Types of pallets Although pallets come in all manner of sizes and configurations, all pallets fall into two very broad categories: "stringer" pallets and "block" pallets. Various software packages exist to assist the pallet maker in designing an appropriate pallet for a specific load, and to evaluate wood options to reduce costs.

Stringer pallets use a frame of three or more parallel pieces of timber (called stringers). The top deck boards are then affixed to the stringers to create the pallet structure. Stringer pallets can have a notch cut into them allowing "four-way" entry.

Block pallets are typically stronger than stringer pallets. Block pallets utilize both parallel and perpendicular stringers to better facilitate efficient handling. A block pallet is also known as a "four-way" pallet, since a pallet-jack may be used from any side to move it.

Perimeter base pallet All stringer and some block pallets have "unidirectional bases," i.e. bottom boards oriented in one direction. While automated handling equipment can be designed for this, often it can operate faster and more effectively if the bottom edges of a pallet have bottom boards oriented in both directions. For example, it may not need to turn a pallet to rack it, and operation is less sensitive to pallet orientation.

Materials used: wood, plastic, metal, paper. The majority of pallets are made from wood.

Advantages of using wooden pallets: lower cost than most other materials, can be repaired/renovated, can be painted and easily printed on, stickers can be easily removed. The popularity of wooden pallets allows them to be used universally.

Disadvantages of using wooden pallets: the dimensions can vary slightly, can be distorted through rough handling, contain metal parts (nails) which could interfere with metal detection (some now are made without nails), need to be maintained, can become contaminated with unwanted bacteria or pests, export pallets need to be heat treated, weight can fluctuate due to wood variations and level of absorbed moisture, they can be prone to splintering or have loose nails, wooden pallets are not fully washable, they cannot be nested in each other when empty.