When you want to get large or fragile goods from A to B as safely as possible, choosing the right type of crate is absolutely crucial. Whether you’re exporting fragile electronics, shipping heavy machinery, or moving valuable artwork, your packaging needs to match the job to prevent unwanted accidents or damage.
This is where it might be valuable to understand the difference between plywood cases and softwood crates. If your business relies on export packing (be it by road, sea or air) or freight forwarding, knowing the pros and cons of each crate type will help you avoid damage, delays, and unnecessary costs.
While both plywood and softwood crates are widely used in the shipping industry, they offer very different properties, and making the right call could save you time, money, and a headache or two.
Let’s take a closer look at what sets them apart.
What defines a crate?
Before we dig into the differences between plywood and softwood crates, it’s important to understand what we mean by a crate and what the different types are.
A crate is the outer packaging that a product or item sits inside. Its main job is to protect, and it can make large or bulky products easier to transport.
Crates can either be described as closed, meaning they have solid walls that allow little to no air or light through, or open, meaning they have a more skeletal structure with slatted or open sides. The latter can be more beneficial when you’re shipping products that require more airflow or visibility.
As a packaging manufacturer, we are used to shipping all kinds of products and have built a solid reputation for our high-quality export packing and bespoke case manufacturing.
In this article, we’ll be discussing the features of both plywood and softwood crates, comparing their key features so you can decide which type is best for you.
What is a plywood crate?
Plywood used in crates is made from multiple layers of veneer that are bonded together to create durable, stable panels of varying thicknesses. These sheets are cut to size and reinforced with a batten frame around the outside to form panels, while the base is constructed from softwood timber for extra strength. This combination gives plywood crates their strength and makes them very resistant to warping, splitting and shrinking (essential when you’re shipping heavy and fragile items).
Because plywood is a sheet material, these crates are almost always built as a closed-board design, rather than using slats like other types of timber crates.
When shipping to countries like China, you might consider cases or crates constructed solely from plywood as these don’t need to comply with ISPM15 regulations and are less likely to be held up in customs. We discuss what this means a little further down this page.
Benefits of plywood crates:
- Smooth interior
- Moisture resistant
- Ideal for heavy, fragile or high-value goods
- Lightweight but strong
- Reusable
- Added privacy and security as the contents are fully enclosed and hidden from view
What is a softwood crate?
Unlike plywood crates that are made from engineered wood or wood veneer, softwood crates are made from rough-sawn timber, including pine or spruce. They can be assembled as both closed crates (for items that need more protection) or open-slat crates (ideal for big but less fragile items).
Because they’re made from natural wood, softwood crates can be heavier to handle but are less moisture resistant, so this is absolutely something to consider when you’re thinking about bespoke packaging and shipping for your products.
Benefits of softwood crates:
- More suitable for very heavyweight items (10+tonnes)
- Customisable for different cargo shapes and sizes
- Strong structural design
- Cost efficient to maintain, as slats can often be replaced individually
Softwood crates are built with thicker boards than plywood, usually ranging from 19mm to 30mm compared with plywood’s 6–18mm panels. This added thickness makes them the stronger choice for very heavy or bulky items, particularly those over 10 tonnes.
Their slatted design also offers a cost advantage as well as time, as damaged sections can often be repaired or replaced individually rather than replacing a whole panel. Plus, a slatted design can be built more quickly, which helps with tight turnarounds.
Softwood crates do need to comply with ISPM15 regulations, meaning they must be heat-treated or fumigated before being used for international shipping.
What is ISPM15?
After Brexit, it became a legal requirement for wood packaging materials (WPM) shipped from the UK to the EU comply with ISPM15 regulations, as the UK was reclassified as a third-party country. ISPM15 is actually a global standard, already required by many countries worldwide, so compliance is essential for international shipping depending on crates used.
Essentially, any wood packaging thicker than 6mm must be heat treated and officially marked to demonstrate compliance. The heat treatment process eliminates pests, insects or harmful species that might otherwise be transported in the wood and carried to other areas or countries. It’s a good thing, as it’s there to protect local ecosystems, but it does mean you need to use a reputable packaging manufacturer who understands and complies with these legislations.
The two recognised methods of treatment are:
- Heat treatment – wood is heated to at least 56°C for a minimum of 30 minutes. This is the most widely used method, considered the safest and most effective. At Tuplin, all the timber we purchase is heat treated.
- Methyl bromide fumigation – a chemical treatment, now much less common due to environmental concerns.
ISPM15 applies to most solid wood packaging, including pallets, crates, cases, pallet collars, blocking timber and load boards.
By contrast, processed wood products such as plywood, Oriented Strand Board (OSB) or Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) are exempt from ISPM15 treatment.
This is because the gluing and laminating process involves high heat and pressure, which destroys any insects or pests within the material. Packing wood under 6mm in thickness is also exempt.
Comparing the features of plywood vs. softwood crates
| Feature | Plywood crates | Softwood crates |
|---|---|---|
| Weight* | Lighter overall | Heavier construction |
| Moisture resistance | Good | Poor – needs treatment or barrier protection (e.g. Kraft Union Paper lining) |
| ISPM15 needed? | Yes – composite unit containing plywood and timber would need to comply, or would be exempt if solely plywood used in construction | Yes – heat treated and stamped |
| Strength | Quite durable | Very durable |
| Finish | Smooth | Rough |
| Cost | Budget-friendly | Mid-range |
*A 1m³ softwood crate can weigh significantly more than an equivalent plywood crate, due to the thicker boards and denser construction. For example, plywood panels are usually 6–18mm, while softwood boards are 19–30mm+, making softwood crates considerably heavier to handle.
How to choose the right crate for your goods
When choosing the right crate for your products or items, you should consider the cargo type, its weight, its fragility, the transit conditions, and the destination.
Here are some common scenarios for you to consider:
Shipping overseas?
All plywood crates can be chosen for international shipping because they’re ISPM15 exempt. However, as most crates are framed with timber bases and battens, ISPM15 compliance is still usually required.
With the right treatment and certification, both plywood and softwood crates can be exported smoothly, helping you avoid customs delays and unnecessary admin.
Moving bulky or industrial equipment?
Softwood crates are a reliable choice for large, heavy or robust items such as machinery parts or automotive components. Their thicker timber construction provides excellent strength and stability, making them ideal for high-weight or oversized loads that need extra reinforcement or custom sizing.
Plywood crates, on the other hand, are generally better suited to long-haul or international transport. Their lighter weight and closed-board design make them easier to handle and compliant with export standards when built correctly.
Sending fragile goods like artwork or electronics?
For delicate, high-value items, closed-board crates such as plywood are a better choice. Their smooth interior prevents scratching, and the solid walls allow for foam lining or other protective inserts. Layered construction means it resists warping and moisture, which is ideal for delicate, high-value items.
This makes them more suitable for fragile goods than open-slat designs, which don’t provide the same level of support or flexibility for internal fittings.
Need to cut costs on bulkier shipments?
Softwood open-slat crates are typically more economical and still provide reliable protection for goods that aren’t particularly delicate, like furniture or retail stock. They are also more suitable for items where you need to have visibility of the item in transit.
As a general rule, if moisture resistance, smooth internal surfaces, or export ease is a top priority, then plywood is your friend. But if strength and flexibility are more important, softwood might be the smarter option.
40 Years of Expertise in Bespoke Crating & Shipping
When it comes to packaging and shipping, there’s absolutely no one-size-fits-all solution. Plywood and softwood crates have their place, but it’s all about choosing the right tool for the job.
If you’re unsure, you can discuss your requirements with a bespoke packaging manufacturer who has experience shipping large, fragile items. At Tuplin, we have over 40 years’ experience, and we can assess your cargo and recommend the best material, structure and compliance options.
