Pallet bottom deck: what types are there?

18 april 2025

The bottom deck of a pallet plays an essential role in the stability and durability of the pallet. It ensures even distribution of the weight of the load and contributes to the strength of the pallet during transport and storage. But what types of pallet bottom decks are there and which type is most suitable for your logistics process? In this article, we explain the differences between the various bottom decks so that you can make an informed choice.

What is a pallet bottom deck?

A pallet bottom deck is the bottom part of a pallet that is in direct contact with the ground. The bottom deck supports the top deck boards and ensures that the load is evenly distributed. This is important for stability when stacking and transporting goods. Different types of bottom decks can be applied depending on the type of pallet and its use.

Types of pallet bottom decks

There are different types of bottom decks available for pallets, each with its own properties and applications. The most common bottom decks are:

Closed bottom deck

A closed bottom deck consists of a fully closed plate at the bottom of the pallet. This type provides extra strength and is often used for heavy loads or situations where maximum stability is required. A closed bottom deck also makes it easier to stack the pallet and ensures even weight distribution.

Open bottom deck

An open bottom deck, also known as a "3-runner bottom deck," consists of three separate beams at the bottom of the pallet. This type is lighter and cheaper than a closed bottom deck but offers less support and stability. Open bottom decks are suitable for lighter loads when the pallet does not need to be stacked. This type of bottom deck is the most common and can be seen in, among others, Euro pallets.

Perimeter bottom deck

A perimeter bottom deck has a beam structure around the edges of the pallet. This provides more stability than an open bottom deck but is not as strong as a closed bottom deck. Perimeter bottom decks are a good middle ground for applications where both stability and cost savings are important.

Double deck

A pallet with a double-deck bottom deck has deck boards on both the top and bottom that are attached across the full width of the pallet. This design provides extra load capacity, making the pallet ideal for transporting and storing heavy objects. Pallets with a double-deck bottom deck are usually beam pallets and, to a lesser extent, block pallets. These pallets are often used for carrying bagged goods, such as big bags for the cement industry. The double-deck pallet also proves its value in other logistics processes where high load capacity is required.

Cross-deck

A cross-deck bottom deck is similar to the perimeter bottom deck, as both types have deck boards attached in width and length at the bottom of the pallet. In a perimeter bottom deck, the deck boards fit seamlessly together, while in a cross-deck bottom deck, they do not. Here, the deck boards lie crosswise over each other. In a short-running pallet, the long board is at the bottom of the bottom deck, while in a long-running pallet, the short board is at the bottom. Note: if the width and length of the pallet are equal, there is no distinction between short- or long-running.

Nestable

Pallets with a nestable bottom deck are designed to be easily stacked onto each other. This type of bottom deck is found in plastic pallets and wood fibre pallets. Depending on the dimensions, these pallets stand on 4, 6, or 9 legs. The top deck has the same number of holes with corresponding slots, into which the bottom deck of another pallet can be slid. This creates a nesting stacking effect, which provides significant space savings. This makes nestable pallets ideal for situations where limited storage space is available.

Mixed bottom decks

A mixed bottom deck is not a specific type of bottom deck but a collective name for batches of pallets offered by Foresco. These batches can consist of pallets with different types of bottom decks and are sold as a mixed batch. However, this does not mean that every mixed batch consists of pallets with varying bottom decks. It can also involve pallets with different but similar dimensions. The exact composition of a mixed batch is always clearly stated in the product description on our webshop, so you know exactly what to expect.

What to consider when choosing a pallet bottom deck?

Choosing the right pallet bottom deck depends on several factors. Consider the weight of the load, how the pallet is stored and transported, and whether the pallets need to be stacked. For heavy loads and stacked pallets, a closed bottom deck is often the best option. For lighter loads or when cost savings are paramount, an open or perimeter bottom deck can be a good choice.

Conclusion

The pallet bottom deck is an important part of the pallet structure and directly affects the stability and load capacity of the pallet. Depending on your specific needs, you can choose between different types of bottom decks. Do you want to know more about which type of pallet bottom deck is best suited for your logistics process? Then contact Foresco. We are happy to advise you on the best solution for your situation.