It would not be wrong to say that pallets are the backbone of the warehouse. These storage sheets or platforms may look the same from a distance, but you will know that these are designed differently to suit variegated warehousing requirements when you have a closer look at them. Well, this blog highlights the details of different types of materials for pallets and their pros and cons.

Materials

Wood

One of the most used materials is wood. It has its strength and sustainability, which makes it a popular choice. These are either made of hardwood or softwood whichever is your requirement you can choose accordingly. The most commonly used hardwood is oak, and softwood is usually pine. While there are other options, these are the sturdiest and long-lasting. The reason wood becomes a popular choice is because of its reusability, and the fact that it can be resold. Wood pallets are best used for storing lighter, sealed, non-biodegradable materials. They can also be repurposed for wood furniture items like a coffee table or bed frame.  

Pros:

• It is easy to customize it to suit the variegated storage requirements
• It can be resold and reused
• Easier to transport 

Cons:

• Wood can break easily under heavyweight
• It is prone to bacterial contamination, and moisture can damage it
• Bug infestation is a common problem with wood. 

Types of Projects:

These are good for storing light and non-biodegradable materials Also, there are different materials for different types of pallets, and it eventually impacts its usability. It can be used for DIY projects for creating furniture like a bed frame or coffee tables.

Metal

The next popular material is metal. These are strong and sturdy and hence good for accommodating heavy-duty material. The popular options are steel and aluminum. These are good for the automotive and metal processing industry. Metal is fireproof, long-lasting, and free from the damaging effect of bugs and bacteria infestation.

Pros 

• These are strong and sturdy.
• Long-lasting
• Good for accommodating heavy-duty products.
• Durable and reusable
• Cannot be damaged easily.

Cons:

• Metal is susceptible to rusting.
• These initially cost a bit
• Not easily portable

These are the best for the closed environment used like that or military ammunition. Aluminum is a good choice for airfreight and coastal areas. 

Plastic

It is one of the most widely used materials which finds extensive usage across the different industrial segments. Whether it is household products, or you must use them as tubes for the transfer of fluids in the chemical factory, plastic is a good choice. It can also be used for making pallets. These are exceptionally durable and long-lasting. Moreover, the lightweight plastic and ease of transportation make it a good choice for pallets. These are made of recycled PET and HDPE materials, which have good strength and load-bearing capacity. 

Pros

• Weather-resistant and corrosion resistant
• Light in weight and easy to carry
• Odour resistant
• Easy to sanitize
• Free from bug and bacterial 

Cons

• These are a bit expensive and may break under heavy loads. 
• Repairing it will be difficult.

Hence, these are some of the popular choices of materials for pallets. These are a must-have for every warehouse. While you are buying them, you must emphasize choosing only the best quality. Ensure that you also keep a close check on the pallets' condition.  With the right storage pallets in your warehouse, you can make it productive for the storage of products.