SacramentoPallet Co.

Repair, Don't Replace

Pallet Repair & Refurbishment

Extend the life of your pallets with expert repair. Faster and cheaper than buying new.

Save Up to 70% vs. Buying New

Most damaged pallets can be repaired for a fraction of the cost of a new one. Our skilled technicians replace broken boards, reset protruding nails, reinforce weak points, and restore structural integrity.

The result? A fully functional pallet that meets industry standards at 30-70% less than a new pallet. It's better for your bottom line and better for the planet.

Every repaired pallet is one less pallet that needs to be manufactured from virgin timber. With approximately 2 billion pallets in circulation in the US, repair is one of the most impactful sustainability choices a business can make.

We repair all standard and non-standard pallet sizes. Our facility handles stringer pallets, block pallets, skids, and specialty platforms. Whether you need 10 pallets fixed or 10,000, we deliver consistent quality on predictable timelines.

Our repair services include:

Top and bottom deck board replacement
Stringer and block repair or replacement
Lead board and end board replacement
Nail and fastener resetting (protruding nails)
Structural reinforcement with companion stringers
Notch and chamfer repair for 4-way entry
Complete refurbishment to target grade (A, B, or C)
Quality inspection and grading certification
Heat treatment (ISPM 15) after repair if needed
Bulk repair programs for high-volume clients

When to Repair vs. Replace

Repair When:

  • - 1-3 boards are broken or missing
  • - Nails are protruding but structure is sound
  • - Minor damage to stringers or blocks
  • - Cosmetic wear but no structural issues
  • - Repair cost is less than 60% of replacement
  • - Pallet is a standard size with available parts

Replace When:

  • - Multiple stringers or blocks are cracked through
  • - More than 50% of boards need replacement
  • - Mold, rot, or insect damage has compromised integrity
  • - Cost of repair exceeds 60% of a new pallet
  • - Pallet has been repaired multiple times already
  • - Load rating can't be maintained after repair

Repair Economics

Average repair cost$2 - $5 per pallet
New pallet cost$11 - $20 per pallet
Typical savings50-70% vs. new
Turnaround time1-3 business days
Minimum quantityNo minimum
Quality guaranteeMeets NWPCA standards

Our Repair Process

A systematic, quality-controlled process that ensures every repaired pallet meets industry standards.

01

Collection

We pick up damaged pallets from your facility using our own fleet. Free pickup for qualifying volumes. Pallets are transported securely to our repair facility.

02

Assessment

Each pallet is individually inspected and assessed. We determine whether repair is economical (< 60% of replacement cost) or if the pallet should be recycled instead.

03

Dismantling

Damaged components are carefully removed. Reusable boards and stringers are preserved. Nails and fasteners are extracted cleanly to prevent damage to good components.

04

Replacement

Broken boards, cracked stringers, and damaged blocks are replaced with matching-grade components. We maintain large inventories of repair stock in all common sizes and species.

05

Assembly & Fastening

Repaired pallets are reassembled using pneumatic nail guns with the correct nail pattern, length, and type. All fasteners are properly set with no protrusions.

06

Inspection & Grading

Every repaired pallet undergoes a final quality inspection. It's graded (A, B, or C), stacked, and prepared for delivery back to your facility.

Common Damage Types We Repair

Our technicians handle every type of pallet damage — from minor cosmetic issues to major structural repairs.

Broken Deck Boards

Cracked or split top or bottom boards from forklift impact or overloading

Missing Boards

Boards lost during handling, shipping, or storage — replaced with matching lumber

Cracked Stringers

Partial or full stringer cracks from side impacts or overweight loads

Protruding Nails

Nails pushed up from impacts — reset or replaced to eliminate safety hazards

Damaged Notches

Broken notches that prevent proper forklift entry — rebuilt or reinforced

Block Damage

Cracked or split blocks on block-style pallets — replaced with matching blocks

Warped Boards

Boards bent from moisture exposure — replaced to restore flat, stable surface

Lead Board Damage

Front-facing boards damaged from frequent forklift engagement — high-priority repair

Managed Repair Program

High-volume operations benefit most from our managed repair program. Instead of disposing of damaged pallets and buying new ones, we create a sustainable repair loop that dramatically reduces your total pallet spend.

Here's how it works: we pick up damaged pallets from your facility on a regular schedule, repair them at our facility, and return them ready to use. You get consistent quality, predictable costs, and zero hassle.

Scheduled weekly or bi-weekly pickup and return
Dedicated account manager and priority processing
Fixed per-pallet repair pricing (no surprises)
Monthly reporting: repaired vs. recycled vs. replaced
Inventory management and stock level monitoring
On-site pallet sorting bins provided
Emergency rush repair available (24-hour turnaround)
Sustainability reporting for ESG compliance

Program Cost Savings Example

Here's a real-world example of how our managed repair program saves money for a distribution center processing 2,000 pallets per month:

Monthly pallet volume2,000 pallets
Damage rate~15% (300 pallets/month)
Cost to replace all damaged (new)$4,500/month
Cost to repair with our program$1,200/month
Monthly savings$3,300/month
Annual savings$39,600/year
Pallets saved from landfill3,600/year

What We Fix & How

Repair Scenarios in Detail

Here are four of the most common repair situations our technicians handle every day, along with exactly how we approach each one.

Broken Stringer

Replace & Reinforce

The Problem

A cracked or broken stringer is one of the most common types of pallet damage. It typically occurs from forklift impacts, overloading, or stress from repeated use. A compromised stringer weakens the entire pallet structure and creates a safety hazard.

Our Repair

Our technicians remove the damaged stringer section and replace it with a matching-grade component. For partial breaks, we install a companion stringer — a reinforcing piece bolted alongside the damaged area — which restores full load capacity. All fasteners are pneumatically driven and set flush.

The Result

The repaired pallet meets or exceeds original load-bearing specifications. Companion stringer repairs actually create a stronger joint than the original construction in many cases.

Split Deck Board

Swap with Kiln-Dried Lumber

The Problem

Deck boards split from forklift tine impacts, heavy point loads, or exposure to moisture cycles that cause wood to expand and contract. Split boards can snag products, injure workers, and compromise load stability.

Our Repair

The split board is removed cleanly, preserving adjacent boards and fastener holes. A replacement board of the same species, thickness, and width — sourced from our kiln-dried lumber inventory — is cut to length and fastened using the correct nail pattern. We use kiln-dried lumber specifically because it has lower moisture content, which reduces future warping and splitting.

The Result

The new board integrates seamlessly with the existing deck. Kiln-dried replacement lumber is actually more dimensionally stable than the original air-dried boards found on most pallets, reducing the chance of repeat failure.

Missing Blocks

Custom Block Replacement

The Problem

Block pallets rely on nine blocks (corners, edges, and center) to distribute load evenly. When blocks crack, split, or are knocked off entirely, the pallet loses structural integrity and cannot safely support loads on racking systems.

Our Repair

We manufacture replacement blocks in-house from hardwood or softwood to match the original specifications. Each replacement block is cut to the exact dimensions of the originals, ensuring proper fit and alignment with the deck boards and bottom boards. Blocks are secured with ring-shank nails for maximum holding power.

The Result

The repaired pallet returns to full racking compatibility and load capacity. Our custom-manufactured blocks ensure dimensional consistency across the entire pallet, eliminating wobble and instability.

Warped Frame

Straighten & Stabilize

The Problem

Pallets exposed to uneven moisture conditions — one side wet, one side dry — or stored improperly under heavy loads can develop warping and twisting. A warped pallet won&apos;t sit flat, creates instability in stacked loads, and can jam automated conveyor systems.

Our Repair

Our technicians assess the severity of the warp. For moderate cases, controlled pressure is applied to bring the frame back into alignment, and reinforcing components are added to hold the corrected shape. For severe warping, affected boards and stringers are replaced entirely with straight, kiln-dried components.

The Result

The pallet is restored to flat, stable condition. All repaired pallets are checked on a flat surface to confirm they sit level before being cleared for use. This is particularly important for pallets destined for automated warehouse systems.

Peace of Mind

90-Day Structural Warranty

Every pallet we repair comes with a 90-day structural warranty. If any repaired component fails under normal use within the warranty period, we'll re-repair the pallet at no cost. No arguments, no fine print — just bring it back and we'll make it right.

Our warranty covers all structural repairs including board replacements, stringer and block repairs, reinforcement work, and fastener resetting. It applies to standard load conditions as specified for the pallet's grade and construction type.

We stand behind our work because we use quality materials, proven repair techniques, and thorough quality inspection at every stage. Our warranty claim rate is under 2% — and when claims do occur, they're handled immediately with priority processing.

Warranty Details

Warranty period90 days from delivery
CoverageAll structural repairs
Re-repair costFree (no charge)
Turnaround for warranty claimsPriority — 24 hours
Historical claim rateUnder 2%
How to file a claimCall, email, or notify your account rep

What's Not Covered

The warranty does not cover damage from misuse (exceeding rated load capacity), intentional damage, chemical exposure, fire, flood, or modifications made by others after our repair. Normal cosmetic wear from standard use is not considered a defect. When in doubt, contact us and we'll assess the situation — we always try to do right by our customers.

Extend Pallet Life

Preventive Maintenance Tips

Proper handling and storage can dramatically extend the useful life of your pallets. Follow these guidelines to reduce damage and get the most value from every pallet.

Proper Stacking

Stack pallets on flat, level surfaces to prevent warping
Limit stack height to 15-20 pallets when empty to avoid crushing bottom units
Align pallets squarely — offset stacking causes uneven stress and board damage
Avoid stacking wet pallets on dry ones to prevent moisture transfer and mold
Store stacks away from edges and drop-offs to prevent toppling

Weight Distribution

Distribute load weight evenly across all deck boards — avoid concentrating weight in one area
Never exceed the pallet&apos;s rated load capacity (typically 2,500 lbs for standard GMA pallets)
For heavy loads, use block pallets which have higher load ratings than stringer pallets
Center loads on the pallet — overhanging products create leverage that stresses boards
Use corner protectors and stretch wrap to keep loads stable during transit

Forklift Handling

Insert forks fully before lifting — partial insertion causes lead board damage
Approach pallets straight-on, not at an angle, to prevent stringer cracking
Lift smoothly — jerky or rapid lifting jolts the pallet and can split boards
Don&apos;t push pallets with fork tips along the ground — this destroys bottom boards
Train all forklift operators on proper pallet engagement techniques

Storage Conditions

Store pallets in covered or indoor areas whenever possible to prevent moisture damage
If outdoor storage is necessary, use tarps or covers to protect from rain and direct sun
Ensure good air circulation around stored pallets to prevent mold and mildew growth
Keep pallets off bare dirt or grass — use a concrete or gravel pad as a base
Rotate pallet inventory (first-in, first-out) to prevent prolonged exposure damage

Repair FAQ

How long does pallet repair take?

Standard repair turnaround is 1-3 business days from receipt at our facility. Rush repair (24-hour turnaround) is available for an additional fee. Managed program clients receive priority processing.

Do you pick up damaged pallets for repair?

Yes. We offer free pickup for repair volumes of 50+ pallets within our primary service area. For smaller quantities, pallets can be dropped off at our facility or combined with a scheduled delivery.

What grade will my repaired pallets be?

We repair pallets to your specified target grade (A, B, or C). Each repaired pallet is inspected and graded before return. If a pallet can't be cost-effectively repaired to the target grade, we'll notify you and recommend alternatives.

Is there a minimum quantity for repair?

No minimum. We repair as few as 1 pallet. However, repair pricing improves with volume — orders of 100+ typically receive the best per-pallet rates. Our managed program offers the best pricing for ongoing high-volume needs.

Can you repair non-standard or custom pallets?

Yes. We repair all pallet types including non-standard sizes, block pallets, and custom platforms. For specialty pallets, send us a photo or sample and we'll confirm we can match the components.

What do you do with pallets that can't be repaired?

Pallets that are beyond economical repair enter our recycling stream. The wood is salvaged for other repairs, chipped into mulch, or processed into biomass fuel. Metal fasteners are recycled. Nothing goes to landfill.

Prevent Damage Before It Happens

Preventive Maintenance Checklist

Following these practices can reduce your pallet damage rates by 30-50%, saving significant repair and replacement costs.

Train Forklift Operators

Most pallet damage occurs during handling, not under load. Train operators to center forks before lifting, avoid dragging pallets, and approach loads at the correct angle. Even basic training reduces damage rates by 20%.

Match Pallets to Loads

Using an undersized or low-grade pallet for a heavy or critical load is the fastest way to cause damage. Match pallet grade and size to the actual load requirements. Use Grade C for light, one-way shipments. Use Grade A or custom builds for heavy, multi-trip loads.

Control Stack Height

Limit loaded pallet stacks to the pallet’s rated capacity. Overloading the bottom pallet in a stack causes compression failure in stringers and deck boards. When in doubt, use racking rather than floor stacking.

Inspect on Receipt

Check incoming pallets before they enter your product flow. A cracked stringer or loose board is much cheaper to catch at the dock than to discover after a product is loaded, shipped, and arrives damaged.

Store Properly

Empty pallets stored outdoors in rain and sun degrade 3-5x faster than covered pallets. If outdoor storage is unavoidable, rotate stock frequently and keep pallets off bare dirt to prevent moisture wicking.

Repair Early

A $2 repair today prevents a $10 failure tomorrow. When you spot a loose board, cracked stringer, or protruding nail, pull that pallet from service and repair or replace immediately. Small damage propagates under load.