Pallets Help the Construction Industry Break Ground

Popular reality shows focused on home improvement and real estate have helped spark an increased interest in home renovation and new construction. This, aided by the continued recovery of the global economy, has created a rise in activity in the housing sector and in the construction industry in general. As a result, building materials and equipment are in greater demand.

These products would never make it to the jobsite, however, if it weren’t for one critical item in the supply chain. The answer, of course, is pallets. A groundbreaking invention in 1939, pallets continue to help builders break ground.

While wooden pallets remain a common choice because they are inexpensive and can be easily repaired and reused, there has been an increased demand for plastic pallets to transport goods to construction sites around the world.

Like their wooden counterpart, plastic pallets are designed to be used with forklift trucks. But, the plastic variety are more durable and stable, which is important when traveling along uneven ground on a construction site, and they can support heavy loads. In addition, plastic pallets are resistant to extreme weather conditions such as temperature fluctuations or rain and will not retain moisture or harbor bugs, which is helpful considering many pallets are left outside on site. Also, while wood pallets are more susceptible to damage over time and must be removed from circulation to be repaired, plastic pallets do not deteriorate in quality and can be more readily reused.

Ultimately, however, wood pallets remain less expensive to manufacture and they can typically carry more weight (1,500 to 3,000 pounds as opposed to plastic pallets which can bear up to 1,500 pounds).  So, while plastic pallets are becoming more affordable and desirable in the industry, you’ll still see many wooden pallets on the job, too. Both options work well to efficiently transport equipment parts and other building products safely and securely to the construction site.

If you would like to discuss which option is right for your project, please contact the pallet pros at Rose Pallet. We can even create and customize the type, size, and style that is best for your building needs.