Palltech

Block vs Stringer Pallets: Construction Compared

The two fundamental wooden pallet constructions. Block is the EU standard, stringer is the US GMA standard. Here's what changes structurally, what it costs, and which one fits your operation.

The short answer

Block pallets are stronger, always 4-way entry, and the European default. Stringer pallets are cheaper, typically 2-way or partial 4-way, and the North American default. In the UK market, block dominates modern B2B logistics; stringer shows up primarily on US-import pallets. For most UK buyers, block is the right answer.

Block pallets

A block pallet uses 9 solid wooden blocks (four corners, four mid-edges, one centre) to support the top and bottom deckboards. Each block is typically 100mm x 145mm x 80mm. The blocks create fork pockets on all four sides, so a forklift can enter from any direction. Block pallets are always 4-way entry by default.

All EPAL-certified Euro pallets are block pallets. Most modern UK standard pallets are also block. Block construction is stronger under repeated lifting stress because the lift forces pass through solid blocks rather than continuous stringers that can split.

Stringer pallets

A stringer pallet uses 3 continuous wooden stringers (beams) running the full length of the pallet, with deckboards nailed across. A typical stringer is 100mm x 75mm x 1200mm long. Because the stringers are continuous, forklift entry is normally only from the two opposite short sides (2-way). Notching the stringers allows partial 4-way entry, which is the standard US GMA format.

Stringer pallets use less wood than block pallets (simpler construction), which makes them cheaper to produce. They are slightly lighter. The downside is reduced fork-entry flexibility and greater exposure to stringer-crack failure after heavy lifting cycles.

Head-to-head

  • Entry type: block wins. Always 4-way by default; stringer is typically 2-way or partial 4-way.
  • Strength under repeated lifting: block wins. 9 solid blocks take the load better than 3 long stringers that can crack lengthwise.
  • Cost: stringer wins. Usually 10-20% cheaper per pallet due to simpler construction and less timber.
  • Weight: stringer wins. 2-4kg lighter than a comparable block pallet of the same footprint.
  • Racking: block wins. Stronger and more predictable in beam racking because the 9 support points distribute stress better than 3 long stringers.
  • Regional norm: block in Europe (EPAL, most UK standard), stringer in North America (GMA). Export destination often dictates the choice.
  • Repair: block wins. Individual blocks can be replaced; a cracked stringer often means scrapping the pallet.

Which should you buy?

Buy block if: you operate in the UK or EU, run modern warehouse automation, use beam racking, need 4-way handling flexibility, or ship to EU customers who mandate EPAL. Covers the vast majority of UK buyers. See new wooden pallets or Euro EPAL pallets for stock.

Buy stringer if: you ship one-way to North America (where GMA stringer is the native format), run a simple manual operation that only needs 2-way entry, or cost per pallet is the overriding factor.

Still weighing options? The types of pallets guide walks through construction, materials, condition and treatment in a single reference.

Block vs stringer: common questions

For the same timber grade and build spec, yes. Block construction distributes load across 9 solid support points, while stringer construction relies on 3 continuous beams that can crack under repeated heavy cycles. That said, a heavy-duty stringer can outperform a lightweight block pallet: always compare spec, not just construction type.

Yes. Look at the long side: if you see 3 (or sometimes 4) visible solid blocks at corners and middle, with gaps between them, it's a block pallet. If you see a single continuous piece of timber running the full length with no break, it's a stringer pallet.

No. Most are, but a notched stringer pallet can be partial 4-way. Full 4-way with entry from any of the four sides is almost always block construction. If fork entry from the short sides works but is tight, you might be handling a partial 4-way stringer.

GMA stands for Grocery Manufacturers Association. The GMA pallet is the dominant US standard: 1219mm x 1016mm (48" x 40"), stringer construction, partial 4-way entry. If you import from or export to North America, you'll handle GMA pallets. Typically ISPM15 heat-treated for export.

Block construction allows guaranteed 4-way entry and more consistent strength under repeated pallet-pool use. The EPAL standard requires the pallet to survive multiple trips in a high-turnover exchange pool, which stringer construction doesn't do as reliably. Block became the EPAL standard when the pool was formalised in the 1960s.

Only partially. Cracked deckboards on a stringer pallet are easy to replace. A cracked stringer is usually terminal: the whole length would need replacing, which is labour-heavy and rarely worthwhile. Block pallets are more repair-friendly because individual blocks can be swapped without rebuilding the whole pallet.