Fixed, Adjustable & Stackable Steel Pallet Feet – Which Type for Your Warehouse?

In warehouse storage and logistics, even the smallest components can play a major role in keeping operations safe and efficient. Pallet feet are a perfect example. These small fittings are attached to the bottom of pallets or stillages, helping them stay stable, secure, and easier to handle with forklifts or pallet jacks. But pallet feet are not all the same. The three most common types are fixed steel pallet feet, adjustable pallet feet, and stackable pallet feet. Each serves a unique purpose. Choosing the right option for your warehouse can make the difference between smooth operations and costly inefficiencies. 

Let’s explore how each type works, its advantages, and which one might be right for your storage setup.

Fixed Pallet Feet

Fixed pallet feet are the most traditional type and are permanently attached to the pallet or stillage. They are valued for their simplicity and durability. Because they have no moving parts, they offer consistent performance and require very little maintenance. 

Warehouses that handle heavy-duty goods, such as automotive parts, machinery, or construction materials, often rely on these pallet feet for their ability to withstand large amounts of weight without bending or breaking.

The primary limitation of fixed pallet feet is their lack of flexibility. Once installed, they cannot be adjusted to different heights or configurations. This makes them less suitable for operations where storage needs change frequently. However, in environments where strength, safety, and long-term reliability are priorities, fixed pallet feet are an excellent choice.

If your warehouse handles heavy-duty goods such as machinery or construction materials, consider Kirmell KPF1C Square Steel Pallet Feet, engineered from mild steel for maximum strength and long-term reliability.

Adjustable Pallet Feet

If flexibility is what your warehouse needs, adjustable pallet feet provide a versatile solution. These feet can be modified in height or repositioned to suit different storage requirements. This makes them particularly useful in warehouses that handle a wide variety of products with different sizes and weights. For example, a facility storing both small retail goods and medium-sized equipment could adjust the pallet feet to create a more efficient layout.

The main advantage of adjustable pallet feet lies in their customisation. They help warehouses save space by adapting pallets to fit specific loads. 

However, this flexibility comes at a higher cost, and the moving parts may require more regular inspection to ensure safety. Adjustable pallet feet are not always as strong as fixed steel feet, so they are generally better suited for light to medium loads rather than the heaviest storage needs.

For warehouses that require flexibility, Kimrell’s options, like KPF16 Square Steel Pallet Feet make it easier to adapt to changing storage layouts.

Stackable Pallet Feet

Stackable pallet feet are designed for warehouses where space efficiency is a top priority. These feet allow pallets or stillages to slot securely on top of each other, creating safe vertical stacks without the risk of slipping or collapse. By interlocking with the feet or nesting plugs of the pallet above, they keep loads stable during storage and transport.

For businesses with limited floor space, stackable feet are an ideal solution because they increase storage capacity without expanding the warehouse footprint. They are also beneficial for transport, as stacked pallets can reduce the number of trips required, saving time and costs.

While stackable pallet feet are versatile, they are best suited for medium to heavy loads that need safe, organised storage.

Choosing the Right Pallet Feet for Your Warehouse

The decision to use fixed, adjustable, or stackable pallet feet depends on several factors:

• Load Capacity: Heavy industries such as automotive or steel manufacturing will benefit most from fixed steel pallet feet, which provide maximum durability and load-bearing strength.
• Flexibility Needs: Warehouses handling mixed products of different shapes and sizes may find adjustable pallet feet the best investment, even if they require more maintenance.
• Space Constraints: Businesses with limited warehouse space or high-density storage needs should look into stackable pallet feet to optimise their layout.
• Handling Equipment: Not all pallet feet work seamlessly with every forklift or pallet jack. Always check dimensions and spacing to ensure compatibility.
• Budget & Lifecycle Costs: Fixed pallet feet are generally the most cost-effective long term, while adjustable and stackable models may cost more initially but provide savings through efficiency or space optimisation.

Choosing the right pallet feet isn’t always straightforward, but with Kirmell’s guidance, businesses can make the right choice. Our team offers advice, technical expertise, and reliable manufacturing, ensuring you invest in fittings that last. 

Benefits of Using the Right Pallet Feet

No matter which variation you choose, pallet feet contribute significantly to warehouse efficiency and safety. Some of the key benefits include:

• Improved Stability: Secure pallets reduce the risk of accidents during storage and handling.
• Better Load Distribution: Square and adjustable feet allow weight to spread evenly across the frame.
• Reduced Damage: Stable storage means fewer accidents and less product loss.
• Operational Efficiency: Forklifts and pallet jacks can handle pallets more safely and quickly when feet fit properly.
• Scalability: Stackable feet allow businesses to grow without expanding their footprint.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Warehouses often face issues because of poor selection or maintenance of pallet feet. Some common mistakes include:

1. Using the wrong variation: For example, using adjustable feet for extremely heavy loads can lead to bending or instability.
2. Ignoring corrosion resistance: Untreated steel can rust in humid environments. Always choose zinc-plated or galvanised pallet feet for long-lasting use.
3. Overloading: Even the strongest feet have weight limits. Always check specifications before stacking.
4. Skipping inspections: Adjustable and stackable feet should be checked regularly to prevent wear and tear from compromising safety.

Why Choose Kirmell Pallet Feet?

At Kirmell Ltd, we specialise in British-made steel pallet feet that meet ISO 9002 / EN 29002 quality standards. Since 1985, we’ve been supplying warehouses, logistics hubs, and industrial facilities with reliable, precision-engineered fittings. Our range includes square, round, nesting plugs, stackable, and specialised pallet feet, ensuring there’s an option for every storage requirement.

With bulk order availability, corrosion-resistant finishes, and a reputation for durability, Kirmell pallet feet are a trusted choice for businesses that value efficiency and safety in material handling. Explore our range of pallet feet products and order one for yourself. 

Conclusion

Pallet feet may look like small components, but in warehouse storage and logistics, they make a massive difference. Choosing between fixed, adjustable, and stackable pallet feet depends on your operation’s priorities, whether it’s strength, flexibility, or space optimisation.

Fixed pallet feet are built for maximum durability under heavy loads, adjustable feet provide versatility for mixed inventory, and stackable feet help maximise floor space and transport efficiency. By carefully assessing your warehouse’s load capacity, handling equipment, and space needs, you can select the pallet feet that ensure safe, cost-effective, and smooth operations.

FAQs