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Glossary

Panel deck

Also called: plywood deck, OSB deck, panel top

Reviewed

Definition

A panel deck is a pallet deck made from a sheet of plywood or OSB instead of individual deckboards, giving a smooth, solid surface. The Uniform Standard requires the panel's face grain to run perpendicular to the stringers and panel pieces to be at least 24 in wide.

On this page
  1. Uniform Standard rules for panel decks (2012)
  2. Why use a panel deck
  3. ISPM 15

Uniform Standard rules for panel decks (2012)

  • Material: plywood or OSB made to PS 1, PS 2 or PRP-108 with exterior adhesive, grade-stamped (for example Rated Sheathing or Sturd-I-Floor, Exposure 1 or Exterior)
  • Orientation: face grain perpendicular to the stringers
  • Piece width: at least 24 in
  • Strips and webs: at least 6 in wide; OSB strips are not allowed as bottom boards
  • Fastening on stringer pallets: at least 3 fasteners at each stringer end, starting 1 in from the end at 2 in spacing, and interior fasteners no more than 10 in apart
  • Tolerances: thickness plus or minus 1/32 in, length and width plus or minus 1/8 in

Why use a panel deck

A panel gives a flat, solid deck for small cartons, bags and items that would drop through gaps, and a clean surface for printing or display. PDS can model panel decks on both stringer and block pallets.

ISPM 15

Plywood and OSB are processed wood and exempt from ISPM 15, but a pallet that combines a panel with solid-wood stringers or blocks still needs treatment. See panel deck pallet and plywood and OSB decks.

Questions

Do plywood pallets need heat treatment?
An all-plywood or OSB pallet is exempt, but a panel deck on solid-wood stringers or blocks still needs ISPM 15 treatment for export.

Sources