A few historic market blips aside, pallets are not top procurement priorities for many companies. After all, if you have a pallet specification that works well, why change it?
While many companies have long relied on hardwood pallets, things are changing fast. Over the past several years, increasingly tight availability and higher prices have pushed procurement professionals to reexamine legacy pallet specifications that specify hardwood. At the same time, as pine plantations have matured and become increasingly harvested in the U.S. South, the supply of softwood has become more plentiful. As a pallet buyer, you have options. Using pallet design software, leading pallet providers such as PalletOne can design softwood pallets that can effectively carry almost any load – no matter how demanding.
Softwood has skyrocketed to dominate the U.S. Market. Back in 2016, researchers found that 45% of wood pallets in the U.S. were hardwood pallets, while 55% were softwood pallets. The latest figures for 2021, the latest numbers available, detailed a shocking change in the marketplace. Over just five years, the volume of hardwood lumber used for pallet construction plummeted to 19%, while the volume of softwood has soared to 81%.
This blog examines the differences between hardwood and softwood and some of their confusing idiosyncrasies. Ultimately, there are differences between each group and among the various species within each.
Hardwood Pallet Basics
Historically, hardwood pallets have been the preferred choice for constructing durable, multi-use pallets due to strength and longevity advantages. Hardwood comes from trees that usually have broad leaves, like oaks and maples. Unlike trees with needles, these trees often lose their leaves in the fall and are generally slower to grow. Because of this slower growth, the wood is denser, which means it’s usually tougher and lasts longer. Because of those characteristics, people prize hardwood for things like furniture, flooring, and –historically– pallets. The denseness of hardwood makes it a good choice for items that need to withstand a lot of wear and tear.
Softwood Pallets Explained
In contrast, softwood comes from gymnosperm trees, which usually remain evergreen and bear needles and cones. Softwoods like pine, fir, and spruce grow faster than hardwoods, making them generally less expensive and more readily available. Although less dense, softwoods are more accessible to cut and shape, facilitating their widespread use.
Softwood Vs. Hardwood: It Can Get Complicated
Not all woods conform to the general rules, however. For example, softwoods like aspen and poplar are less dense and softer than hardwoods like oak or maple. Conversely, slower-growing interior Douglas fir, although a softwood, is relatively thick and strong and is often used in heavy-duty construction projects.
Pallet design software can shine when dealing with varying properties between species. Programs like Best Pallet and PDS (Pallet Design System)incorporate extensive databases detailing the mechanical properties of various wood types. These tools allow pallet designers to simulate and optimize pallet designs according to specific wood properties, effectively matching the performance of softwood pallets to that of traditional hardwood ones in many applications.
Considerations for Pallet Buyers
When selecting between hardwood and softwood pallets, several factors must be considered, such as budget constraints, consistent availability, load capacity, performance, durability and environmental considerations. Each type of wood has its advantages and trade-offs, requiring a comprehensive evaluation to determine the most suitable option to optimize your supply chain. While change can be painful, pallet designers at PalletOne can help. By reviewing your pallet specification, they can help you determine if a conversion to softwood makes sense for you. Contact us to find out more.
