Pallet Material Selection Guide
Choose the right material for your specific needs and budget
Not Sure Which Material? Get Expert Recommendation
Why Choose Us?
We respond to all inquiries within 2 hours during business hours.
Competitive pricing on all grades. Volume discounts available.
Every pallet is inspected and graded by our experts.
Same-day delivery available in Montreal. Free delivery over $750.
"Working with Montreal Pallet Solutions has transformed our logistics. Their quality pallets and fast service keep our operations running smoothly."
- Jean Tremblay, Logistics Manager
Material Options Overview
Wood Pallets
Most Popular - 90% Market Share
Advantages:
- Lower initial cost
- Easy to repair
- High friction prevents load shifting
- Biodegradable and recyclable
- Can be customized easily
- Widely available
Disadvantages:
- Shorter lifespan (3-5 years)
- Can absorb moisture and odors
- Weight varies with moisture
- May harbor bacteria
- Requires ISPM-15 for export
Best For: General shipping, one-way transport, cost-sensitive operations
Plastic Pallets
Growing Segment - Premium Solution
Advantages:
- Long lifespan (10+ years)
- Hygienic - easy to clean
- Consistent weight
- Weather resistant
- No splinters or nails
- No ISPM-15 treatment needed
Disadvantages:
- Higher initial cost (3-5x wood)
- Not repairable
- Lower friction - loads may shift
- Can crack in extreme cold
- Limited customization
Best For: Food/pharma, closed-loop systems, export, clean environments
Wood Types Comparison
Hardwood Pallets
Species: Oak, Maple, Hickory
- Higher density and strength
- Better for heavy loads
- Longer lifespan
- More expensive
- Heavier weight
Price: $$$ | Durability: Excellent
Softwood Pallets
Species: Pine, Spruce, Fir
- Lower cost
- Lighter weight
- Easier to work with
- Good for standard loads
- Most common choice
Price: $ | Durability: Good
Mixed Wood Pallets
Combination: Hardwood + Softwood
- Balanced cost/performance
- Hardwood for stringers
- Softwood for deck boards
- Optimized strength
- Common in recycled pallets
Price: $$ | Durability: Very Good
Decision Matrix
Choose Wood Pallets If:
- You need the lowest upfront cost
- Pallets are for one-way or limited-use shipping
- You need custom sizes or modifications
- High friction surface is important
- You ship domestically (no export regulations)
- You have access to repair facilities
- Environmental sustainability through biodegradability is priority
Choose Plastic Pallets If:
- You need maximum hygiene (food/pharmaceutical)
- You operate a closed-loop system
- You need consistent weight for automated systems
- Pallets will be reused many times (ROI over time)
- You ship internationally and want to avoid ISPM-15
- You need weather resistance
- Worker safety (no splinters) is critical
Cost Analysis
| Factor | Wood | Plastic |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost (48x40) | $8-$25 | $45-$85 |
| Expected Lifespan | 3-5 years | 10+ years |
| Trips per Pallet | 5-10 trips | 50-100 trips |
| Cost per Trip | $2.50-$5.00 | $0.85-$1.70 |
| Repair Cost | $3-$8 per repair | Not repairable |
| Disposal/Recycling | Free-$2 | $5-$10 |
| 5-Year TCO (20 trips/year) | $250-$500 | $450-$850 |
* Total Cost of Ownership depends on usage frequency and handling conditions