Pallet types
Flush pallet: deck edges flush with the stringers
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A flush pallet is one whose deckboards end in line with the outer stringers or stringerboards, so nothing overhangs. It is the default construction for GMA 48 x 40 pallets and most block pallets, and the PDS spec sheet records it as a wing of 0.00.
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What is a flush pallet?
Flush describes the edges of the deck. On a flush pallet the deckboard ends line up with the outside faces of the outer stringers (or stringerboards on a block pallet), so the pallet's footprint is exactly the deck size and there is no wing. In the classification used by the Pallet Design System, "Flush" is the alternative to "Single-Wing" and "Double-Wing".
The word also appears in deck spacing rules. "Endboards flush, interior boards equally spaced" means the lead boards sit flush with the stringer ends and the remaining boards divide the space between them. On a GMA 48 x 40 that rule gives 3.25 in gaps between the seven top boards.
How a flush pallet is built
| Feature | Flush 48 x 40 stringer pallet |
|---|---|
| Deckboard length | 40 in, equal to the pallet width |
| Outer stringers | Outside faces at 0 and 40 in |
| Stringer positions | Edges flush, center stringer centered: left edges at 0, 19-5/16 and 38-5/8 in for 1-3/8 in stringers |
| Clear bays | About 17-15/16 in between stringers |
| Overall footprint | 48 x 40 in, same as the deck |
Because the deckboard ends sit directly over the outer stringers, the nails at those joints go near the board ends. The Uniform Standard limits open splits at connections, so lumber quality and nail placement matter at the edges.
When to use a flush pallet
- Almost all general freight. It is the default for the GMA pallet, block pallets and the Euro pallet.
- Rack storage across the width, where the outer stringers sit near the rack beams.
- Pallet jacks and conveyors, where a clean rectangular footprint avoids snagging.
- Tight trailer and container loading, since the footprint equals the deck.
When not to use one
- Sling lifting: bar slings need a top-deck overhang to hook under.
- Bagged products that need extra deck area without increasing the base footprint.
Flush vs winged
| Flush | Winged | |
|---|---|---|
| Deck overhang | None | Top (single) or both decks (double) |
| Footprint | Equals the deck | Base is smaller than the top deck |
| Sling lifting | No | Yes |
| Rack across width | Outer stringers at the deck edge | Outer stringers inset from the deck edge |
| Default for | GMA, block, EPAL | Bags, sling-lifted loads |
How to specify a flush pallet
- Size, stringer length first.
- State "flush" (or wing 0) so the builder doesn't assume an overhang.
- Deck spacing rule: ends flush, interior equally spaced, or custom positions.
- Stringer or block count and size.
- Fasteners, lumber, load and handling.
palletdesign.ai treats flush as the default for every stringer, block and skid template. The drawing dimensions each board's leading edge from the pallet end so the spacing is unambiguous. See how to read a pallet drawing and the 48 x 40 stringer pallet.
Questions
- What does flush mean on a pallet?
- The deckboards end in line with the outer stringers or stringerboards, so nothing overhangs. A PDS spec sheet shows this as a wing of 0.00.
- Are GMA pallets flush?
- Yes. The standard GMA 48 x 40 has flush sides with its outer stringers at the deck edges.
- Flush or winged: which is stronger?
- Neither is stronger in general. Flush puts the outer stringers at the deck edge, which suits racking across the width; wings add deck area and allow sling lifting.