Pallet buying guide 2026: how to choose the right pallets

Choosing a pallet looks simple, but the wrong pallet type, size or condition quickly costs more than the pallet itself. This pallet buying guide brings together everything a business should know before buying: pallet construction, types, sizes, load capacity, new or used, markings, export, price, transport and delivery. Each section is written to give you a straight answer, with links to more detailed articles when you want to dig deeper.

This guide is based on hands-on experience as a pallet supplier. Suomen Lavacenter supplies EUR, FIN and custom-size pallets, new and used, from its own warehouse in Hyvinkää, which holds thousands of pallets at all times, and also buys pallets back.

Why the choice of pallet really matters

The pallet is the unnoticed foundation of logistics: almost all goods in Finland move on one. That is exactly why the choice has a bigger impact than the price of the pallet suggests. The pallet size determines how efficiently products fit into the warehouse, how loads move by forklift, how goods fit into the vehicle and how well everything works at the customer’s goods reception.

When the pallet suits the product, the warehouse and the transport, work runs without unnecessary rehandling and goods move quickly. When it does not, waste builds up at many points: space in the truck goes unused, forklift handling slows down, the load is unstable and, at worst, goods are damaged. That is why a pallet should be chosen by its intended use, not just by its purchase price. This guide goes through all the factors that affect the choice, in order.

Pallet construction and parts

Before you compare types, it helps to know the basic construction of a pallet, because it explains why different pallets hold up in different ways. A wooden pallet consists of a few basic components:

• Top deck boards. The boards on the top surface of the pallet, on which the load is placed. The more closely spaced and the thicker they are, the better the pallet carries and supports even small items.
• Bottom deck boards. The boards on the underside of the pallet, which spread the load and keep the pallet stable in racking and in stacks as well.
• Blocks (feet). The blocks between the top and bottom boards, which lift the pallet off the floor and make room for the forks of a forklift or pallet truck. A standard EUR pallet has nine blocks.
• Fork entry. A EUR pallet is a four-way entry pallet, meaning the forks fit under it from all four sides. This speeds up handling, because the pallet does not have to be turned to the right position first.

The construction also tells you about quality. Intact, firmly fixed boards and nails and a straight, untwisted frame are signs of a usable pallet. Loose nails, cracks and a warped frame, on the other hand, tell you that the pallet has reached the end of its life.

Pallet types and what each one is best for

Suomen Lavacenter’s range includes all the most common pallet types, both new and used. Below is a quick comparison, followed by a short look at each type. Click a type to go to its own page, with detailed information and a quote request.

The figures are indicative. Load capacity here means dynamic capacity, i.e. the weight the pallet withstands while being moved, and it depends on how the load is placed. Exact details are on each pallet’s product page.

EUR pallet

The EUR pallet, often called the euro pallet or EPAL 1, is the basic solution in international logistics and measures 800 x 1200 mm. It belongs to the pallet exchange system, so companies can exchange it pallet for pallet. The EUR pallet is of consistent quality and easy to recognise, and it is the first choice for export and for goods that travel abroad. Read more on the EUR pallet page.

FIN pallet

The FIN pallet is the standard pallet used in Finland. It measures 1000 x 1200 mm, which makes it slightly wider than the EUR pallet. The larger surface gives more leeway for wide or large loads, which is why the FIN pallet is the most common pallet in Finnish industry, retail and warehousing. More information on the FIN pallet page.

Half pallets and display pallets

Half pallets and other small pallets typically measure 400 x 600 (quarter pallet), 600 x 800, 400 x 800 or 300 x 200 mm. They suit parts, individual products and smaller loads that do not need a full-size pallet. The same small sizes are also used as display pallets for displays and on the sales floor. See the half pallet page.

One-way pallet

The one-way pallet, sometimes called a disposable pallet, is lighter in construction and cheaper than a EUR or FIN pallet, and it is made in the sizes 800 x 1200 and 1000 x 1200 mm. It is not part of the pallet exchange system and carries no deposit, so it is ideal for one-way shipments where the pallet does not come back. Read more on the one-way pallet page.

Forklift pallets and custom-size pallets

A forklift pallet is a standard-size pallet designed for forklift handling, available new or used. When a standard size is not enough, we also supply custom-size pallets made to measure for your product. You can see the full range on the pallets page, and the article how to choose the right pallet for different uses explains how to pick the type by application.

Pallet sizes and dimensions

The right size is at the heart of the choice. The most common sizes are the EUR pallet at 800 x 1200 mm and the FIN pallet at 1000 x 1200 mm. In addition, smaller half pallets and display pallets are used, as well as the half display pallet, which measures 800 x 600 mm and is intended especially for displays. The most common sizes are gathered in one table below.

Rule of thumb: choose the size to suit the product and the transport, so that goods sit on the pallet without unnecessary overhang or empty space. A load that overhangs the edges prevents tight stacking and can be damaged, while a pallet that is too large wastes space. You will find exact dimensions for all pallets in the article pallet sizes and dimensions.

Pallet load capacity explained: dynamic, static and racking

Load capacity is one of the most misunderstood things about pallets, because there is no single figure. Capacity depends on how the pallet is loaded and handled. There are three key concepts:

• Dynamic load capacity. The weight a pallet withstands while it is moved by forklift or pallet truck. For a EUR pallet this is about 1500 kg. In practice this is the most important figure, because pallets are usually moved while loaded.
• Static load capacity. The weight a pallet withstands standing still on a level floor. It is clearly higher than the dynamic capacity, because the load does not move and the pallet is not subjected to handling stresses.
• Racking load capacity. The weight a pallet withstands in pallet racking, where it rests only on its edges. This is the lowest figure, typically about 1000 kg, because the pallet is supported on only two edges.

In practice, correctly loaded EUR and FIN pallets typically carry about 1500-1800 kg when moved. The key is to spread the weight evenly over the whole pallet, not in the middle or on one edge. An incorrectly loaded pallet can fail at a weight well below its nominal capacity. The topic is covered in more detail in the article pallet load capacity, and the weights of different pallets are listed in the article pallet weight.

New or used pallets?

This is the most common question buyers ask, and the answer depends on the use. A new pallet is clean and of consistent quality, so it suits export, the food sector and situations where the customer sees the pallet. A used pallet is clearly cheaper and is perfectly adequate for internal warehouse circulation, transport and building sites.

Many companies buy both: new pallets where they are really needed and used ones for everything else. You can get both from us in one place, even on the same order. A comparison and tips for choosing are in the article new or used pallets, and our range of used pallets is on the used pallets page.

Checking the condition of a used pallet

When buying used pallets, it is worth checking a few things to make sure you get usable goods:

• The top and bottom deck boards are intact, not split or missing.
• The nails are in place and the boards do not wobble.
• The frame is straight and the pallet is not twisted.
• The pallet is dry and clean, not mouldy or oily.
• The blocks (feet) are intact, so the forks can enter properly.

Our used pallets come from active circulation and are inspected; they have not stood in a corner for years. You can go through the full checklist in the article what to check before buying a used pallet.

Wood or plastic?

The vast majority of pallets are wooden, and for most needs wood is the most economical and practical material. A wooden pallet is sturdy, repairable and recyclable, and it suits almost any kind of goods. A plastic pallet, on the other hand, withstands moisture, does not absorb liquids or bacteria and is easy to wash, which is why it is used especially in the food, pharmaceutical and cleanroom industries and in other settings where hygiene is critical.

A plastic pallet costs more to buy than a wooden one, but it withstands repeated use and washing for a long time. Which one makes sense depends on the operating environment, the budget and whether the pallet is going for export. You will find the comparison and prices in the article plastic or wooden pallet.

Markings and authenticity: how to read pallet stamps

A standard pallet can be identified by its markings, and it is worth learning to read them, because they tell you the pallet’s origin, its standard and whether it is suitable for export.

• EPAL and EUR stamps. A genuine EUR pallet has EUR and EPAL marks burnt into the blocks, as well as the manufacturer’s marking. They prove that the pallet has been made to the standard and belongs to the pallet exchange system.
• FIN stamp. A FIN pallet is identified by its FIN stamp, which shows that the pallet complies with the Finnish standard.
• IPPC stamp. A heat-treated wooden pallet has an IPPC stamp, which proves that the wood has been treated for export as required by the international ISPM 15 standard.

The manufacture and dimensions of the EUR pallet are governed by international standards: the European standard EN 13698-1 defines how the pallet is made and ISO 6780 sets the main dimensions of pallets. It is precisely this standardisation that makes pallets compatible with one another across different countries and systems, which is the foundation of the whole pallet exchange system.

When you buy pallets from a specialist, you get consistent, recognisable goods rather than unknown scrap pallets whose origin or strength is impossible to verify. From us you get standard, marked pallets both new and used, and if needed we will help you identify the right pallet type and quality.

Export and heat treatment (ISPM 15)

Goods exported outside the EU require heat-treated wooden pallets. In heat treatment, the wood is heated right through to at least 56 °C, which destroys any pests and prevents them from spreading from one country to another. A treated pallet carries an IPPC stamp, which proves the treatment and meets the requirements of the international ISPM 15 standard.

Without the right pallets, an export shipment can be held up at the border, so exporting companies should sort out their pallets in good time. Tell us the export destination when you order and we will make sure the pallets meet the requirements. The article heat-treated pallets and ISPM 15 covers the topic in full.

Pallet collars and accessories

A pallet collar turns an ordinary pallet into a box and protects the load. Collars are available for all standard pallets, such as EUR and FIN pallets as well as half and display pallets, new and used. Collars can be stacked on top of each other, so the height of the box can be adjusted to suit the load, and they make packing and storing piece goods neat and stable.

Collars are a handy addition for storage, packing and transport, and many people also use them in the garden as raised beds. More information on the pallet collars page and in the article pallet collar sizes and uses.

What does a pallet cost?

The price of a pallet depends on the pallet type, size, condition and the quantity ordered. Used pallets are cheaper than new ones, and larger batches cost less per pallet than a few pallets at a time. The market situation and the price of the raw material, sawn timber, are also reflected in pallet prices.

Remember that the price of the pallet alone is not the whole cost. Transport, the pallet’s service life and whether you can sell surplus pallets back all affect the final cost per pallet. There is no point waiting for an exact list price, because the best price always depends on the situation. The article pallet price explains how the price is made up, and the quickest way to get the right price is to request a quote.

Transport, loading metres and full loads

Transport is a large part of the total cost of pallets, and it is something you can influence. Freight is often charged by the loading metre, i.e. by how much floor space the load takes up in the truck. Pallet size has a direct effect on loading metres: a EUR pallet takes up about 0.4 loading metres and a FIN pallet about 0.5, so with EUR pallets more goods fit into the same space.

A standard semi-trailer holds about 13.6 loading metres, and a full load is always the cheapest per pallet. Related articles: how many pallets fit in a truck or container and loading metre (LDM). We deliver pallets with our own vehicles directly from our warehouse in Hyvinkää, and if you prefer, you can also collect them yourself.

Buy or rent?

You can buy pallets outright or rent them from a pool system. For continuous and varying needs, buying is almost always cheaper and more flexible, and it is particularly suitable when pallets leave your premises and do not come back. Renting suits short-term or seasonal needs and closed loops where the pallets return. Another advantage of buying is that intact surplus pallets can be sold back, which reduces the net cost. The full comparison is in the article should you buy or rent pallets.

Maintenance and lifespan

The better a pallet is handled, the longer it lasts. Its lifespan is affected by the weight and placement of the load, how it is handled by forklift and how it is stored. A few simple habits extend a pallet’s life considerably:

• Spread the weight evenly over the whole pallet, not on one edge.
• Lift and lower the pallet in a controlled way and do not drop it from the forklift forks.
• Store pallets in a dry place, preferably under a roof, so the wood does not get wet and warp.
• Keep intact and broken pallets apart, so that only sound ones stay in use.

When a pallet is damaged, weigh up repair against replacement. A single loose board or nail can often be fixed, but if the frame is warped or several boards are broken, a new or inspected used pallet is a safer and often cheaper solution than constant patching. Pallets taken out of use should not be left standing around: sell them and turn them into money.

Circular economy and the environment

A pallet is a circular economy product by nature. A wooden pallet is made from renewable material, it can be reused for years, it can be repaired and finally it can be recycled. Buying a used pallet instead of a new one is both an economical and an environmentally friendly choice, because it extends the pallet’s life cycle.

From a company’s point of view, the most sensible cycle is simple: buy the right pallets, keep them in good condition, reuse them and sell the surplus back instead of letting it end up as waste. This keeps your pallet flow under control and reduces the cost per pallet. The article pallet recycling explains recycling in practice. We buy both pallets and pallet collars, and within our service area we collect them from your premises. Read more on the we buy your pallets page.

Tips by industry

The same pallet does not suit everyone. Here are a few guidelines for the most common sectors:

• Industry and manufacturing. FIN pallets for domestic circulation, EUR pallets for export. For continuous needs, it is worth agreeing on recurring deliveries.
• Retail and e-commerce. EUR pallets for shipments and one-way pallets for light one-way shipments. Display pallets or half display pallets for displays.
• Construction and building sites. Used pallets are enough for most purposes, and they are often needed quickly and in varying quantities. A short delivery time is an advantage here.
• Exporters. Heat-treated, IPPC-stamped pallets for shipments outside the EU. Pallet collars and lids turn a pallet into protective export packaging.
• Food and hygiene. Where hygiene is a priority, consider an easy-to-clean plastic pallet instead of wood.

Common mistakes when buying pallets

These pitfalls come up again and again, and they are easy to avoid in advance:

• Choosing on price alone. The cheapest pallet turns out expensive if it does not stand up to use or suits the product poorly. Think about the application first.
• The wrong size. If the product does not fit the pallet dimensions, space is wasted and handling slows down. Check the dimensions before ordering.
• New pallets where used ones would do. For transport within your own circulation, a used pallet is often the most sensible and cheapest choice.
• Forgetting export requirements. Without an ISPM 15 pallet, an export shipment can be stopped at the border. Make sure the pallets are heat-treated in good time.
• Batches that are too small. A few pallets at a time cost more per pallet than a full load. Combine deliveries when you can.
• Leaving surplus pallets standing. Old pallets take up space for no reason. Intact ones are worth selling back.

Pallet buying checklist

Go through these points before ordering and you will get the right pallets first time.

• Application. What will the pallet be used for: storage, transport, export or display?
• Type and size. EUR, FIN, half, one-way or custom size? Does the product fit the pallet dimensions?
• New or used. Will the customer see the pallet, or is a pallet for your own circulation enough?
• Load capacity. How heavy will the load be and how will it be placed?
• Export. Are the goods going outside the EU? Then you need an ISPM 15 pallet.
• Quantity and delivery. One-off batch or continuous need? Delivery or collection?
• Surplus. Do you have old pallets that you could sell at the same time?

How to buy from Suomen Lavacenter

1. Get in touch. Call us or fill in the quote request form. Tell us the pallet type, quantity and delivery address. If you are not sure about the type, tell us what the pallets are for.
2. You get a price and a date. We usually confirm the price and delivery date straight away. The quote is free and non-binding.
3. Delivery or collection. We deliver the pallets with our own vehicles, or you collect them yourself from our warehouse in Hyvinkää.
4. For continuous needs. If you use pallets regularly, we agree on recurring deliveries, so you do not have to order separately every time.

Frequently asked questions