Perimeter base (block pallet)
Also called: picture-frame base, perimeter bottom, frame base
A perimeter base is a block-pallet bottom deck made of boards running around all four edges, like a picture frame, which gives full four-way entry for forklifts and pallet jacks.
In depth: Perimeter-base pallet: picture-frame bottom block pallets explained
A perimeter base joins the outer blocks on all four sides with bottom boards. The middle is open, so pallet-jack wheels can drop to the floor inside the frame from any side.
Block-pallet bottom styles
| Bottom | Entry | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Perimeter | Full 4-way | Frame of boards on all 4 edges |
| Cruciform | Full 4-way | Perimeter plus center boards in a cross |
| Unidirectional (runners) | Pallet jack from 2 sides | Boards in one direction only |
| Overlapping | Partial 4-way | Bottom deckboards plus bottom stringerboards |
Where it is used
The perimeter base is the standard build for UK 1200 × 1000 mm pallets, and CP 6 to CP 9 chemical pallets use perimeter or frame bottoms. It is common on plastic rackable pallets too (see plastic pallets).
Why it matters
The frame gives a continuous edge that sits well on conveyors and rack beams in either direction and spreads load when pallets are stacked. It keeps four-way entry for pallet jacks, which an overlapping bottom does not. It uses more bottom boards than a runner base.
On a spec sheet
The bottom deck style reads "Perimeter Base", with board rows for each direction. PDS added recessed and flush perimeter variants with filler boards in version 6.2.
Related
- TypesPerimeter-base pallet: picture-frame bottom block pallets explainedA perimeter-base pallet is a block pallet whose bottom deckboards form a closed frame around the edges, often with a centre board. The frame gives full 4-way entry, rides roller conveyors in either direction and spreads load in stacks. Pooled 48 × 40 in and UK 1200 × 1000 mm pallets use it.
- GlossaryFour-way entry (pallet)Four-way entry means a pallet can be entered from all four sides. Full four-way pallets, usually block pallets with a perimeter or cruciform base, take both forklifts and pallet jacks from every side.
- 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.
- 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.
- SizesUK pallet sizes: the 1200 × 1000 standard and the Euro palletThe standard UK pallet is 1200 × 1000 mm (47.2 × 39.4 in). CHEP's UK wooden pallet at this size is 162 mm tall and 28 kg, rated 1,500 kg safe working load. The 1200 × 800 mm Euro pallet is also widely used in the UK, along with 800 × 600 half and 600 × 400 quarter pallets for retail.
- GlossaryRunner (pallet and skid)A runner is a continuous member along the bottom of a pallet or skid that rests on the floor. On skids it is the heavy stringer; on block and plastic pallets it is a bottom board or rail joining the blocks or feet in one direction.
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 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. 224 words.