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. Get your quote quickly and start your order today.
Competitive pricing on all grades. We match or beat competitor prices. Volume discounts available for bulk orders.
Every pallet is inspected and graded by our experts. 100% satisfaction guarantee on all orders.
Same-day delivery available in Montreal. Free delivery on orders 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