Recycled & New Wood Pallets
From premium Grade A recycled pallets to brand-new custom builds, we supply the full spectrum of wood pallets for every budget, application, and industry. All available with same-day delivery across the Chicago metro area.
Choosing Recycled Wood Pallets Saves Trees
The U.S. pallet industry consumes approximately 6.3 billion board feet of lumber every year. Each recycled pallet we sell is one less pallet manufactured from freshly harvested timber. Over its lifecycle, a single recycled pallet can be reused 7 to 10 times -- dramatically reducing the demand for raw lumber, lowering carbon emissions from manufacturing, and keeping reusable wood out of landfills. When you buy recycled from Chicago Pallet Solutions, you are making a measurable environmental impact without sacrificing quality or reliability.
Stringer, Block & GMA Pallets
Understanding the structural differences between pallet types helps you choose the right option for your load requirements, handling equipment, and storage systems.
GMA 48x40 Stringer Pallet
The standard of North American commerce. The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) 48x40 pallet is the most widely used pallet in the United States, compatible with virtually all racking systems, forklifts, and pallet jacks. We stock this size in every grade from premium Grade A to Economy.
Stringer Pallets
Stringer pallets use two or three parallel boards (stringers) to support the deck boards. They are the most common pallet type in North America due to their cost-effectiveness and ease of repair. Available as two-way or partial four-way entry depending on whether the stringers are notched.
Block Pallets
Block pallets use solid wood blocks between the top and bottom decks, providing true four-way forklift entry from all sides. This design offers superior strength and is preferred for heavy loads, automated warehouse systems, and international shipping. Often required by large retailers and distribution centers.
Quality Grades to Fit Every Budget
We grade every recycled pallet according to industry standards so you know exactly what you are getting. Each grade delivers reliable structural performance at a different price point.
Grade A (Premium)
Top-tier recycled pallets with minimal cosmetic wear. All boards intact with no significant staining, repairs, or structural defects. Suitable for retail display, pharmaceutical distribution, and any application where appearance matters.
- All boards intact and firmly attached
- No broken or missing boards
- Minimal staining or discoloration
- No protruding nails or splinters
- Structurally sound stringers or blocks
Grade B (Standard)
Solid, dependable recycled pallets with some visible wear. May have minor repairs, slight staining, or cosmetic imperfections that do not affect structural performance. The best value for most warehouse and shipping applications.
- Minor board repairs acceptable
- Light staining permitted
- All structural elements sound
- May have up to 2 repaired boards
- Full load capacity maintained
Grade C (Economy Plus)
Functional pallets with visible wear and multiple repairs. Ideal for one-way shipping, internal warehouse transfers, or any application where appearance is not a concern but structural reliability still matters.
- Multiple repaired boards possible
- Visible wear and staining
- May have companion stringers
- Structural integrity verified
- Cost-effective for single-use
Economy
The most affordable option for non-critical applications. These pallets have heavy wear and multiple repairs but still meet minimum load-bearing requirements. Perfect for ground storage, one-way shipments, and temporary use.
- Heavy wear and multiple repairs
- Significant staining
- Meets minimum load standards
- Best for ground-level storage
- Lowest cost per pallet
New (Custom Built)
Brand-new pallets built from kiln-dried or green lumber to your specifications. Choose from hardwood (oak, maple) or softwood (pine, spruce) construction. Required for certain export destinations, food-grade applications, and heavy industrial use.
- Virgin lumber construction
- No prior use or wear
- Kiln-dried or heat-treated
- Custom sizes available
- Highest load capacities
Wood Pallet Specifications
| Feature | Stringer Pallet | Block Pallet |
|---|---|---|
| Forklift Entry | 2-way (4-way if notched) | True 4-way entry |
| Support Structure | 2 or 3 stringers (boards) | 6 or 9 blocks |
| Typical Weight | 30-50 lbs | 50-75 lbs |
| Dynamic Load Capacity | 2,000-2,800 lbs | 2,800-5,000 lbs |
| Static Load Capacity | 4,000-6,000 lbs | 6,000-10,000 lbs |
| Racking Load | 1,500-2,200 lbs | 2,200-3,500 lbs |
| Repairability | Easy and inexpensive | Moderate complexity |
| Cost (Recycled) | $4 - $12 per pallet | $8 - $18 per pallet |
| Best For | General warehousing, shipping | Automated systems, heavy loads |
What Affects Pallet Pricing?
Wood pallet prices fluctuate based on several key factors. Understanding these will help you budget accurately and identify the best value for your needs.
Grade & Condition
Grade A pallets command a premium over Economy grade. New pallets cost 2-4x more than recycled equivalents. The grade you need depends on your application -- retail display requires Grade A, while one-way shipping can use Economy.
Lumber Market Prices
Wood pallet pricing is directly tied to lumber commodity markets. Softwood (pine, spruce) is generally less expensive than hardwood (oak, maple). Market conditions can cause prices to fluctuate seasonally.
Size & Configuration
Standard GMA 48x40 pallets are the most cost-effective due to high availability. Non-standard sizes, block construction, and custom configurations increase the per-unit cost.
Order Volume
We offer volume pricing on all pallet products. Truckload quantities (typically 400-800 pallets depending on size) receive the best per-unit rates. Even partial truckloads benefit from tiered discounts.
Treatment & Compliance
Heat treatment (HT) for ISPM-15 compliance adds $1-3 per pallet. Additional treatments like fumigation or painting for branding purposes will increase the cost but are sometimes required by end customers or export regulations.
Delivery Distance
We offer free delivery within the greater Chicago metro area for qualifying orders. Deliveries beyond our standard service area are quoted based on distance and load size. Pickup from our Romeoville yard is always available.
Industries We Serve
Food & Beverage
GMA 48x40, Grade A or B, heat-treated for export
Manufacturing
Block pallets for heavy machinery, custom sizes for oversized parts
Retail & Distribution
High-volume GMA pallets, Grade A for store display
Automotive
Custom heavy-duty pallets, reusable pool programs
Construction
Economy grade for building materials, temporary site storage
Pharmaceutical
New or Grade A only, clean room compatible, full traceability
Agriculture
Stringer pallets for produce, ventilated deck designs
E-Commerce
Lightweight stringer pallets, high-volume programs, economy grade
Get Your Wood Pallet Quote
Tell us the size, grade, quantity, and delivery timeline you need. We will respond with a detailed quote within 2 hours during business hours -- often sooner.