What Type of Wood Is Used In Crates

 When building a new wooden crate for transportation or storage many factors must come to mind. Our team here at Las Vegas Crating & Logistics has been building the largest, biggest, best, and most affordable crates anywhere. Since we service so many trade shows, conventions, auction houses, art galleries, and more, our crates have to be the best.

With so many options between size, shape, length of storage or transportation, and then all the options such as hinges, doors, shock resistant, ISPM-15 treated, and another 100, let us go over what you should be looking for.

First to address is the wood. What type of wood is actually used when constructing a custom wood crate.

For wood crating used in storage and transportation, several types of wood are commonly utilized, each chosen for specific properties that meet the demands of the shipping industry:

Pine: This is one of the most popular choices due to its affordability, availability, and reasonable strength. Pine crates are lightweight compared to other hardwoods, making them easier to handle and transport.

Plywood: Often used for more robust crating, plywood provides good strength and can be engineered to meet various load-bearing requirements. It's also relatively lightweight and can be treated to resist moisture and pests.

Spruce: Similar to pine, spruce is lightweight, strong, and relatively cheap. It's often used where weight is a significant factor, especially in air freight.

Oak: When durability and strength are paramount, oak is sometimes used despite its higher cost. It's particularly good for heavy or high-value items that require robust protection.

Pallets and Dimensional Lumber: For basic crating, pallets made from various woods (often hardwood or softwood like pine) are used, which might not be specifically chosen for their wood type but for their standard dimensions and availability.

Treated Woods: For international shipping, especially, woods like pine or spruce might be treated or kiln-dried to meet ISPM 15 standards, which are international regulations for wood packaging material in international trade to prevent the spread of pests.

The choice of wood often depends on:

Purpose: What is being shipped? Fragile, heavy, or valuable items might require stronger or more protective woods.

Environment: Items going to humid or wet environments might need moisture-resistant wood or treatment.

Cost: Budget constraints can dictate the use of cheaper, readily available woods like pine or spruce.

Regulations: International shipments might require specific treatments or certifications for the wood used.

When selecting wood for crating, it's crucial to balance cost, strength, environmental impact, and the specific needs of what's being transported or stored. Always check for any regulations or standards applicable to your shipping destination regarding wood treatment to avoid issues at customs or during transport.

Our custom brand wood crates do the job. They are durable, lightweight, and cost effective. We hope you give our company a chance and call for a free quote when considering your next major move.