palletdesign.ai

Glossary

Reversible

Also called: reversible pallet, double-face reversible, flush reversible

Reviewed

Definition

A reversible pallet is a double-face pallet whose top and bottom decks are identical, so either face can carry the load. It appears in the classification string as Double-Face Reversible and uses more wood than a non-reversible design with a lighter bottom deck.

On this page
  1. How it differs from non-reversible
  2. Pros and cons
  3. When to specify it

How it differs from non-reversible

On a non-reversible pallet the bottom deck is lighter than the top: a GMA-style 48x40 has 7 top boards and 5 bottom boards. A reversible pallet repeats the top deck underneath, board for board.

Pros and cons

  • Pro: either face can be the top, so pallets can be loaded without checking orientation
  • Pro: a full bottom deck spreads load well when unit loads are stacked
  • Con: roughly doubles the deck lumber and nails of a single deck
  • Con: a full bottom deck usually leaves no wheel openings, so pallet jacks generally cannot be used

When to specify it

Reversible pallets suit closed loops handled only by forklift, where stacking stability or the ability to use either face matters more than the extra wood. For mixed forklift and pallet-jack handling, a non-reversible double-face pallet with chamfered lead boards is the usual answer. See reversible pallet.

Questions

Can you use a pallet jack on a reversible pallet?
Usually not. The full bottom deck leaves no openings for the jack wheels to reach the floor.

Sources