Radiata pine (pallet lumber)
Also called: Monterey pine, Pinus radiata
Radiata pine (Pinus radiata) is a fast-growing plantation softwood grown mainly in Chile, New Zealand and Australia. It is a common pallet species in those countries and is exported as pallet cut stock.
In depth: Pallet wood species: hardwood vs softwood, and which to specify
Radiata pine is native to a small area of coastal California, where it is called Monterey pine, but almost all commercial supply comes from southern-hemisphere plantations. It grows fast and straight, so it gives large volumes of uniform lumber.
Key facts
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| PDS species class | 41, radiata pine (Chile), in the South American and other group added for international users |
| Main producers | Chile, New Zealand, Australia |
| Typical pallet use | Stringers, deckboards, blocks; kiln-dried cut stock for export |
| Density group | Moderate for a softwood; lower than southern yellow pine |
Why it matters
In Australia, New Zealand and Chile, radiata pine is the default pallet wood, so pallets there are built to softwood proportions. It is also sold abroad as kiln-dried, precision-cut pallet components, which some buyers use to get consistent sizes and dry wood. Like other pines, its sapwood can grow mold and blue stain if shipped wet, so drying and heat treatment are common for export.
On a spec sheet
Species class "Radiata pine" with origin if it matters to you, grade, and moisture content. Imported wood components must still meet ISPM 15 when the finished pallet is exported.
Related
- GlossarySoftwood (pallet lumber)Softwood is lumber from coniferous trees such as pine, spruce and fir. Softwood pallets are lighter and more uniform than hardwood pallets, and they are the norm in Europe and much of the western and southern US.
- GlossaryCut stock (pallet components)Cut stock is lumber already sawn to the finished thickness, width and length of pallet parts, such as 5/8 × 3-1/2 × 40 in deckboards, ready for nailing. It is also called pallet stock or shook.
- GlossaryWhat does kiln-dried mean for pallets?Kiln-dried (KD) lumber has been dried in a heated kiln to a target moisture content, most often 19% or less (KD19). Kiln drying reduces weight, shrinkage and mold risk, but a KD stamp alone does not show ISPM 15 compliance.
- GuidesPallet wood species: hardwood vs softwood, and which to specifyMost North American pallets are made from mixed Eastern hardwoods (oak, maple, poplar and others) or softwoods such as Southern yellow pine and SPF. Density drives strength, stiffness, nail holding and weight. Specify a species class or group plus a grade rather than a single species.
- SizesAustralian pallet sizes: the 1165 × 1165 standard and export sizesThe standard Australian pallet is 1165 × 1165 mm (45.9 × 45.9 in), defined by AS 4068 and pooled by CHEP and Loscam. It is about 150 mm tall and was sized for Australian rail containers. For container exports, Australian shippers often use 1100 × 1100 or 1200 × 1000 mm pallets instead.
More in Materials
- GlossaryBark (on pallet lumber)Bark is the outer layer of a tree trunk. ISPM 15 requires wood packaging to be made from debarked wood, allowing only small remnants: pieces under 3 cm wide of any length, or wider pieces with a surface area under 50 cm².
- GlossaryCant (pallet lumber)A cant is a log that has been sawn flat on two or four sides. In the pallet industry it usually means the low-grade center of a hardwood log, left after grade lumber is cut from the outside, which is resawn into pallet parts.
- GlossaryComposite block (pallet)A composite block is a pallet block made from wood chips, particles or fibers bonded with resin under heat and pressure. It does not split like solid wood and, as processed wood, is exempt from ISPM 15 on its own.
- GlossaryCorrugated fiberboard (pallets and slip sheets)Corrugated fiberboard is a board made of a fluted paper medium glued between flat paper liners. It is used for boxes, and in pallet work for corrugated paper pallets, slip sheets, tier sheets and pallet runners.
- GlossaryDouglas-fir (pallet lumber)Douglas-fir is a dense, strong softwood from western North America, also grown in Europe. It is species class 11 (Douglas-fir–larch) in the Uniform Standard and PDS, and class 33 in the European species list.
- GlossaryGalvanizing (steel pallets and fasteners)Galvanizing is coating steel with zinc to protect it from corrosion. Steel pallets are often hot-dip galvanized after fabrication, and galvanized nails, staples and hinges are used where wood pallets or collars see moisture.
Last reviewed 2026-09-24. 209 words.