Wooden skids play a crucial role in industrial operations—from transporting heavy equipment to stabilizing loads during storage. But once your wooden skids have served their initial purpose, what happens next? Are they simply waste, or can they be reused, repurposed, or recycled?
At Trumbull Forest Products, we manufacture durable, high-quality custom wooden skids built to withstand repeated use. In this blog, we’ll explore what businesses can do with wooden skids after use, and how making smart decisions about skid reuse can benefit both your operations and the environment.
What Are Wooden Skids?
Before diving into how to reuse them, let’s clarify what wooden skids are.
Wooden skids are flat, foundational wooden structures used to support, transport, and store heavy materials or machinery. Unlike pallets, which typically have both a top and bottom deck, skids have no bottom deck, making them ideal for static storage or for sliding goods across flat surfaces. They are most commonly used in construction, manufacturing, and warehousing environments.
At Trumbull Forest Products, we design wooden skids to match the specific size, strength, and load-bearing needs of your equipment or products. Made from premium hardwoods like Oak, Maple, and Ash, our skids offer long-term durability and performance.
Options for Reusing or Disposing of Wooden Skids
If your business regularly uses wooden skids, you may find yourself with a growing collection after projects or shipments are complete. Here are several practical and sustainable ways to manage and reuse those wooden skids:
1. Reuse Them in Your Own Operations
One of the most efficient uses for wooden skids is simple: reuse them.
If the skids are still structurally sound, they can often be reused for future jobs or shipments. Hardwood skids, especially those built for heavy-duty use, are designed to handle multiple uses over their lifespan. Regularly inspect them for signs of wear or damage before reuse, and they can continue serving your business reliably.
Benefits of reuse:
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Saves money on new skids
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Reduces waste
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Minimizes delays on job sites or shipping floors
2. Return or Recycle Through a Supplier Program
Some wood packaging suppliers, like Trumbull Forest Products, may be able to help manage your used skids—especially if you’re a regular customer. Depending on your location and quantity, we may assist with recovery, refurbishment, or recycling solutions.
Hardwood skids that are beyond repair can still be broken down and repurposed into industrial blocking, dunnage, or even mulch—ensuring no part of the wood goes to waste.
3. Repurpose for Other Industrial Uses
Even if a skid is no longer fit for its original application, its parts might still be valuable.
Consider cutting down older skids into smaller components for:
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Blocking or cribbing in construction or transport
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Shims or support structures in warehousing
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Worksite platforms or temporary ramps
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Non-load-bearing storage bases in warehouses
Hardwood is incredibly versatile, and salvaged components can still provide practical value in a variety of settings.
4. Sell or Donate Used Skids
Businesses often overlook the secondary market for used wooden skids. If you have skids in decent condition that you no longer need, consider selling or donating them.
Contractors, DIY builders, and local organizations often look for free or low-cost wood for their projects. While skids aren’t quite as popular as pallets in the upcycling world, they can still be used to make:
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Workbenches
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Outdoor shelving
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Storage bases
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Material bins
Just be sure to check local regulations and safety concerns before redistributing used wood materials.
5. Properly Recycle or Dispose of Unusable Skids
If skids are broken beyond repair, disposal might be your only option—but it’s still important to do it responsibly.
Avoid sending wood skids to the landfill whenever possible. Many local recycling centers accept untreated wood for:
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Mulch or composting
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Biomass fuel production
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Industrial fill or ground cover
You can also contact your local municipality or waste management provider to find out how to properly dispose of industrial wood products in your area.
Why Choosing Quality Skids From the Start Matters
How long your wooden skids last—and how reusable they are—depends heavily on the quality of materials and construction.
At Trumbull Forest Products, we use dense, high-strength hardwoods sourced from responsibly managed timberlands across Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. Our skids are custom-built for your specific requirements, offering:
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Greater durability over repeated use
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Higher load-bearing capacity
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Better performance in rugged environments
This means fewer broken skids, less waste, and more opportunities to reuse or repurpose your materials.
Work with a Skid Manufacturer You Can Rely On
When it comes to wooden skids, choosing a reliable manufacturer makes a difference not just in the initial use, but throughout the product’s entire life cycle.
At Trumbull Forest Products, we create custom wood skids for businesses in construction, manufacturing, transportation, and more. Whether you need one-time solutions or high-volume production, we’ll design skids that meet your exact load and handling requirements—using premium materials and sustainable practices.
Contact Trumbull Forest Products Today
Looking for custom wooden skids that offer durability, flexibility, and long-term value? Trumbull Forest Products is your trusted partner for high-performance wood packaging solutions. We serve businesses throughout Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania with quality hardwood skids designed to fit your operations.
