How Much Is a Pallet of Wood? Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy
Published: October 27, 2025
When you walk into a lumberyard, a home‑improvement store, or browse an online marketplace, you’ll often see a pallet of wood advertised as a convenient, ready‑to‑use bundle. Whether you’re a DIY‑enthusiast planning a deck, a contractor estimating material costs, or a craftsman needing a steady supply of timber for small projects, understanding the true cost of a pallet of wood is essential for budgeting and planning.
In this post we’ll break down everything that influences the price of a pallet of wood, compare common species and grades, explore regional and seasonal variations, and give you practical tips for getting the best value. We’ll also provide handy tables you can reference at a glance and a FAQ section that answers the most common questions.
1. What Exactly Is a “Pallet of Wood”?
A pallet of wood isn’t a fixed measurement like a board foot; it’s a bundle of lumber stacked on a standard wooden pallet (48″ × 40″) and secured with shrink wrap or banding. The contents can vary widely:
| Typical Pallet Size | Approx. Board Feet* | Common Product Types |
|---|---|---|
| 4 ft × 8 ft (full‑size) | 400 – 560 | Dimensional lumber (2×4, 2×6, 2×8), decking boards, fence rails |
| 2 ft × 4 ft (half‑size) | 120 – 180 | Trim, molding, specialty lumber |
| Custom/Compressed | 200 – 300 | Plywood sheets, OSB, pallet‑grade lumber |
*Board feet = (thickness in inches × width in inches × length in feet) ÷ 12.
Because a pallet can contain many different dimensions and grades, the price per board foot may differ significantly from the advertised “price per pallet.” Understanding the composition of the pallet you’re buying is the first step to accurate cost estimation.
2. Core Factors That Drive Pallet Pricing
| Factor | How It Affects Price | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Wood Species | Hardwoods (oak, maple) are typically 2‑3 × the price of softwoods (pine, fir). | A pallet of Southern Yellow Pine may cost $300, while a pallet of White Oak could be $850. |
| Grade/Quality | Higher grades (Select, #1) have fewer knots, warping, and defects → higher price. Lower grades (Construction, Pallet) are cheaper. | Construction‑grade 2×6s run $2.50/ft, Select‑grade 2×6s $4.00/ft. |
| Dimensions & Length | Longer boards (12‑ft) command higher per‑board‑foot rates than standard 8‑ft lengths because of increased waste and handling. | 8‑ft 2×4 at $2.80/ft versus 12‑ft 2×4 at $3.10/ft. |
| Moisture Content / Drying | Kiln‑dry lumber (≤ 19 % MC) is more expensive than “green” or air‑dry lumber due to processing costs. | Kiln‑dry pine $3.20/ft vs. air‑dry $2.60/ft. |
| Treatment & Preservatives | Pressure‑treated or chemically‑treated wood for outdoor use adds $0.30‑$0.70 per board foot. | Treated 2×6 for a deck $4.10/ft vs. untreated $3.40/ft. |
| Geographic Region | Transport distance, local supply, and state taxes cause regional price swings (± 25 %). | Pacific Northwest: $2.80/ft pine; Southeast: $2.20/ft pine. |
| Seasonality | Demand spikes in spring/summer (deck building) → higher prices; winter often sees discounts. | 15 % discount on pallets in January in many U.S. markets. |
| Quantity & Bulk Deals | Buying multiple pallets can unlock volume discounts (5‑10 % off). | 5 pallets of decking boards = 8 % discount on total price. |
| Delivery & Handling | Freight charges vary by distance, weight, and service level (lift‑gate, curb‑side). | $150–$250 for local delivery; $300+ for long‑haul. |
3. Typical Price Ranges (U.S. Market – 2025)
Below is a snapshot of average prices you’ll encounter when you walk into a big‑box retailer, a local lumberyard, or an online supplier. Prices are expressed per pallet and per board foot for easy comparison. All figures are based on a full‑size pallet (≈ 480 bf) unless noted otherwise.
| Wood Type & Grade | Average Price per Pallet* | Avg. $/Board‑Foot | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Yellow Pine – Construction | $260 – $340 | $0.55 – $0.71 | Framing, joists |
| Southern Yellow Pine – Select | $380 – $460 | $0.79 – $0.96 | Premium framing, trim |
| Spruce‑Pine‑Fir (SPF) – Construction | $235 – $315 | $0.49 – $0.66 | Residential framing |
| Douglas Fir – #1 (Premium) | $450 – $550 | $0.94 – $1.15 | High‑end structural members |
| Western Red Cedar – Decking | $620 – $720 | $1.30 – $1.50 | Exterior decks, railing |
| White Oak – #1 | $820 – $960 | $1.71 – $2.00 | Flooring, furniture |
| Hard Maple – Select | $750 – $880 | $1.56 – $1.83 | Cabinets, countertops |
| Pressure‑Treated Pine – 12‑ft 2×6 | $410 – $480 | $0.85 – $1.00 | Deck joists, fences |
| Pallet‑Grade Lumber (mixed) | $150 – $210 | $0.31 – $0.44 | Shipping crates, temporary structures |
| Plywood (4×8, ¾‑in, CDX) | $180 – $240 per pallet (≈ 45 sf) | $4.00 – $5.30 per sheet | Subfloors, sheathing |
| OSB (4×8, ½‑in) | $150 – $190 per pallet (≈ 45 sf) | $3.30 – $4.20 per sheet | Wall sheathing, roofing |
*Pallet sizes and board‑foot counts vary; the ranges above assume typical dimensions (2×4, 2×6, 2×8) and lengths (8‑12 ft).
Key Takeaway: Softwoods for framing usually fall between $250‑$350 per pallet, while premium hardwoods can exceed $800 for the same pallet size.
4. Real‑World Pricing Scenarios
Scenario 1 – Building a 200 sq ft Deck
| Item | Qty | Board Feet (≈) | Cost per Board Foot | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure‑treated 2×6 (12‑ft) | 15 pallets | 7,200 bf | $0.92 | $6,624 |
| Deck Screws (2 lb) | 1 case | — | $120 | $120 |
| Delivery (local 20 mi) | 1 | — | $180 | $180 |
| Subtotal | — | — | — | $6,924 |
| Tax (6 %) | — | — | — | $415 |
| Grand Total | — | — | — | $7,339 |
Why the cost jump? The deck uses pressure‑treated lumber, which adds roughly $0.30–$0.40 per board foot compared to untreated pine. Delivery for a full pallet load (≈ 3,600 lb) also contributes a notable charge.
Scenario 2 – Renovating a Kitchen with Maple Cabinets
| Item | Qty | Board Feet (≈) | Cost per Board Foot | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hard Maple – Select (1×6, 8‑ft) | 3 pallets | 1,440 bf | $1.70 | $2,448 |
| Finish (oil‑based) | 2 gallons | — | $45 | $90 |
| Delivery (regional) | 1 | — | $250 | $250 |
| Subtotal | — | — | — | $2,788 |
| Tax (8 %) | — | — | — | $223 |
| Grand Total | — | — | — | $3,011 |
Key Insight: Premium hardwoods have a much higher per‑board‑foot price, but the overall pallet count remains low because cabinets require fewer linear feet.
5. How to Get the Best Value
- Inspect the Pallet Before Buying
- Look for even stacking, uniform moisture, and absence of mold.
- Check for knot density and splits; a lower‑grade pallet may be cheaper but could lead to waste later.
- Ask About the Exact Mix
- Reputable suppliers should give you a cut‑list or dimension breakdown (e.g., “40 pcs of 2×4 × 8 ft, 20 pcs of 2×6 × 10 ft”).
- Knowing the mix helps you compare $ per board foot across suppliers.
- Leverage Bulk Discounts
- Even if you need only one pallet, ask if the seller can combine it with another customer’s order for a shared‑delivery discount.
- Consider “Pallet‑Grade” for Non‑Structural Use
- For temporary braces, staging, or crates, pallet‑grade lumber is dramatically cheaper (≈ $0.35/ft).
- Shop Seasonal
- Late fall and winter are the best times to snag discounted pallets as construction activity slows.
- Factor in Delivery Early
- A $200 delivery fee can tilt the cost balance between two suppliers. If you have a truck, you might save more by picking it up yourself.
- Check for Local Sawmill Overruns
- Small sawmills often have over‑runs (excess cuts) they sell at a discount. These can be high‑quality and lower cost than big‑box retailers.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is a “board foot” and why does it matter? | A board foot is a volume measurement: 1 ft × 1 ft × 1 in. It standardizes pricing across different dimensions, allowing apples‑to‑apples comparison. |
| How many board feet are in a typical pallet? | Most full‑size pallets hold 400‑560 bf, depending on the mix of thicknesses and lengths. |
| Is “pallet‑grade” lumber the same as “construction‑grade”? | No. Pallet‑grade is the lowest grade, often with many knots, splits, and uneven dimensions. Construction‑grade meets stricter standards for strength and appearance. |
| Do I need to worry about moisture content? | Yes. Kiln‑dry lumber (≤ 19 % MC) is stable and less prone to warping. Green or air‑dry lumber can shrink after installation, potentially causing gaps or alignment issues. |
| Can I get a discount for buying multiple pallets? | Most suppliers offer 5‑10 % off when you purchase 3 + pallets, especially if you arrange delivery for the entire load. |
| What’s the difference between “Select,” “#1,” and “#2” grades? | Select is the highest grade (few knots, straight grain). #1 is good for most structural uses (some small knots). #2 allows larger knots and minor defects, suitable for non‑visible applications. |
| How does the region affect price? | Proximity to forests and mills drives lower prices (e.g., Pacific Northwest for Douglas fir). Coastal states often have higher transport costs for interior‑grown species. |
| Is pressure‑treated wood safe for indoor use? | It’s safe, but the chemicals can emit a strong odor and may not be aesthetically pleasing. For indoor projects, use untreated or low‑VOC treated lumber. |
| What should I look for in a delivery quote? | Verify whether the fee includes lift‑gate service, unloading, and pallet removal; some carriers charge extra for each. |
| Can I recycle a pallet of wood after my project? | Absolutely. Most lumber yards will accept used pallets for recycling or upcycling (e.g., garden beds). Just ensure they’re free of nails and hazardous treatments. |
7. Quick Reference Cheat Sheet
| Wood Type | Typical Pallet Cost* | $/Board‑Foot | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Yellow Pine – Construction | $260‑$340 | $0.55‑$0.71 | Framing, joists |
| SPF (Spruce‑Pine‑Fir) – Construction | $235‑$315 | $0.49‑$0.66 | Residential framing |
| Douglas Fir – #1 | $450‑$550 | $0.94‑$1.15 | High‑load beams |
| Western Red Cedar – Decking | $620‑$720 | $1.30‑$1.50 | Exterior decks |
| White Oak – #1 | $820‑$960 | $1.71‑$2.00 | Flooring, furniture |
| Hard Maple – Select | $750‑$880 | $1.56‑$1.83 | Cabinets, countertops |
| Pressure‑Treated Pine (12‑ft 2×6) | $410‑$480 | $0.85‑$1.00 | Deck joists, fences |
| Pallet‑Grade (mixed) | $150‑$210 | $0.31‑$0.44 | Temporary structures, crates |
*All figures assume a standard full‑size pallet (~ 480 bf). Prices are averages for the United States in 2025 and may vary by region and season.
8. Bottom Line: How Much Should You Expect to Pay?
- For basic framing lumber (Southern Yellow Pine, SPF) expect $250‑$350 per pallet (≈ $0.60/board‑foot).
- For outdoor decking or premium applications (Cedar, Oak, Maple) budget **$600‑$1