Pallet Repair
Pallet repair and refurbishment through partner suppliers in our network. Repairing a pallet is often much cheaper than buying new and keeps it in service longer.
Request Pallet Repair Service
Tell us about the pallets you need repaired: quantity, type of damage, and size. We will pass your request to a partner supplier, who will follow up with an estimate.
Why Repair Pallets?
A damaged pallet is not necessarily a disposable pallet. In many cases, repairing a pallet costs noticeably less than buying a new one and puts it back into useful service.
SD Re Pallet does not repair pallets itself. We connect you with partner suppliers in our San Diego County network who do. Repairers commonly work on standard GMA 48x40 pallets as well as other sizes, stringer and block designs, and hardwood or softwood construction. Whether your pallets have a single cracked board or need extensive work, describe the damage in your request and we will pass it on.
Common Types of Pallet Repair
Board Replacement
The most common repair. Cracked, split, or missing deck boards are removed and replaced with lumber matched to the original board dimensions. This covers top deck boards, bottom boards, and lead boards (the boards at the pallet entry points that take the most forklift abuse).
Typical repair: 1-4 boards per pallet. Usually the lowest per-pallet repair cost.
Redecking
When most or all of the deck boards are damaged but the stringers and structure are sound, redecking is an option. The damaged deck is stripped and a complete set of new boards is installed on the existing frame. Redecking produces a pallet with a like-new deck surface at a fraction of the cost of a fully new pallet.
Ideal when stringers are solid but deck boards have taken heavy wear.
Stringer Repair
Damaged stringers compromise pallet structural integrity and load-bearing capacity. Cracked or broken stringers are commonly repaired with companion boards, which are cut-to-fit reinforcing pieces nailed alongside the damaged stringer. Severely damaged stringers are replaced.
Critical for safety. A pallet with a broken stringer should not be used until repaired.
Restacking
Pallets that have become warped, twisted, or dimensionally inconsistent can sometimes be restacked: the pallet is taken apart, frame components are squared up or replaced, and it is reassembled with proper alignment and nailing. This is especially common for pallets that have been stored outdoors and exposed to weather.
Restores dimensional accuracy for racking and automated systems.
Re-nailing and Fastener Repair
Over time, nails work loose from repeated impact, loading, and vibration. Loose nails create safety hazards and reduce pallet integrity. A good repair pulls and replaces loose or protruding nails, adds fasteners where needed, and makes sure every connection is tight. Ring-shank or screw-shank pallet nails resist pull-out much better than smooth-shank nails.
Cost Savings vs. Buying New
Lower Cost Than New
Simple repairs like replacing a board or two usually cost a fraction of a new pallet of the same size. For businesses that go through a lot of pallets, repairing instead of replacing can add up to real savings over a year.
Extended Lifespan
A wood pallet that is repaired when damaged can stay in service for many more trips than one that is thrown away at the first broken board. Repair gets more use out of pallets you have already paid for.
Environmental Benefit
Every repaired pallet is one less pallet manufactured from new lumber. Repair reduces demand for virgin wood, lowers the energy and carbon footprint of your pallet supply, and keeps usable wood in service instead of sending it to a landfill. Read our sustainability mission.
What a Good Repair Looks Like
A failed pallet in your supply chain can damage products and cause injuries, so repair quality matters. When you receive repaired pallets, these are reasonable things to check:
- Replacement boards matched to original dimensions within 1/8 inch
- All fasteners properly seated and flush with board surface
- Stringer repairs tested for load-bearing integrity
- Dimensional accuracy verified: square, flat, and within tolerance
- Final visual inspection for missed damage, protruding nails, or loose components
- Grade assignment reflecting post-repair condition
See our process for how requests are handled, and our Pallet Standards page for more on grades and pallet specifications.
How Requesting Repair Works
Request
Send the quantity and general condition of pallets needing repair, with photos if available. We pass it to a partner supplier who repairs pallets.
Pickup or Drop-Off
The supplier picks up the pallets, or you drop them off if they accept drop-offs. Ongoing repair can be set up with regular pickups.
Repair
The supplier inspects each pallet, decides what repairs are needed, and does the work. Turnaround depends on volume and the supplier.
Return Delivery
Repaired pallets are delivered back to your site by the supplier. See delivery options.
How Repair Is Priced
Repair pricing depends on the type and extent of damage, from a single board replacement to a full restack. Pricing is by quote from partner suppliers and depends on grade, size, quantity and timing. Larger batches often cost less per pallet, and custom or non-standard sizes may differ. Request a quote for an estimate on your pallets.
Before and After: What Repair Should Fix
| Specification | Before Repair (Typical) | After a Good Repair (Typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Load capacity | Compromised (unsafe for standard loads) | Suitable for standard loads for its grade |
| Dimensional accuracy | May be warped, twisted, or out of square | Within +/- 1/4 inch of nominal dimensions |
| Deck surface | Broken, missing, or split boards | All boards intact, no gaps exceeding 1/2 inch |
| Stringer integrity | Cracked, broken, or split stringers | Repaired or replaced to carry normal loads |
| Fasteners | Loose, protruding, or missing nails | Nails flush-set, ideally ring-shank for pull-out resistance |
| Rackability | Not suitable for racking systems | May be rackable for higher-grade repairs; confirm with supplier |
On-Site vs. Off-Site Repair
Partner suppliers offer one or both of these approaches. Say which you prefer in your request.
Off-Site Repair (at the Supplier)
- Suits most batch sizes
- The supplier picks up damaged pallets and returns repaired ones
- Repairs done in the supplier’s own shop
- Easier board matching from the supplier’s lumber stock
- Turnaround set by the supplier
- Often a lower per-unit cost
The usual choice for most businesses.
On-Site Repair (at Your Facility)
- Suits high-volume operations
- The supplier’s workers repair pallets at your site on a schedule
- Cuts out transport and double-handling
- Pallets can go back into service quickly
- Suits distribution centers with continuous pallet flow
- Arranged directly with the supplier
Needs adequate workspace at your site.
Ask About Warranty
Warranty terms on repairs, if any, are set by the partner supplier who does the work. Ask about them when you receive your quote.
Where a warranty is offered, it typically covers the specific repair performed, such as replacement boards, stringer reinforcements, and fastener work. It usually does not cover new damage from forklift impact, overloading, or unusual conditions.
Get any warranty terms in writing before the work starts.
Common Damage Types and Fixes
Forklift tine puncture (deck board)
Fix: Board replacement with matched lumber
Very common
Split lead board from impact
Fix: Lead board replacement with reinforced nailing
Common
Cracked center stringer
Fix: Companion board reinforcement
Common
Missing bottom boards
Fix: Board replacement, re-nailing
Moderate
Warped or twisted frame
Fix: Restacking with squared reassembly
Less common
Loose nails / nail pop-outs
Fix: Re-nailing with ring-shank fasteners
Ongoing
Stop Throwing Away Repairable Pallets
Many damaged pallets can be put back into service for less than the cost of replacement. Fill out the form above and a partner supplier in our network will follow up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of pallet repairs are available?
Partner suppliers commonly replace deck boards and stringers, add companion boards to cracked stringers, re-nail loose boards, and rebuild pallets to a usable grade.
Can damaged pallets be picked up for repair?
Pickup and return delivery are available through partner suppliers. Some also accept drop-offs. Mention your preference in your request.
How long does repair take?
It depends on the supplier, the volume, and the type of damage. Include your timeline and a partner supplier will follow up about scheduling.
Are repaired pallets graded?
Repaired pallets are usually graded after repair so you know which uses they suit. Ask the supplier how they grade.
Is there a minimum quantity?
Minimums are set by each supplier. Repair is usually most cost-effective in batches, but describe your situation and we will pass it on.
Is repair cheaper than buying new?
Usually, yes. Simple repairs such as replacing a board or two typically cost much less than a new pallet, though heavy rebuilds narrow the gap.
Can mixed sizes and custom pallets be repaired?
Often, yes. Common board and stringer sizes are easy to match; custom dimensions may need special lumber. Include sizes in your request.
Is there a warranty on repairs?
Any warranty is offered by the partner supplier who does the work. Ask about it when you receive your quote.
Can repaired pallets be heat-treated?
Yes, if needed. Partner suppliers can supply ISPM-15 heat-treated and stamped pallets on request. Note that repairing a treated pallet with untreated wood voids its ISPM-15 status.
Can good and bad pallets be sorted at our site?
Some suppliers can pre-sort at your dock to separate repairable pallets from scrap. Ask in your request.