What is the difference between Pallets and skids?

If you are in the manufacturing or packaging industry odds are you have heard the terms “pallet” and “skids”. These are actually two different things although the terms are often used interchangeably. Typically, people are referring to the standard wooden pallet.

There is a difference between a pallet and a skid. A pallet consists of a bottom deck or face, while a skid only has a top deck without a bottom deck. However, there are some inconsistencies in the way in which it is used

A pallet and a skid are both types of platforms used to support and move goods in a warehouse or other storage facility. However, there are some differences between the two.

One of the main differences between a pallet and a skid is their design. A pallet typically has a deck made up of several parallel boards or slats, with a space between each board to allow for forklift access. In contrast, a skid is a single solid platform, with no spaces between the boards. This means that a skid is less versatile than a pallet, as it cannot be easily lifted by a forklift.

Another difference between a pallet and a skid is the way that they are constructed. A pallet is typically made from wood, plastic, or metal, and it is assembled using nails, screws, or other fasteners. In contrast, a skid is often made from a single piece of wood that has been cut and shaped to form the platform. Because of this, a skid is typically less sturdy and durable than a pallet.

Overall, while both pallets and skids serve a similar purpose, their design and construction are quite different. Pallets are more versatile and durable, but skids are simpler and often less expensive. The choice between the two will depend on the specific needs and requirements of a particular application.

Standard Wooden Pallets

Pallets are more stable than skids because they have both a top and bottom deck. Typically, wooden pallets have three or four stringers that support several deck boards on top of which goods are placed. It is common to use pallets for items that are in transit, depending on the climate conditions in which they will be transported. It is very important to take into consideration temperature, humidity, and stress when choosing a pallet that you want to last for many years. There is a risk of damage to wooden pallets caused by the elements and overuse.

Generally, a pallet is a small, low, portable platform on which goods can be stacked or moved, such as in a warehouse or vehicle, for storing or transporting them. Ceramic articles are often dried on a flat board or a metal plate which is used to support them during the drying process.

Standard Wooden Skids

Skids are single-deck loading platforms without a bottom deck that are used to load goods. This is a low-profile mobile platform that simply rests on pedestals attached to the deck and can be moved anywhere on the deck as needed. Before the creation of the double-faced pallet in the 1930s, skids were widely used as loading and unloading platforms.

Since they have the advantage of being mobile, skids are often used as permanent foundations for heavy machinery due to their ability to provide a stable base. It was common practice to transport large amounts of supplies using skids during World War II. Due to the lack of a bottom deck, they were able to pull themselves through the sand quite easily.

It is important to take note that skids consist of a single-loading platform that rests on pedestals that connect the platform to the deck. There is less friction with the skid when it does not have the bottom deck, and therefore it is much easier to drag it.