The Difference Between a Pallet and a Skid

Unless you work in a warehouse or on a construction site, you probably do not know the difference between a pallet and a skid. Because of the lack of knowledge regarding these storage solutions, people use the terms interchangeably: pallets are often referred to as skids or vice versa. So, what’s the difference between a pallet and a skid? Basically, a pallet has both a top and bottom deck. A skid has only one.

Even though these shipping tools are similarly built, their differences govern their function. The majority of pallets and skids are made out of either wood or plastic.

Below is a detailed description of the differences between pallets and skids.

What is a Pallet?

A pallet is a flat platform with both a top and bottom deck, designed to support goods during storage or transportation. The bottom deck adds stability and makes it easier to transport heavy loads using a forklift or pallet jack.

Pallets consist of three to four stringers. This allows for the support of multiple boards (bottom deck boards and top deck boards) and the materials being placed on top of the pallets. They’re typically used for items that are in transit, often taking them to places with fluctuating climate conditions.

When deciding on shipping and storage solutions, changing environments must be taken into account in order to select what pallet material to use. Knowing the temperature and humidity of the locations where you will use the pallets, along with the type of load, will help you determine the best solution for your particular needs.

Types of Pallets

Pallets come in a variety of styles and materials. From wood to metal to nestable pallets, each type offers unique benefits for storage and transport.

Wood Pallets

inclined to damage from the elements and overuse
cheaper to make

Plastic Pallets

Safer to use (no sharp edges or rusty nails)
Resistant to fire, flames and bug infestation
Easy to clean
More expensive
Last longer
Available in multiple colors

Metal Pallets

Built for strength and ideal for storing or moving heavy equipment and machinery
Extremely durable and resistant to corrosion, fire, impact, and weather
Often used in industries that handle shipping freight internationally
Higher cost but longer lifespan than wood or plastic pallets
Great for high-heat, high-moisture, or chemical environments with strict regulations

Two-way Pallets

Designed for forklift or pallet jack access from only two opposite sides
Lifted using the openings along the deck boards
Common in traditional warehouse setups with predictable storage layouts
Typically, they’re more limited in flexibility compared to four-way pallets

Four-way Pallets

Can be lifted from all four sides using a forklift or pallet jack

Built with strong, rigid stringers for added durability
Provide excellent maneuverability in tight or high-volume warehouse spaces
Highly durable and ideal for environments with high moisture or exposure to water

What is a Skid?

Skids were invented and considered the ‘original pallet’, being used before pallets were a thing in World War II. A skid is a single-deck loading platform which has no bottom deck. It is a mobile platform that rests on pedestals attached to the deck. Since skids have the ability to be mobile, they are often used as a permanent foundation for heavy machinery. Skids are also available in wood or plastic.

Skids became less popular after the introduction of pallets, because pallets are nestable and more versatile.

Pallet vs Skid: Side-by-Side Comparison

Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison of pallets vs. skids to help you understand the key differences in structure, function, stability, and typical use cases.

Feature	Pallet	Skid
Structure	Pallets have both top and bottom deck boards, supported by stringers and multiple boards. This double-deck structure adds stability and supports stacking.	Skids are flat platforms with no lower deck. They sit on runners beneath the surface, offering a simple, open-bottom design often used for static loads.
Stability	The bottom deck helps distribute weight evenly, offering strong support and preventing tipping. This makes pallets ideal for stacking and transport.	Skids are less stable due to the missing bottom deck. They’re not ideal for stacking but work well for fixed-position storage.
Materials	Most pallets are made from wood or plastic. Metal pallets are also available for heavy-duty industrial use or extreme conditions.	Skids are typically made of wood or plastic. They’re durable enough for static loads but less versatile in harsh conditions.
Common Uses	Used for storing, stacking, moving goods with forklifts, and supporting automated equipment. Common in warehouses, freight shipping, distribution centers, and large-scale supply chains.	Often used as a base for heavy tools, equipment or machinery. Also useful for long-term storage that doesn’t require frequent movement.
Weight Capacity	Most wood pallets support 2,000–3,000 lbs. Plastic and metal pallets can handle loads of up to 5,000 lbs or more, depending on their design and intended use.	Standard wood skids usually support 1,500–2,500 lbs. Heavy-duty skids made for equipment bases can hold more, but they’re not ideal for stacking.
Mobility	Pallets are highly mobile. They can be lifted from two or four sides using forklifts or pallet jacks, making them ideal for fast-paced operations.	Skids are less versatile. They can be dragged or lifted from specific angles, but limited access points reduce maneuverability in tight warehouse spaces.
Cost	New wood pallets (48×40″): $11–25 each. Heavy-duty wood pallets: $30–60+. New plastic pallets: $50–100. New metal pallets: $100–150+. Used pallets typically sell for $5–20, depending on condition and material.	New industrial skids for heavy equipment: $1,000–1,500+. Used skids generally cost $300–800, depending on material and load configuration.

Pallet vs Skid: Which is Better?

The slight difference between a pallet and a skid can make it difficult to decide which one to use. There are countless amounts of shipping regulations and you must consider how you will be moving materials around. Due to the two layers, pallets are best for stacking and using forklifts/pallet jacks to move materials throughout the building. They work with automated warehouses and are easy to fit into racks.

However, skids are best for storing materials that may need to be moved at a later time. Based on the type of supplies being shipped, and your particular requirements, it is best to decide what works for you.

If you are dealing with a bulky shipment or products without four walls, pallets offer greater support thanks to their bottom deck boards. But when space is tight or mobility isn’t a daily need, a skid takes up less space and keeps things simple. Some teams find a flexible middle ground by using skids for storage and pallets for transport. In certain warehouse layouts, a skid is easier to reposition or customize, especially when supporting equipment that stays put long-term.

FAQs:

Is a skid the same as a pallet?

No, a pallet skid and a pallet are not the same. A pallet has both a top and bottom deck, which adds stability for stacking. A skid only has a top deck and sits on runners. Skids are often used for stationary storage, while pallets are better for lifting, stacking, and transport.

What are deck boards, and why do they matter on a pallet?

Deck boards are the flat planks that form the surface of a pallet. They support the load and connect to stringers for the structure. Bottom deck boards add strength and allow the pallet to be lifted more easily from all sides. Without them, like in a skid, overall stability and stacking ability are reduced.

When should you use a skid?

Use a skid when storing heavy equipment that doesn’t need to be moved often. Skids work well as static bases in industrial settings or tight spaces where stackability isn't required. They take up less space, are typically more affordable, and can serve as a simple solution for long-term or low-movement storage needs.

When should you use a pallet?

Use a pallet when you need to move goods often or stack them securely. Pallets work well in warehouses, freight shipping, and supply chains that require forklifts, pallet jacks, or rack systems. Their bottom deck makes them stable and easy to lift, even for bulky items or automated warehouse processes.

Are nestable pallets better for storage and transport?

Yes, nestable pallets are a smart choice for saving space during storage and return shipping. They stack inside one another when empty, taking up less room. Nestable designs are often made of plastic and are ideal for lightweight or reusable shipping needs, especially when reducing freight costs and warehouse clutter matters.