What exactly are green lumber pallets?

Green lumber is lumber that has not been heat treated or kiln dried. A green lumber pallet is a pallet built with unseasoned lumber.

The biggest indicator of green lumber is moisture content.

Typically green lumber pallet components have a moisture content above 30%. With enough time and optimum weather patterns, air drying can lower moisture content. With time and special kilns to dry it out, kiln dried lumber has a moisture content below 19%. Lower moisture content reduces the opportunity for mold growth on pallets.

So, is there a benefit to using a green lumber pallet? Yes...

• First, there is the cost savings. Green lumber is the cheapest raw material available.
• Second, green lumber has the potential to produce a more robust strength rating than dry lumber.
  Under the weight of a load, the boards on a green lumber pallet can flex. As long as the unit load will not be damaged by deflection, this flex can help lock the unit load together tighter than dry lumber.

The disadvantage of green lumber pallets is the high moisture content.

Really, anything related to water – mold, mildew, rust and staining can occur where lumber interacts with the product placed on the pallet. Green lumber pallets cannot be used in certain food applications where the product could be compromised with moisture. If your product is affected by moisture, you should avoid green lumber pallets.

Industries that generally use green lumber pallets are:

• Shingles
• Cinderblocks
• Plastic film 
• Beverage 
• Bagged limestone

Is there any application or project where you would consider a green lumber pallet? We would love to hear your thoughts. Share with us by commenting below.

Post by: Jonathan Haynes, Nelson Sale Representative