Pallet lumber reference · Updated
What Are the Dimensions of Pallet Wood?
Pallet wood components follow predictable cuts so manufacturers can repair and recycle efficiently. Deck boards commonly run 3/8–5/8 in thick, stringers are milled around 1.5 in thick by 3.5–5.5 in tall, and block pallets use 75×75 mm or 95×95 mm hardwood blocks.
Deck board dimensions
- Thickness: 3/8–5/8 in (9.5–16 mm) for top boards; bottom boards often 1/2–5/8 in.
- Width: 3.5 in (89 mm) for intermediate boards, 5.5 in (140 mm) for end boards in GMA layouts.
- Length: Matches pallet width (40 in / 1016 mm) or length (48 in / 1219 mm) depending on board orientation.
Euro pallets rely on 100 mm-wide deck boards with 145 mm end boards per EPAL specs.
Stringers and blocks
- Stringer pallets: Use three 1.5 × 3.5 in (actual) stringers in softwood. Notches measure 9 in long and 1.5 in tall for fork entry.
- Block pallets: Nine blocks, typically 95 × 95 × 78 mm hardwood or composite, support both decks.
- Chamfers: EPAL blocks include 45° chamfers for easy entry; US stringers may add 0.5 in lead chamfers.
Need a dimensional reference? See the wooden pallets guide for diagrams and grades.
Repair & DIY tips
Use HT-marked lumber
When reusing pallet wood for projects, select boards stamped HT (heat treated) to avoid chemical residues. Refer to the pallet wood sourcing guide for safety checks.
Keep fasteners consistent
Industrial repairs typically reuse helical nails or staples. Remove rusted fasteners before reassembly.
Refasten before planing
Clamp boards to a sacrificial base when planing to avoid tear-out on thinner stock.
FAQ
How wide are euro pallet boards?
EPAL requires 100 mm-wide intermediate boards and 145 mm end boards, all 22 mm thick.
Can pallet stringers be ripped down?
Yes—repair shops often rip 2×4 or 2×6 lumber to 1.5 × 3.5 in stringer plugs when fixing notches.