For logistics professionals, understanding custom pallet terminology isn’t just helpful, but essential for ensuring operational efficiency, product safety, and long-term cost-effectiveness. Whether you’re specifying dimensions for a new warehouse setup or sourcing custom wood pallets for irregularly shaped goods, speaking the same language as your pallet supplier avoids costly misunderstandings.
In this guide from The Pallet Squad, we’ll break down the key terms every supply chain expert should know when ordering or working with custom pallets.
Why Terminology Matters in Custom Pallet Design
When dealing with custom pallets, you’re not selecting a one-size-fits-all product. Each specification affects strength, durability, compatibility with handling equipment, and load capacity. Misunderstanding terms like “deck board spacing” or “chamfered entry” can lead to miscommunication with suppliers or worse, product damage in transit.
Let’s walk through the most important terms you’ll encounter in custom pallet conversations.
Key Custom Pallet Terms Defined
1. Stringer Board
A stringer board runs lengthwise between the top and bottom deck boards. It provides vertical support and creates a space for forklift or pallet jack entry. In custom applications, stringers can be adjusted in height or material type (hardwood, softwood) depending on the required load strength.
🔹 Tip: Custom stringer placement can improve racking performance or increase edge strength.
2. Block Pallet
Unlike stringer pallets, a block pallet uses solid blocks (usually 9 total) between the top and bottom decks. This design allows for four-way forklift entry, offering greater flexibility for warehouse layouts and automation systems.
🔹 When to choose: Block pallets are often used in high-turnover or automated environments where forklift access from all sides is critical.
3. Winged Pallet
A winged pallet features deck boards that extend past the stringers or blocks, creating a “wing” on one or more sides. These are common in custom wood pallet designs when extra surface area or edge protection is required.
🔹 Common use case: Protecting irregular or overhanging loads during transport.
4. Deck Board Spacing
Refers to the distance between each board on the top or bottom surface of the pallet. In custom designs, this spacing is critical to match the size and weight distribution of your product.
🔹 Too wide? Products may sag or fall through.
🔹 Too narrow? You’re adding weight and cost unnecessarily.
5. Chamfered Entry
A chamfered entry is a beveled edge on the bottom deck boards. It guides the forks of a pallet jack or forklift into place more smoothly, reducing impact and potential pallet damage.
🔹 Pro tip: Ask your custom pallet supplier if chamfering is included in your spec since it’s not always standard.
6. Notched Stringers
These are grooves cut into the side of stringer boards to allow partial (two-way) forklift entry. Notching is essential for custom pallets that require compatibility with specific racking systems or loading patterns.
🔹 Why it matters: Incorrect notching can lead to handling damage or access issues in automated systems.
7. Lead Boards
The outermost deck boards on the front and rear edges of the pallet. In custom pallets, lead boards can be thickened or doubled to handle repeated forklift impact.
🔹 Upgrade suggestion: Reinforced lead boards are ideal for heavy-use operations or export shipments.
8. Custom Footprint
This refers to the specific dimensions (length x width) of a custom pallet. Standard pallets (like 48” x 40”) don’t always suit unique product needs, making custom sizing a key part of the spec.
🔹 Logistics win: Optimizing pallet footprint to your truck or container dimensions improves shipping efficiency.
The Custom Advantage: Why Custom Wood Pallets Outperform Standard Options
Choosing custom wood pallets allows your operation to:
- Maximize load stability
- Reduce product damage
- Improve warehouse efficiency
- Enhance safety and equipment compatibility
- Optimize transport costs
And by knowing the right terminology, you can clearly communicate your needs, reduce errors, and build trust with your pallet supplier.
Need Help Specifying Your Next Custom Pallet Order?
At The Pallet Squad, we specialize in designing and delivering high-quality custom wood pallets for logistics operations of all sizes. Whether you’re shipping oversized machinery or sensitive products, we can guide you through the design specs and deliver the exact build you need.
📞 Contact us today to request a custom quote or speak with a pallet specialist.
