Types, sizes and classification of all pallets and pallets (EUR, FIN, US, etc.)

Pallets (pallets) are widely used in wholesale and retail trade, as well as in the transportation and storage of goods. Pallets ensure the safety of goods during transportation; otherwise, when driving on uneven roads, they may fall, become deformed and become unusable. You can’t do without them in warehouses or on racks, since they help organize space and move several goods from place to place at once.

Pallets are divided into types according to many parameters. Below are the classifications by material and size.

Ordinary pallets are not marked in any way; they do not have a company mark. The design completely replicates the Euro pallet (same number and arrangement of boards).

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Classification of pallets by material

Pallets and trays are made from various materials: plastic, wood, metal or cardboard.

Wooden pallets

Any type of wood is suitable for manufacturing, but each of them has its own strength indicators, which should be taken into account when transporting heavy loads. The raw materials are pre-treated with a protective agent that prevents rotting and the appearance of harmful microorganisms. The production process is quite simple: oblong and narrow planks are attached to a base.

Dimensions of wooden pallet: 800x1200x145mm

Plastic pallets

Pallets made of plastic are lighter and more practical than wooden ones. They are easier to wash and treat with disinfectants. The basis of these devices is various types of resin, which is given the desired shape through casting.

Plastic pallet dimensions: 800x600x140mm

Metal pallets

They are designed for use in high temperature environments because the material from which they are made is refractory. Aluminum or steel products are much stronger and more reliable than their wooden and plastic counterparts, and therefore are preferred for storing and transporting heavy goods over long distances.

Cardboard pallets

Products made from corrugated cardboard are used to transport small-sized and weighted goods for transportation over long distances. Due to a significant drawback (moisture permeability), such pallets are mainly disposable: they are disposed of after the first use.

Table

A low table can be created from two pallets placed one on top of the other. To create a mobile and practical table, you can screw wheels under its base and cover the top with a sheet of plywood or glass.

All that remains is to paint the craft or use transparent varnish to give it volume and place a lamp on the new acquisition, arrange magazines or books, a bowl of candy or a plate of fruit.

The dimensions of the table are selected by the owners themselves, so for a small item one pallet cut in half will be enough.

A large dining table will be made from two vertical pallets and a horizontal pallet that acts as a tabletop. The bright colors of such a creation will make such a garden table a favorite place for outdoor dining or quiet games.

Classification of pallets by size

Now let's look at how pallets are divided into types based on dimensions and design features.

Certified Euro pallets (EUR pallets)

Dimensions of Eupopallet (EUR-pallet): 1200x800x145 mm.

A standard Euro truck of 82 m3 holds 32 Euro pallets.

These products are marked as follows. There is a mark burned into the right supporting legs, where the letters EUR are enclosed in an oval. Markings on the remaining legs indicate the manufacturer, series and year of manufacture.

The design differs in that the upper part of the Euro pallet consists of five boards of different widths: 145 and 100 mm, elements of different widths alternate. The lower part consists of three boards (two narrow on the sides and wide in the middle). The chamfers are at the corners, and at the bottom they are removed.

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Finnish pallet (FIN-pallet, finpallet)

Finnish pallet dimensions: 1200x1000x145 mm.

The markings on the products are as follows. The right support legs bear the company's mark: the dark letters FIN are enclosed in a light-colored rectangle. The central legs are marked with the date of manufacture and the manufacturer's code.

The design of Finnish pallets is like this. At the top there are 7 boards of different widths (120 mm and 100 mm). They alternate as follows: one wide, two narrow, one wide, two narrow, one wide. At the bottom there are three boards, like a Euro pallet, and they are arranged in the same way. The location and presence of chamfers are also similar.

American standard pallet (US-pallet, American)

“Americans” are manufactured in accordance with the provisions of the International Plant Protection Committee, which means they can be used for transporting goods to other countries.

Dimensions of the American (US) pallet: Shape – square, edge length is 1200 mm.

Reusable cargo pallet

Dimensions of a standard cargo pallet: 1200x800x145 mm, board thickness 20 mm.

Reusable cargo pallet (pallet)

There is also a second type of reusable pallet, its dimensions are slightly different from the first.

Length 1200 mm, width 1000 mm, side height 145 mm, board thickness 20-22 mm.

There are no company markings on the products, and the design completely replicates the Finnish analogue.

If a transport company is engaged in international transportation, it is recommended to use European and Finnish pallets: they are certified and meet the most stringent requirements, as evidenced by the markings.

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Classification of pallets by design

According to the type of construction, pallets are divided into 3 types:

Flat. This is a single or double deck structure, standing on supporting legs or runners. Such products are practical and compact; they are used for transporting and storing many goods packed in bags, boxes, bags, boxes or barrels.
Rack-mounted. They are distinguished from the previous type by the presence of restrictive posts, stationary or removable. They do not allow the load to change its position, which is especially important when transporting on uneven roads. They also protect the loads of the lower tiers from compression and deformation. Products with fragile packaging need special protection, as well as those that become unusable at the slightest pressure.
Boxed. These versatile and multifunctional pallets are used for storing and transporting small, packaged or unprepared goods, as well as those in primary packaging. Vertical walls are distinguished by solid, lattice or mesh design.

Flower racks

By the way, about flowers. Pallets can be used for storing them. For example, put them or lean them against the wall, and place pots with plants inside. Flowers can also be hung from such a rack.

Photo: Instagram mebel_iz_poddonov_vladikavkaz

Photo: Instagram palletsofa

And the owner of this summer cottage built an even more unusual structure - he made a fence from pallets and placed flowers on top. It turned out beautiful and original.

Photo: Instagram woodart66

Classification of pallets by load capacity

It is important to know how much weight pallets are designed to carry so that they do not collapse under the load. These types of pallets differ in strength.

Typical ones with a length of 800-1000 mm and a width of 1200 mm can withstand a ton of cargo.
Euro pallets with a length of 1200, a width of 800 mm and a side height of 145 mm can withstand 2 tons.
A half-pallet with a length of 800 mm and a width of 600 mm is not inferior in load capacity to standard analogues and can withstand the same ton, although its design is shortened.
Lightweight pallet. Length 1200 mm, width 800 mm, the design is simplified: the flooring contains 5-7 boards of the same width. It can support 700 kg.
Reinforced. Its dimensions have been increased (length and width 1200 mm), as well as its load capacity: up to 2.5 tons.

Preparation of the drawing

Having decided on the furniture option, you should start making the drawing. The diagram should show the following aspects:

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Product dimensions: height, length of the tabletop (if available), width of the structure.
Form.
Fastening mechanisms.
Auxiliary devices.

Supporting structures can include drawers for a chest of drawers, soft mattresses for a garden sofa, or a support structure for a dining table.

Classification of pallets by frequency of use

Pallets are suitable for use either only once or several times.

Disposable pallets have a low price and not very high quality. They are made from soft wood or cardboard. Their sizes are not regulated. After use, they must be disposed of, but household use is allowed. They are not subject to exchange, return or sale in used format.
Reversible pallets are characterized by high strength and load-carrying capacity. They can be repaired, updated, or sold as used ones.

Classification of used pallets

In Europe and Russia, not only new pallets are used, but also used ones, which are divided into three types based on their condition.

Top grade. These are almost new, clean pallets with no surface damage, and have been used no more than 3 times in their entire history.
First grade. It is possible that they have been used more than three times, but their appearance must be preserved: clean, original color, smooth surface without damage. It is important that the products have not been repaired, since such intervention implies serious damage.
Second grade. Minor dirt is allowed, as is darkening of the wooden surface. Damage limit: length 30 cm and width 3 cm. Several pallets that have been repaired are allowed.

Making furniture for a personal plot

Furniture made from natural wood looks very organic against the backdrop of nature. If you plan to use it not under canopies, then the wood should first be varnished and dried so as not to rot.

What can be made from pallets at the dacha:

bench, sofa;
table, bedside table, stools;
swing, hanging bed;
racks;
dog house, aviary;
gazebo, shower;
hammock holder;
stairs;
children's play corner;
platform for the summer terrace;
fence, gate;
decorative well, flower bed.

garden furniture

A garden corner sofa and table will perfectly complement a relaxation area located in the open air. For an area with a barbecue, outdoor fireplace, barbecue, a low long sofa and the same table are suitable. The sofa will need ten to twelve pallets - two or three of them will be sawn to form the back. Seat height - about 25 cm. Pillows, bedspreads - optional. The table will turn out if you connect two to four units together, it will also be low. For taller furniture, the number of pallets is increased. A practical, comfortable garden bench, with seats on the sides and a high or low table in the center.

A table, armchairs, and a small sofa can be made mobile by simply screwing wheels to them.

Garden swing

To make original swings for children and adults, you will need one or two Euro pallets and several meters of strong steel chain. The structure is suspended on a metal crossbar or frame. This is usually a swing with a backrest or in the form of a hanging bed with a mattress. The frame can also be made from parts of pallets, if additional stiffening ribs and a small canopy are made. Hanging playgrounds for children's games are sometimes attached to a similar structure. When making a swing, you should take into account how much weight it will withstand, but always with a “margin”.

As an attraction for the little ones, pallets are made into something like a car on wheels, which can be used to carry a child along garden paths. Backrest and restraint straps are required.

Sun loungers

Making sun loungers from pallets is as easy as shelling pears. From two placed one on top of the other, the base is made, from another one - the back, and two “legs” are made under it. If desired, the backrest can be made movable and height adjustable. Afterwards the structure is painted and varnished. To make it soft, homemade pillows and mattresses are placed on top. There are usually several such devices made - according to the number of family members, so that everyone can relax comfortably after a working day at the dacha.

Vertical flower beds

Wooden Euro pallets with flowers planted in them are used to decorate summerhouses, apartment balconies, and the outer walls of private houses. This flower bed saves a lot of space. Depending on the planned size of the flowerbed, its production will require one or more pieces, special geotextiles, a furniture stapler, seedlings or flower seeds. Preferred for vertical planting are petunias, marigolds, herbs, strawberries, wild strawberries. The pallet is sanded and painted. The back, bottom, and side parts are covered with landscape fabric using a stapler. Then it turns over on its “back” and the soil mixture is poured inside. You can do it differently: do not cover the entire pallet with fabric, but arrange “pockets”. Then flowers are planted there, starting from the bottom row. After 10-15 days, the plants will take root sufficiently and the flower bed can be placed vertically.

Such a flower garden needs to be watered and fed frequently, using a diffuser. If perennial plants were planted, then they are insulated for the winter so that the roots do not freeze.

Difference between regular and European pallets

In Russia, the production and properties of pallets are regulated by two documents:

GOST 9078–84. General rules are given here, without specifics. Only the dimensions are set: 1200x1000 mm and 1200x800 mm. It is also possible that these products can be made of wood.
GOST 9557–87. A more stringent document that largely coincides with the UIC 435-2 standard adopted in Europe. Pallets manufactured in Russia in accordance with this GOST differ from European pallets in the absence of the appropriate stamp (EUR or EPAL), since Russian products have not passed mandatory certification. Otherwise, all the parameters of Russian and European products are identical: the same tolerances, the number of nails, the presence of chamfers.

The EUR marking indicates that the pallets were manufactured in Europe, and the EPAL marking indicates that the products were manufactured in another country, but in full compliance with all provisions of the European Pallet Association.