Split
A split is a lengthwise separation of the wood fibers that runs through the piece. The Uniform Standard limits splits in deckboards to one third of the board length on reusable pallets (full length allowed on single-use), and limits horizontal splits in stringers to under 4 in or twice the stringer width.
Also called end split, nail split
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Split limits in the Uniform Standard (2012, Table 1)
| Part | Reusable | Single-use |
|---|---|---|
| Deckboards | up to 1/3 of length | full length |
| Stringers, horizontal split | under 4 in or 2 x width | under 4 in or 2 x width |
| Stringers, vertical split | up to 1/2 of length |
Splits at nails
Nailing near board ends or edges can split the wood. The Uniform Standard allows at most one open split with a visible nail shank per connection, and such splits on at most one third of components.
Why splits matter
A split deckboard can break free at the nail line, and a split stringer loses stiffness and strength, especially near notches. Splits also grow as green wood dries. Ways to reduce them:
- Keep nails a reasonable distance from ends and edges
- Use the right nail diameter for the species and board thickness
- Build with drier wood where shrinkage is a concern
See lumber grades and shiner.
Questions
- How long can a split be in a pallet deckboard?
- Up to one third of the board length on a reusable pallet under the Uniform Standard. Single-use pallets allow a full-length split.
Related
- Pallet lumber gradesPallet lumber grades set limits on knots, wane, splits, decay and slope of grain. Reusable pallets need roughly PDS Standard grade; single-use roughly Economy.
- WaneWane is bark or missing wood along the edge or corner of a board, left from the log's outer surface. The Uniform Standard limits it by part and use class.
- KnotA knot is the base of a branch embedded in a board. The Uniform Standard limits sound knots to half the cross-section on reusable pallets and 7/8 on single-use.
- ShinerA shiner is a nail that misses the stringer or block and leaves its shank or point exposed. The Uniform Standard allows no shiners on exposed faces of a pallet.
- Stretch wrapStretch wrap is plastic film stretched tightly around a loaded pallet to hold the product together and to the pallet. PDS lists it as a load stabilizer.
- StringerA stringer is the continuous beam that runs the length of a stringer pallet under the deckboards. A GMA 48x40 uses three 1-3/8 x 3-1/2 x 48 in stringers.
Sources
- Uniform Standard for Wood Pallets (NWPCA, now Woodpack Global), 2012 edition