Open Deck vs Closed Deck Pallets: Choosing the right pallet

If you’ve read our most recent Plastic Pallet Buyer’s Guide, you’ll be aware of just how many different pallet types we offer to our customers. The depth of this range ensures we can provide the very best solutions for any customer application – helping them to successfully solve any challenges and meet any requirements. To guarantee our clients receive the most suitable products, our team of experts spend significant time with them – either face-to-face or over the phone – asking the right type of questions to understand their specific needs, operational goals, and logistical challenges. This includes determining whether they need medium or heavy duty pallets, what material they are made from, and whether they feature an open deck or a closed deck (to name but a few!)

Open deck pallets and closed deck pallets each offer distinct benefits for different applications. This article will explore the advantages of each pallet type, providing guidance on their best use cases, and helping you to make an informed decision for your business needs. However, if you’d prefer to talk this through with one of our team, feel free to contact us.

What are open deck pallets?

Open deck pallets include openings on the top deck, or have an open grid structure, allowing for better ventilation. They are favoured in industries where airflow around products is essential, or where easy drainage is a key factor (for example, when the pallets are used or washed outdoors). In fact, this open design is by far the most popular choice for supply chain professionals.

Benefits of open deck pallets:

Improved ventilation: The open design allows air to circulate, which is especially beneficial for products that require ventilation, such as when storing fresh, chilled or frozen produce. This makes open deck pallets an important tool for logistics professionals and warehouse managers working in the food manufacturing and food retail sectors.

Easy drainage: Open deck pallets enable easy draining when wet, which is ideal for applications involving liquids or outdoor storage. These products also have an advantage where intense sprinkler systems form part of a warehouse installation.

Cost-effectiveness: Open deck pallets often have a faster production cycle time and may be manufactured using a simpler mould, which can reduce costs. This can make them a more budget-friendly option, especially for businesses that require large quantities. However, we must stress, the application should always dictate the choice of pallet – not the price.

What are closed deck pallets?

Closed deck pallets feature a solid top surface. This design is beneficial for industries that need greater protection for their goods. A closed deck pallet will not create imprints in products or product packaging. The best closed deck pallets are made from plastic, enhancing their strength and hygienic nature.

Why choose a closed deck pallet?

Enhanced protection: The closed surface prevents potential dirt, dust, and debris from the ground from reaching the products, making closed deck pallets a popular choice in sectors with strict hygiene requirements, such as pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and food processing. For example, our industry-leading hygienic pallet range all feature closed decks, as they are easier to clean.

Cleaning pallets: Open deck vs closed deck

Open deck pallets allow water and cleaning products to pass through easily, reaching all surfaces. In contrast, closed deck pallets have a smooth, easy-to-clean surface. However, since water cannot flow through them, you’ll need to turn the pallet over to clean the underside as well if washing manually. Meanwhile, hygienic pallets are entirely sealed with smooth surfaces and have no pockets or areas where dirt or dust can accumulate. For more information on pallet cleaning, read our ultimate guide to cleaning plastic pallets.

Choosing the right pallet: Open deck vs closed deck

When choosing between open deck and closed deck pallets, it’s essential to consider the specific needs of your business and industry. As a rough rule of thumb, those industries requiring high protection and cleanliness will almost always opt for closed deck pallets (specifically hygienic) – however, you may find some food manufacturers or pharmaceutical companies also using open deck pallets across certain parts of their supply chain – typically post-production, during transit to stores and stockists. For example, once the food production process has been completed, and the foodstuff has been packaged, an open deck pallet may be used during transportation to supermarkets. Within industries where easy handling, weight, and subsequent transport costs is a key driver, such as retail, open deck pallets are the popular choice. This is also the case where airflow is important, such as when storing fresh, chilled or frozen produce.

Conclusion

In summary, both open deck and closed deck pallets offer unique advantages, and the right choice depends on the specific requirements of your business. The more common open deck pallets provide excellent ventilation and easy drainage, making them ideal across all industries, especially those prioritising airflow.

Closed deck pallets, on the other hand, offer increased product protection and cleanliness, making them essential for sectors with stringent hygiene requirements.

By carefully considering your operational needs, you can choose a pallet type – or even a combination of both open and closed deck pallets – that enhances efficiency, maintains product safety, and helps manage costs. Our expert team is here to guide you in selecting the best pallet. Contact us at 01323 744057 or email sales@goplasticpallets.com.