Stringer vs Block Pallets: Which One Your Load Needs

Almost every wooden pallet you will ever touch is one of two designs: a stringer pallet or a block pallet. The difference is structural and it dictates how forklifts enter, how much the pallet weighs, how it behaves in racking, and how much it costs. Choosing the wrong one does not just waste money; it can compromise safety. This article breaks the two designs down so you can specify the right base for your load.

The two designs, defined

A stringer pallet uses long boards, called stringers, running the full length of the pallet between the top and bottom decks. These stringers are the load-bearing spine. The classic North American GMA 48x40 is a stringer pallet with three stringers.

A block pallet replaces the continuous stringers with individual blocks, usually nine of them, arranged in a three-by-three grid. Short horizontal boards (stringer boards) tie the blocks together under the top deck. The Euro EPAL 1200x800 mm pallet is the most famous block design.

Entry: the practical difference you feel first

The single biggest operational difference is fork entry. A block pallet is inherently 4-way entry: because there is open space between all nine blocks, a forklift or pallet jack can enter from any of the four sides at full width. Stringer pallets are trickier.

Entry style	Design	What it means
2-way	Solid stringer pallet	Forks enter only the two ends; sides are blocked by solid stringers
Partial 4-way (notched)	Stringer with notches cut in the sides	Forklift enters all four sides; pallet jack wheels only enter the ends
Full 4-way	Block pallet	Both forklift and pallet jack enter all four sides at full width

If your operation relies on manual pallet jacks that need to approach from any direction, a notched stringer will frustrate you because the jack wheels cannot roll through the side notches. A true block pallet solves that.

Head-to-head comparison

Attribute	Stringer pallet	Block pallet
Load-bearing member	3 long stringers	9 blocks + stringer boards
Entry	2-way or partial 4-way (notched)	Full 4-way
Component count	Fewer parts	More parts
Typical weight	~30-40 lb	~35-48 lb
Racking behavior	Good with the stringers spanning	Excellent, more uniform support
Repairability	Easy: companion block a cracked stringer	Blocks can be replaced individually
Relative cost	Lower	Higher (more material and labor)
Common regions	North America (GMA)	Europe (EPAL), automated systems

Load ratings and racking

Both designs can be engineered to strong capacities. For a standard GMA-class 48x40, expect ballpark figures of static load up to ~4,600 lb, dynamic ~2,800 lb, and racking ~2,800 lb, with the caveat that every one of these numbers varies with wood species, board thickness, and construction. Block pallets often shine in racking applications because the load path is distributed across nine points rather than three continuous rails, which can reduce deflection when a pallet is stored edge-supported on beams with no deck below.

Racking is where design choice bites hardest. When a pallet bridges two beams with nothing underneath, unsupported span is the enemy. Always confirm the racking rating for the exact pallet, and never assume the static (floor-stacked) number applies.

When to choose each

Choose a stringer pallet when

• Your equipment enters from the ends, or from all sides via forklift only.
• You want the lowest cost per pallet for domestic shipping.
• You value simple field repairs; a companion block fixes a cracked stringer in minutes.

Choose a block pallet when

• Manual pallet jacks must approach from any of the four sides.
• You run automated conveyor or AS/RS systems that expect uniform 4-way geometry.
• You ship to Europe or partners standardized on EPAL.
• You need maximum racking stability for heavy, dense loads.

The Tucson bottom line

For most domestic operations in the Southwest, a notched 4-way stringer GMA pallet is the economical default. Block pallets earn their premium in automation, export to block-standard regions, and demanding racking. If you are unsure, weigh your load, note your handling equipment, and let us spec it. We stock recycled pallets in both designs and build new custom pallets to your exact entry and capacity needs. For the full geometry, see our size chart and grades guide.

Not sure which base fits your load? Send us your specs and we will recommend stringer or block with the right entry and rating. Get a quote today.