Pallet Components

Bearers
Timbers to which the deck boards of a 2-way pallet fixed thus providing spaces between top and bottom deck for entry forks.

Blocks
Timbers which connect the top deck assembly to the base of a 4-way pallet thus providing spaces for entry.

Chamfer
A 45 degree bevel two-thirds the thickness of the board, usually on both uppermost edges of base boards to facilitate entry of hand pallet trucks. Bevel usually stops at points of intersection with blocks or bearers (stopped chamfer) or can run through full length of board (through chamfer).

Deck
The load bearing surface of a pallet or stillage.

Fillets
Filler pieces fixed to the lower edges of the bearers of a 2-way pallet to create a perimeter base. Spreads load in block stacking operations.

Perimeter Base
Base boards arranged to provide a level surface along the four underneath sides of a pallet with an additional board across the centre. Suitable for pallet trucks.

Reversible
Having identical top and bottom decks - usually not suitable for hand or powered pallet trucks.

Stillage
A load platform with no base boards.

Stringers
The load bearing boards of a 4-way entry pallet to which the deck boards are fixed.

Wings
Where deck boards protrude beyond stringers or bearers.
Single wing - top deck only protrouding.
Double wing - top and bottom decks protrouding.
Often used in conjunction with shrink wrapping.

2-Way
Entry on two opposite sides.

4-Way
Entry on all sides.