Most wooden pallets are made from softwood like pine or fir, and many also use oak or other hardwoods depending on strength and cost needs. Pine is especially common because it’s affordable and easy to source, while oak is used when extra durability is needed.

[1][5]

Quick Scoop

Pallet wood can vary a lot by region and purpose. Common species include:

  • Softwoods: pine, fir, spruce, hemlock, cedar.
    • [2][5][1]
  • Hardwoods: oak, maple, birch, ash, poplar, beech, elm.
    • [3][5][1][2]

In practice, the most common choices are often southern yellow pine and oak.

[5][9]

Why These Woods

Manufacturers usually pick wood based on cost, availability, and load strength. Pine is popular for general shipping pallets, while oak is favored for heavier-duty use because it’s denser and stronger.

[9][1][3][5]

Bottom Line

If you’re asking what pallets are “usually” made of, the short answer is: mostly pine or other softwoods, sometimes oak and other hardwoods.

[1][5]