Cost-Effective Solutions for Heavy-Duty Applications

What is Industrial Lumber?

Industrial lumber is a cost-effective wood product primarily used for packaging, pallets, crating, dunnage, and industrial applications. Unlike construction-grade lumber, which is used in homebuilding and furniture-making, industrial lumber consists of lower-grade softwood and hardwood that may contain knots, cracks, or bark but remains structurally strong for industrial uses.

Though it is often made from mill byproducts or off-grade materials, industrial lumber plays a crucial role in manufacturing, logistics, and material handling, providing affordable, durable, and functional solutions for businesses that need high-strength, economical wood products.

custom cut lumber

Softwood Industrial Lumber

Softwood industrial lumber includes economy, non-grade, #4, and #3 grade materials, each offering cost-effective strength and versatility. These grades are widely used in:

  • Pallet manufacturing – deck boards, runners, and bottom boards.
  • Crate and box framing – structural components for heavy-duty wooden packaging.
  • Blocking and dunnage – support and protection for shipping and warehouse storage.

Softwood Industrial Lumber Grades

  • #4 & #3 Grade – Material that didn’t meet #2 construction standards and typically contains knots and cracks but remains strong and useful for wood packaging and blocking applications.
  • Economy & Non-Grade – Material that didn’t meet #2 construction (or sometimes #3/4) standards and isn’t graded further – depending on the mill, often used for pallets.

Common Softwood Lumber Products

1×4, 1×6, 1×8, 1×10, 1×12 S4S and S3S Boards

  • Used for crate and box framing, deck boards, and bottom boards on pallets.
  • Light-duty solid lumber boxes use 1x boards for reduced weight and cost savings.
  • S4S (surfaced four sides) means fully planed to size.
  • S3S (surfaced three sides) is resawn from 2x material with one rough side.
  • Usually Kiln Dried and Heat Treated (KDHT) at the sawmill

2×4, 2×6, 2×8, 2×10, 2×12 SPF and SYP

  • Framing for crates, boxes, and heavy-duty pallet decks.
  • Ideal for heavy-duty pallet applications where thinner materials are inadequate.
  • Solid lumber boxes use wider 2x boards for strength and ease of assembly.
  • Usually Kiln Dried and Heat Treated (KDHT) at the sawmill

4×4, 4×6, 6×6, 6×8, 8×8 SPF, DF, SYP Timbers

Hardwood Lumber Wisconsin
  • Used in heavy-duty skids and runners under large pallets or boxes.
  • Common in dunnage applications under heavy machinery and industrial equipment.
  • Can be angle-cut for wedges to secure pipes, culverts, wire rolls, and tubes.

Hardwood Industrial Lumber

Hardwood industrial lumber is typically low-grade material that doesn’t meet standards for furniture, cabinets, or flooring but remains highly durable for shipping and heavy-use applications.

Hardwood pallet lumber consists of grades lower than Select (SEL) and is categorized as:

  • #1 Common (1C) – Good structural integrity, limited clear sections.
  • #2A Common (2C) – Most common for pallet decking and skids.
  • #2B Common (3AC) – More knots and character marks, ideal for crates and dunnage.
  • #3A Common (3BC) – Roughest, used for pallet runners, blocking, and bracing.

Common Industrial Hardwood Lumber Uses:

  • Pallet components – Deck boards, stringers, and blocking.
  • Crating and box construction – Secure shipping solutions for industrial equipment and machinery.
  • Dunnage and bracing – Provides weight distribution and impact protection in transportation and storage.

Hardwood is valued for its dense, impact-resistant properties, making it an excellent choice for high-weight loads and heavy-duty applications.

Custom Cut Lumber for Industrial Applications

At Wisconsin Lumber & Pallet, we provide custom-cut industrial lumber to meet the specific needs of our clients. Whether you need bulk softwood for crating, durable hardwood for pallets, or large timbers for industrial packaging, we offer precision-cut materials to fit your exact specifications.

  • Dimensional lumber cut to length
  • Custom widths and thicknesses available
  • ISPM 15 heat-treated lumber for export compliance
  • Specialty dunnage, wedges, and blocking

Our custom-cut lumber solutions ensure that you get the right size and strength for your application without waste or unnecessary processing costs.

Industries That Rely on Industrial Lumber

  • Manufacturing & Logistics – Essential for pallets, crates, and shipping containers.
  • Heavy Equipment – Used in custom crating applications and for blocking, bracing, and heavy-duty support applications.
  • Aerospace – Used in custom components and machinery applications.
  • Food & Agriculture – ISPM 15 export-compliant dunnage for blocking and bracing in sea containers for global shipping.

Want More Information on Lumber Grading?

Hardwood Lumber Grading:

  • FAS (First and Second) – The highest grade, offering the most clear and usable lumber. Best for fine furniture, cabinetry, and architectural millwork.
  • F1F (FAS One Face) – One face meets FAS standards, while the reverse side meets at least No. 1 Common. Used for applications where only one face is visible.
  • Selects – A step below FAS, allowing for minor defects but still providing high-quality clear wood on one face. Commonly used in furniture and flooring.
  • No. 1 Common (1C) – Moderate-quality hardwood with some defects but still offering good cuttings. Ideal for furniture parts and millwork.
  • No. 2A Common (2C) – The most used grade for pallet decking and general-purpose applications. Contains more knots and color variations.
  • No. 2B Common (3AC) – Has more defects than 2A, with visible knots, checks, and splits. Used for crating, dunnage, and industrial applications.
  • No. 3A Common (3BC) – The lowest commercial grade, used primarily for pallet runners, blocking, and industrial bracing.

More Reading on Hardwood Lumber Grading

  • National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) Grading Rules: The NHLA offers a comprehensive guide to American hardwood lumber grading rules, established over 125 years ago. This resource provides a simplified yet informative explanation of the grading system. ​NHLA Grading Rules
  • American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) Grading Guide: AHEC provides an illustrated guide to American hardwood lumber grades, offering a simplified explanation of the NHLA grading system, which is the national standard for the U.S. hardwood lumber industry and forms the basis for export grading. ​Visual Guide to American Hardwoods

Softwood Lumber Grading:

  • No. 1 (Construction) Moderate-sized tight knots. Paints well. Used for siding, cornice, shelving, paneling, some furniture.
  • No. 2 (Standard) Knots larger and more numerous. Paints fair. Used for siding, cornice, shelving, paneling, some furniture.
  • No. 3 (Utility) Splits and knotholes present. Does not take paint well. Used for pallets/crates, sheathing, subflooring, small furniture parts.
  • No. 4 (Utility/Economy) Numerous splits and knotholes. Large waste areas. Does not take paint well. Used for pallets/crates. sheathing, subflooring, concrete form work.

More Reading on Softwood Lumber Grading

  • American Softwood Lumber Standard PS 20-70: Softwood lumber in the United States is commonly graded according to the guidelines of the American Softwood Lumber Standard PS 20-70, established by the U.S. Department of Commerce. ​woodbin.com
  • Softwood Export Council’s Visual Guide: This visual guide provides information on U.S. softwood species and grades, offering insights into the various softwood species and their respective grading standards. ​Visual Guide to Softwood Grades

Why Choose Wisconsin Lumber & Pallet for Industrial Lumber?

  • Wide Selection – We carry softwood, hardwood, and timbers to fit any industrial need.
  • Competitive Pricing – Our bulk pricing ensures cost-effective solutions for businesses of all sizes.
  • Custom Cutting Available – Get precisely cut materials to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
  • ISPM 15 Compliance – We provide heat-treated lumber for international shipping and exports.
  • Fast & Reliable Supply Chain – Serving Wisconsin and surrounding states with prompt delivery.

Request a Quote for Industrial Lumber

Looking for high-quality industrial lumber for pallets, crates, dunnage, or packaging? Wisconsin Lumber & Pallet provides custom solutions, bulk pricing, and fast delivery to meet your business’s needs.

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