- GlossaryWhat is a pallet stringer?A stringer is the continuous beam that runs the full length of a stringer pallet between the top and bottom decks. Most 48 × 40 pallets use 3 stringers about 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 in wide and 3-1/2 in (89 mm) tall.
- GlossaryFootprint (pallet)A pallet's footprint is its plan size, length × width, such as 48 × 40 in (1219 × 1016 mm) or 1200 × 800 mm. It sets how many pallets fit in a trailer, container or rack bay.
- Sizes48 × 40 pallet (GMA): dimensions, weight and specsA 48 × 40 in pallet (1219 × 1016 mm) is the North American standard, also called the GMA pallet. The typical build is a partial 4-way stringer pallet about 4.75 in tall with 7 top and 5 bottom deckboards on 3 notched stringers. Pooled 48 × 40 block pallets (CHEP, PECO) share the same footprint.
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.
- 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.
Last reviewed 2026-09-24. 214 words.