New 36 x 36 pallets

The 36 x 36 is the smallest of the common square footprints and is listed for beverage. A small pallet of a dense product, such as cases of bottled drinks or kegs, keeps the weight down to what a delivery driver’s jack and a store’s floor can take. It is also a common base for display pallets and for loads that go into elevators or through narrow doors.

With only 36 inches to span, the deck boards are short and stiff, so the frame carries a lot for its size. Five to seven deck boards are typical. If the pallet is picked from in a store, keep the lead boards sound: they take the knocks from jacks and carts.

A small footprint can still carry a heavy load, and the weight sits on fewer square inches of deck. Give us the weight and what it sits in, kegs, cases or crates, so the boards are placed under it.

A starting point for the spec at this size. Your load sets the final numbers.

Small squares also carry promotional displays, the shipper-display units wheeled onto a sales floor already filled. Those need a flat top for the display to sit square, edges that look neat in a store, and corners that survive carts. If yours is a display base, send the display’s footprint and how it is fixed to the pallet, and say whether the pallet shows on the shop floor.

Stringers

Three, 36 in long

Top deck

Five to seven boards, 36 in long

Lead boards

Sound, for jacks and carts

Entry

Ends, or notched

Uses

Kegs, cases, displays, narrow doors

Is a 36 x 36 strong enough for kegs?

It can be. Kegs are heavy and sit on their rims, so the boards go where the rims land. Give the keg size and how many per pallet.

Why choose a small square?

To keep a dense load to a weight people and equipment can move, or to fit a door, a lift or a display space.

Does a small pallet cost less?

It uses less lumber than a 48 x 40, so usually yes, all else being equal.

Can it go in a freight elevator or through a standard doorway?

Usually that is the reason buyers pick it. Measure the opening and allow for the wrap and the jack, then send both sizes.

Hardwood or pine?

For light cases pine is fine; for kegs and heavy product, hardwood or thicker pine boards. The weight decides.

Who uses the 36 x 36?

Trade size lists link it with beverage. It also suits any load small enough that a 48 x 40 would leave a wide margin around it, which lets cartons shift in transit. Kegs, batteries and boxed fasteners are typical.

How much does one weigh empty?

That depends on the lumber and the number of boards, and we write it on the sheet once the build is set rather than guess here. Pine builds are lighter than hardwood; if a person will lift or drag it, say so and we keep it light.