You may have already thought about wooden pallets if you were searching for quality, flexible home improvement choices. And if that search is online, then you would have considered cheap shipping on Shiply and are about ready to make that purchase. But, is wooden pallets all the design pallet can offer? Although they can suit some ventures, they are not always suitable for spaces that cause damp mould. However, plastic pallets can present the exact replacement features that are missing in their wooden counterparts. However, they are not as eco-friendly, solid or aesthetically pleasing.
Although the DIY team is worried about the looks, company owners are above all concerned about the utility and longevity of their pallets. Often prioritised are protection and robustness. Usually, during shipping and while in the warehouse, pallets must secure and maintain the goods. That is why it is important for individual businesses to choose the perfect pallet material based on their specific requirements.
Each material comes with some benefits and drawbacks. You would be able to make a more informed decision as you evaluate them, which might save you time, energy and money.
The Traditional Wood Pallet
Wooden pallets are the most common and widely sought-after choice for both transporting goods and home renovations. While useful for different purposes, they also come with certain disadvantages.
· Wooden Pallet Pros
Durable, slip-resistant and relatively inexpensive wooden pallets. They are available in a number of sizes, forms, and stains. Among green advocates, wooden pallets are favoured, as they are reusable and repairable. They are also readily accessible and there are different pallet services available.
· Wooden Pallet Cons
Although very robust, wooden pallets often have their own shelf life. They start losing their structural integrity once the end of their life cycle approaches and are no longer suitable for safe shipping. Rusty nails are extremely harmful, because the strong impact creates big splinters. Owing to the heavier weight of the wooden pallets, the freight cost is also increased.
The emergence of bacteria is a major danger due to the porous nature of the material. If customs officers suspect any concerns, shipments can be delayed and even confiscated.
The New Age Plastic Pallet
The plastic pallet design, while more recently established, has gained a lot of momentum among large shipping companies. With its conventional wooden counterparts, it shares some similar features, but also has its own distinctive characteristics.
· Plastic Pallet Pros
Their plastic successors have an extended shelf life, unlike wooden pallets. Regardless of exposure to harsh weather conditions, they also stay alive for longer. This alternative offers a money-saving opportunity with around 70 percent of the mass of conventional pallets.
Owing to the non-porous nature of polyethylene, the risks associated with pathogen exposure are small. There are secure interlocking systems in operation, so accidents are less probable.
· Plastic Pallet Cons
In comparison to wooden pallets that can be either patched or repurposed, plastic pallets are sent off to a recycling facility until broken. For the environment, this is not ideal.
Another downside to this class of pallets is that they are flammable, requiring special fire retardants for extra care. Plastic pallets can get very slippery because of their non-porous structure, so it is important to secure the contents in place.