Get a Repair Quote
Fill out the form and our team will respond within 24 hours.
Why Repair?
Repairing a pallet costs a fraction of buying a new one and delivers comparable performance in most applications. Every repaired pallet also means one fewer new pallet manufactured, which saves timber, energy, and carbon emissions. For most businesses, a structured repair program is the single highest-ROI decision they can make in their pallet supply chain.
Repair Capabilities
Our repair team handles everything from a single cracked board to a complete pallet teardown and rebuild. Here is what each repair type involves.
Board Replacement
Damaged top or bottom deck boards replaced with matching lumber. We keep a wide inventory of board sizes for quick repairs.
Stringer Repair
Cracked or broken stringers are sistered, spliced, or replaced entirely depending on the severity of the damage.
Re-Nailing & Fastening
Loose boards re-nailed using pneumatic equipment. All protruding nails are set flush for safe handling.
Lead Board Trimming
Warped or protruding lead boards are trimmed to ensure consistent dimensions and smooth forklift entry.
Block Replacement
Damaged blocks on block-style pallets are replaced with new hardwood blocks, restoring full load capacity.
Full Refurbishment
Complete teardown and rebuild: new boards, new fasteners, dimensional correction. Effectively a new pallet from recycled materials.
The Repair Process
From the moment a pallet arrives at our facility to the moment it leaves fully restored, here is what happens at each stage.
Intake & Inspection
Every incoming pallet is individually assessed by a trained inspector. We document the damage type, severity, and repair path. Pallets that are not economically repairable are flagged for recycling instead — we never charge for work that would not make sense.
Repair Authorization
For custom or high-volume jobs, we provide a detailed repair estimate before starting work. The estimate includes per-unit cost, total quantity, expected completion date, and the final grade each pallet will meet after repair.
Repair & Quality Check
Our team performs the authorized repairs using professional-grade pneumatic tools, quality lumber, and industry-standard fasteners. After repair, each pallet passes a quality check confirming structural integrity, dimensional accuracy, and grade compliance.
Staging & Return
Repaired pallets are staged for pickup or delivery. We stack and organize them by size and grade so they are ready to integrate directly into your operation. Delivery or pickup is scheduled at your convenience.
Repair vs. Replace
Not sure whether to repair your damaged pallets or buy new ones? Here is a straightforward comparison to help you decide.
The Bottom Line
For the vast majority of pallet applications — warehousing, distribution, one-way shipping, internal plant use — a properly repaired pallet performs identically to a new one at a fraction of the cost. The only scenarios where new pallets are clearly superior are those requiring pristine appearance (retail displays) or where specific certifications require new lumber (some food-grade or pharmaceutical applications).
If you are spending money on new pallets every month, chances are good that a repair program could cut your pallet budget by 40-60%. We are happy to assess your current inventory and provide an honest recommendation on which pallets are worth repairing and which should be replaced.
Turnaround Times
We understand that pallets sitting in our yard are pallets not working in your operation. That is why we prioritize fast turnaround on every repair job.
Volume Repair Programs
Businesses that generate a steady stream of damaged pallets benefit most from a recurring repair program. Rather than accumulating broken pallets in your yard and scheduling ad-hoc repairs, we set up a standing rotation:
- We pick up damaged pallets on a regular schedule (weekly, biweekly, or monthly)
- Pallets are repaired at our facility and returned on the next scheduled run
- Per-unit repair pricing is locked in for the program term
- You maintain a consistent supply of functional pallets without stockpiling new inventory
- Pallets beyond repair are recycled at no additional charge
- Quarterly usage reports track repair volume, cost savings, and environmental impact
Our largest repair program client, a food distribution center in Hayward, sends us approximately 300 pallets per month for repair and receives them back within the week. Their pallet spend has dropped by over 50% since starting the program.
What Clients Say
“We were buying 200 new pallets a month before Oakland Pallets set up a repair rotation for us. Now we buy maybe 40 new ones a quarter. The math speaks for itself.”
“The turnaround is what impressed me most. We drop off a truckload Monday morning and have them back by Wednesday. The quality is indistinguishable from the originals.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Key questions about repair scope, turnaround, and ongoing repair programs.
Which pallet damage types can you repair?
We repair common damage including broken boards, stringer issues, loose fasteners, and structural wear.
How long does pallet repair usually take?
Turnaround depends on volume and repair type, but many standard repairs are completed within one to three business days.
When should I repair pallets instead of replacing them?
Repair is often best when structural integrity can be restored safely at lower cost than purchasing new pallets.
Do you handle pickup and return for repair loads?
Yes. We can arrange scheduled pickup and return logistics so repaired pallets reenter your operation quickly.
Do you offer recurring repair programs?
Yes. Recurring programs help stabilize pallet quality and reduce replacement spending for high-volume facilities.
Stop Replacing. Start Repairing.
Send us your damaged pallets and we will send back functional ones — at a fraction of the cost of buying new.
Get a Repair Quote