Cleveland Pallet
Extend Pallet Life

Pallet Repair & Refurbishment

Don't throw away damaged pallets — let us fix them. Our professional repair services save you 50-70% compared to buying new and keep materials out of the waste stream.

Request Repair Service

Describe the damage and we'll provide a repair quote.

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Average Cost Savings vs. New
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Pallets Repaired Annually
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Standard Turnaround
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Waste Diversion from Repairs
Services

Repair Services

Our repair facility is equipped to handle every type of pallet damage, from a single cracked board to a complete structural overhaul. Every repair is performed by experienced technicians using quality-matched materials and verified through our quality control process.

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Board Replacement

Broken, cracked, or missing deck boards and bottom boards are replaced with matching lumber that meets or exceeds the original specifications. We use boards of the same thickness, width, and wood species to maintain the pallet's load rating and dimensional accuracy. Board replacement is the most common repair and restores full structural integrity and load-bearing capacity to damaged pallets.

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Stringer Repair

Damaged stringers are repaired using industry-standard notching, plugging, or full replacement techniques depending on the severity and location of the damage. Stringer integrity is critical for safe forklift and pallet jack handling, so we follow strict quality standards for every stringer repair. All repaired stringers are load-tested to verify they meet rated capacity requirements before the pallet is returned to service.

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Block Rebuilding

Cracked, split, or crushed blocks on block-style pallets are replaced with dimensionally matched blocks that maintain proper four-way entry and structural support. Block pallets are commonly used in automated warehouse systems and racking, where precise dimensions are critical. Our block rebuilding process ensures repaired pallets remain compatible with automated handling equipment and ASRS systems.

Full Refurbishment

Complete pallet overhaul that addresses every component: boards, stringers or blocks, fasteners, and overall structural integrity. Full refurbishment includes replacing all damaged components, re-nailing loose connections, removing protruding nails, and optional pressure washing or sanding for aesthetic improvement. Refurbished pallets are re-graded and perform like new at a fraction of the replacement cost.

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Nail & Fastener Work

Protruding nails are driven flush or removed and replaced, loose boards are re-secured with new fasteners, and damaged staples and nails are extracted. Protruding nails are one of the leading causes of product damage and workplace injuries in warehouses. Our fastener work eliminates these hazards and ensures every board is firmly attached for safe handling and reliable performance.

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Custom Modifications

Modify existing pallets to new specifications without building from scratch. Common modifications include adding or removing deck boards, changing entry configurations, adding bottom runners, adjusting dimensions, and installing special features like corner protectors or anti-slip surfaces. Custom modifications let you repurpose existing inventory for new applications at minimal cost.

Step by Step

Our Repair Process

From initial assessment through quality-checked return delivery, every step of our repair process is designed to maximize value, minimize turnaround time, and ensure consistent quality.

Step 01

Contact & Assessment

Reach out to us with details about your damaged pallets including the type of damage, pallet sizes, and approximate quantity. For large lots, we can arrange an on-site assessment where our team inspects your pallets and provides a detailed repair plan. We evaluate each pallet to determine whether repair, recycling, or replacement is the most cost-effective option for your situation.

Step 02

Pickup or Drop-Off

We pick up your damaged pallets from your facility using our own fleet at no additional charge for qualifying volumes within our service area. Alternatively, you can deliver pallets to our repair facility to save on transportation costs and take advantage of a small per-pallet discount. For recurring repair clients, we set up scheduled pickups that align with your production cycle.

Step 03

Inspection & Sorting

Every incoming pallet goes through a detailed inspection where our team catalogs the specific damage on each unit. Pallets are sorted into repair categories: minor repair (1-2 boards), moderate repair (multiple components), full refurbishment, and scrap. This sorting ensures each pallet receives exactly the level of work it needs — no more, no less — keeping your costs optimized.

Step 04

Repair & Quality Control

Our skilled repair technicians work on each pallet according to its repair plan, replacing damaged components with quality-matched materials. Every repaired pallet undergoes a final quality control inspection that checks structural integrity, dimensional accuracy, fastener condition, and overall appearance. Pallets that do not pass QC are re-worked until they meet the grade standard you specified.

Step 05

Grading & Certification

Repaired pallets are graded using the same criteria as our sales inventory: Grade A (premium), Grade B (standard), or Grade C (economy). You receive a repair report that documents the work performed on each batch, the resulting grade, and the per-pallet repair cost. This documentation helps you track repair economics and compare costs against new pallet purchasing.

Step 06

Return Delivery

Repaired pallets are delivered back to your facility on our trucks, counted and verified at your dock. Turnaround time for standard repair jobs is typically 3-5 business days from pickup. Rush repair service is available for an additional fee with 1-2 day turnaround. Recurring repair clients often receive repaired pallets on the same truck that picks up the next batch of damaged ones.

Save Money

Repair vs. Replace

Repairing a damaged pallet costs on average 50-70% less than buying a new one and keeps valuable materials out of the waste stream. Here is how repair compares across key metrics.

Average Cost Savings (repair vs. new pallet)65%
Material Waste Reduction (components reused)90%
Carbon Emissions Saved (vs. manufacturing new)75%
Pallet Lifespan Extension (additional use cycles)80%
Customer Satisfaction Rate (with repaired pallets)97%

A typical 48x40 GMA pallet can be repaired and returned to service 5-8 times before reaching end of life. Each repair cycle extends the pallet's productive lifespan by 1-3 years, making repair the most economical and environmentally responsible way to manage your pallet inventory.

Pricing

Repair Service Tiers

Our repair pricing is based on the extent of damage. Every quote is transparent with no hidden fees. Volume discounts are available for recurring repair programs.

Basic Repair

Minor Damage Only

$2 - $4

per pallet

1-2 board replacements
Nail & fastener corrections
Minor stringer repairs
Standard turnaround (5 days)
Visual inspection included
Ideal for light warehouse wear
Most Common

Standard Repair

Moderate Damage

$4 - $7

per pallet

Multiple board replacements
Stringer notch or plug repair
Block replacement (block pallets)
Full fastener re-work
Load capacity verification
Priority turnaround (3 days)

Full Refurbishment

Complete Overhaul

$7 - $12

per pallet

All components addressed
Complete re-nailing
Optional wash & clean
Re-grading to Grade A or B
Rush turnaround available
Like-new performance

* Prices shown are for standard 48x40 GMA pallet repairs. Non-standard sizes and specialty pallets may have different pricing. Contact us for a quote specific to your repair needs.

Damage Guide

Common Pallet Damage Types

Understanding common pallet damage helps you assess your repair needs and take preventive steps that extend pallet life. Here are the most frequent types of damage we see and how we fix them.

Broken Top Deck Boards

Common Cause

Heavy point loads, forklift impact, or dropping loaded pallets from height. Top deck boards bear the primary load and are the most frequently damaged component.

Repairability

High — individual boards are easily replaced with matching lumber.

Prevention Tip

Distribute heavy loads evenly and avoid dropping pallets.

Split Stringers

Common Cause

Forklift tine impacts from off-center entry, excessive loads, or repeated stress from pallet jack use. Stringers provide the primary structural framework of the pallet.

Repairability

High — notch, plug, or full replacement restores structural integrity.

Prevention Tip

Train forklift operators on proper tine alignment.

Crushed Blocks

Common Cause

Overloading beyond rated capacity, uneven stacking, or racking system misalignment. Block pallets can fail when load is concentrated on individual blocks.

Repairability

High — damaged blocks are replaced with matching dimensions.

Prevention Tip

Never exceed rated load capacity and ensure level stacking.

Protruding Nails

Common Cause

Repeated impact and vibration during shipping loosens nails over time. Climate changes can cause wood to expand and contract, pushing nails outward.

Repairability

Easy — nails are driven flush or replaced with ring-shank fasteners.

Prevention Tip

Inspect pallets before each use cycle.

Missing Bottom Boards

Common Cause

Bottom boards catch on conveyor systems, dock edges, and pallet rack beams. They are thinner than deck boards and more vulnerable to being stripped off during handling.

Repairability

High — replacement bottom boards are standard inventory items.

Prevention Tip

Ensure smooth conveyor transitions and dock plate alignment.

Water Damage & Rot

Common Cause

Prolonged outdoor exposure without ground clearance, standing water contact, or storage in high-humidity environments. Untreated softwood is especially vulnerable.

Repairability

Moderate — affected sections are cut out and replaced if core structure is sound.

Prevention Tip

Store pallets off the ground and under cover when possible.

Benefits

What You Get with Our Repair Service

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Significant Cost Savings

Save 50-70% compared to buying new pallets. Our repair costs are transparent, per-pallet pricing with no hidden fees. Volume discounts for recurring programs bring costs even lower.

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Quality-Matched Materials

Every replacement board, stringer, and block is matched to the original pallet specifications for size, thickness, and wood species. Repaired pallets maintain their rated load capacity.

Fast Turnaround

Standard repair turnaround is 3-5 business days. Rush service available in 1-2 days. Recurring clients enjoy seamless rotation where repaired pallets return on the same truck that picks up damaged ones.

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Quality Guarantee

Every repaired pallet is graded and guaranteed. If a repaired pallet fails during normal use within 30 days, we re-repair or replace it at no charge. We stand behind every repair job.

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Free Pickup for Qualifying Loads

No transportation costs for loads of 50 or more pallets within our service area. We bring our own trucks and forklifts. Your team stays focused on your operations while we handle the logistics.

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Environmental Responsibility

Repairing extends pallet life by years, reducing demand for new lumber and keeping materials in productive use. Removed components are recycled, maintaining our 98% waste diversion rate.

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Detailed Repair Reports

Receive documentation of every repair including damage assessment, work performed, materials used, resulting grade, and per-pallet cost. Data supports budgeting and pallet lifecycle management decisions.

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Custom Repair Specifications

Repair to meet specific customer requirements, retailer compliance standards, ISPM-15 heat treatment needs, or custom dimensional tolerances. We adapt our process to your exact specifications.

Industries

Repair Solutions by Industry

Different industries put different demands on pallets, resulting in different types and frequencies of damage. Here is how our repair service is tailored to the unique needs of each sector.

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Manufacturing

Heavy raw material loads cause board breakage and stringer damage at high rates. Our recurring repair programs keep a steady supply of production-ready pallets flowing to your line without the cost of constant new purchases.

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Food & Beverage

Moisture exposure and temperature extremes accelerate pallet wear in cold storage and food processing. We repair food-grade pallets to strict hygiene standards and can provide heat-treated certified repairs for export compliance.

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Retail & Distribution

High-throughput distribution centers cycle pallets rapidly, creating consistent repair demand. Our enterprise repair programs include on-site assessment and seamless pickup and return delivery to minimize operational disruption.

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Automotive & Parts

Heavy-duty pallets carrying engine blocks, transmissions, and stamped parts need heavy-duty repairs. We reinforce repaired pallets to handle the extreme loads common in automotive supply chains.

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Pharmaceutical

Clean, defect-free pallets are essential for pharmaceutical compliance. Our repair service includes thorough inspection to ensure repaired pallets meet the strict quality standards required for pharmaceutical distribution.

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E-Commerce & Fulfillment

High-volume fulfillment operations damage pallets at predictable rates. Our data-driven repair programs track your damage patterns and optimize repair schedules to ensure you always have enough working pallets on hand.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

On average, pallet repair costs 50-70% less than purchasing a new pallet of equivalent specifications. A basic repair (1-2 boards) typically runs $2-4 per pallet, while a full refurbishment costs $7-12. Compare this to $12-25 for a new GMA pallet and the savings are substantial, especially at volume. We provide detailed cost comparisons with every repair quote.
We repair virtually every type of pallet damage including broken deck boards, split or cracked stringers, crushed blocks, protruding nails, loose fasteners, missing bottom boards, and water-damaged sections. If more than 60% of the pallet's components need replacement, we typically recommend recycling and purchasing a replacement instead, as the economics favor it at that point.
Standard repair turnaround is 3-5 business days from the time pallets arrive at our facility. Rush service with 1-2 day turnaround is available for an additional fee. For recurring repair clients, we often maintain a continuous flow where repaired pallets are returned on the same truck that picks up the next damaged batch, creating a seamless rotation.
Yes, we pick up damaged pallets from your facility using our own fleet. Pickup is free within our service area for loads of 50 or more pallets. You can also deliver pallets to our facility for a small per-pallet discount. For recurring repair programs, pickups are scheduled automatically as part of your service agreement.
Every repaired pallet is graded using the same standards as our sales inventory and is guaranteed to meet the grade specification we assign. If a repaired pallet fails during normal use within 30 days of return, we will re-repair or replace it at no charge. We stand behind the quality of every repair job we complete.
For large volumes (500+ pallets per month), we can arrange on-site repair service where our team sets up at your facility and performs repairs on location. On-site service eliminates transportation costs and turnaround delays, making it the most efficient option for high-volume repair programs. Contact us to discuss feasibility for your facility.
As a general rule, if fewer than 60% of a pallet's components need replacement, repair is more cost-effective. If more than 60% needs work, replacement is usually the better option. During our inspection process, we assess each pallet and recommend the most economical path. Pallets we recommend for replacement are recycled rather than landfilled.
We primarily repair wood pallets. Plastic pallet repair is limited because most plastic pallet damage involves cracking or warping that compromises the structural integrity of the entire unit. However, we do accept damaged plastic pallets for recycling and can source replacement plastic pallets from our inventory.
Yes, we repair pallets to meet specific customer specifications including retailer compliance requirements, ISPM-15 heat treatment standards, and custom dimensional tolerances. If your downstream customers have specific pallet standards, share those requirements with us and we will ensure all repaired pallets meet or exceed them.
Nothing goes to waste. Removed boards and components that are still usable become repair stock for other pallets. Components that are too damaged for reuse are recycled into mulch, animal bedding, and biomass fuel through our recycling program. Metal fasteners are collected and sent to metal recyclers. Our repair operation maintains the same 98% waste diversion rate as our recycling program.

Ready to Save on Pallet Costs?

Stop replacing pallets when repair is half the cost. Request a repair quote today and start saving on your pallet budget while keeping materials out of the waste stream.