Block
A block is a rectangular, square or cylindrical spacer between the top and bottom decks of a block pallet, specified as width x height x length. Most block pallets use 9 blocks in a 3 x 3 grid; the EPAL 1 Euro pallet uses 145 x 100 x 78 mm and 145 x 145 x 78 mm blocks.
Also called pallet block, spacer block
Reviewed
How blocks are specified
- Size: width x height x length (PDS draws them as W x L x H since version 5.7)
- Count and layout: 9 in a 3 x 3 grid is typical; custom layouts are possible
- Position names: corner, end, edge, inner and center
- Material: solid lumber, laminated lumber, wood composite (presswood) or plastic
- Grain orientation: sidegrain or endgrain nailing
How many nails go into a block?
The Uniform Standard (2012) calls for at least 3 fasteners at a corner block and 2 at an interior block, and at least one fastener per 8 sq in of block fastening surface. A typical wood block pallet uses 3 in annular nails through the stringerboard into the block.
Why blocks matter
Blocks leave open space on all four sides, so forks and pallet jacks can enter from any side. That is why block pallets are full four-way entry and why pooled and export pallets are mostly block designs. Composite blocks under the Uniform Standard must meet a density of 36.9 to 42.1 lb/cu ft and pass soak, tine-compression and nail tests.
Questions
- How many blocks are on a block pallet?
- Nine, in a 3 x 3 grid, on most block pallets including the EPAL Euro pallet and 48x40 pooled pallets.
- What are pallet blocks made of?
- Solid or laminated lumber, molded wood composite (presswood) or plastic. Composite blocks are common on export block pallets.
Related
- Block classBlock class is the pallet class whose top deck sits on blocks, usually 9, joined by stringerboards. EPAL and 48x40 pooled pallets are block class.
- StringerboardA stringerboard is a full-length board on a block pallet between the deckboards and the blocks. EPAL 1 uses three 22 x 145 x 800 mm stringerboards.
- Full four-way entryFull four-way entry means forklifts and pallet jacks can both enter from all four sides. Block pallets with perimeter or cruciform bases are full four-way.
- Block pallet: how it's built and when it beats a stringer palletA block pallet rests on 9 blocks joined by stringerboards, giving full 4-way fork entry. See how it is built, when to use it and what a quote needs.
- Presswood (wood-composite) pallet blocksPresswood pallet blocks are molded wood-composite blocks, 36.9 to 42.1 lb per cubic foot, tested for soak, tine compression and nail holding. ISPM 15 exempt.
- Block stackingBlock stacking is storing unit loads directly on top of each other on the floor, in rows or blocks, with no racks. The bottom pallets carry the whole stack.
Sources
- Uniform Standard for Wood Pallets (NWPCA, now Woodpack Global), 2012 edition
- PalletOne: anatomy of the block pallet
- EPAL Euro pallet specification