Kiln-Dried vs. Heat-Treated Pallets: What’s the Difference and When to Use Each
Pallets may seem simple on the surface, but the way their wood is treated makes a big difference—especially for industries focused on hygiene, compliance, and performance. When it comes to heat-based treatments, Kiln-Dried (KD) and Heat-Treated (HT) are two terms that often get mixed up. Let’s clear that up.
Heat Treatment (HT): Pest Protection for Global Trade
Purpose: Eliminates wood-borne pests and pathogens
Process: Lumber is heated to a minimum of 56°C (133°F) for 30 minutes at its core
Use Case: Required for international shipping under ISPM 15 regulations
Marking: Look for the HT stamp—it certifies compliance
Kiln Drying (KD): Moisture Control for Clean Performance
Purpose: Reduces moisture to prevent mold, warping, and decay
Process: Lumber is dried in a heated chamber until its moisture content drops below 19%
Use Case: Common in housing and furniture, and selectively used in pallets for food, pharmaceutical, or paper products
Marking: KD lumber will be labeled as such—but KD alone does not meet international export standards
Can a Pallet Be Both?
Absolutely. Some pallet wood is kiln-dried first to control moisture, then heat-treated to meet export regulations. These may be labeled KDHT, signaling that both processes were applied.
Real-World Example
A food manufacturer might request kiln-dried pallets to reduce mold risk in warehouse storage. But when they’re exporting product overseas, those same pallets need to be heat-treated and stamped to meet ISPM 15 standards. Without that stamp, the freight could be held—or even rejected—at customs.
Know the Difference
While both treatments involve heat, they serve distinct roles:
HT = pest protection
KD = moisture control
Only HT meets the global compliance standard for international shipping.
KD is ideal when cleanliness, mold resistance, or structural integrity matter most.
Not Sure What You Need?
We help manufacturers, distributors, and exporters spec the right pallet—whether you need KD, HT, or both.
Learn more about ISPM 15 compliance here, or reach out for a fast, accurate quote.
