Stillage vs Pallet Cage: What Is the Difference and Which Do You Need?
A stillage cage is a rigid steel container with built-in feet or legs, used to store, stack and move heavy or awkward goods by forklift. It looks a lot like a pallet cage, and in the UK the two names are often used for the same product, but there are real differences in how they are built and what they suit.
This guide explains what a cage stillage is, the main types, how it differs from a pallet cage, and how to choose between them.
What Is a Stillage Cage?
A stillage cage is a heavy-duty steel cage, usually made from welded mesh or bars, that stands on fixed feet rather than sitting on a separate pallet. The feet lift the base off the ground, so a forklift or pallet truck can slide underneath, and they locate into the top of the cage below, so loaded stillages stack securely on top of each other.
The word “stillage” comes from manufacturing, where stillages carry parts between production lines. Today, cage stillages are used across warehousing, automotive, retail and recycling. The term pallet stillage is also used for steel stillages built to a standard pallet footprint.
Types of Cage Stillages
Rigid mesh stillage cages. Welded steel mesh sides that do not fold. They are very strong and stable, and suit permanent storage and heavy parts.
Collapsible stillage cages. Mesh sides that fold down onto the base when empty, saving space on return journeys. These overlap most with folding pallet cages.
Post pallet stillages. A steel base with removable corner posts instead of mesh sides. They suit long, bulky or irregular items.
Box (solid-sided) stillages. Steel sheet sides instead of mesh, for small parts, scrap or loose items that could fall through mesh.
Specialist stillages. Built for one job, such as tyre stillages, gas cylinder cages or racks for glass and panels.
Stillage Cage vs Pallet Cage: The Differences
In day-to-day use, many UK suppliers treat pallet cages and stillages as the same thing. Where there is a difference, it is mostly in the base, the build and the typical use.
| Stillage cage | Pallet cage | |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Fixed steel feet or legs, built in | Pallet-sized base, often with feet designed to match pallet racking |
| Construction | Often rigid welded mesh or bars; some fold | Usually folding wire mesh |
| Stacking | Feet locate into the cage below for secure stacking | Stackable when loaded; folds flat when empty |
| Typical loads | Heavy parts, automotive and manufacturing components | Mixed goods, retail stock, returns and general storage |
| Storage when empty | Rigid types take the same space empty or full | Collapses flat to save space |
| Common sectors | Manufacturing, automotive, recycling | Warehousing, retail distribution, logistics |
In short: choose a stillage cage for heavy, fixed-route industrial work where strength matters most. Choose a pallet cage when you need to fold cages flat, fit standard racking and move mixed goods. For a full breakdown of pallet cage sizes and load ratings, see our guide to pallet cages.
Pallet Cages and Stillages We Supply
| Product | Condition | Size (W x D x H) | Load capacity | Gate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Refurbished Heavy Duty Pallet Cage | Refurbished | 1200 x 1000 x 890mm | 1500kg | Half and full drop-down |
| Folding Wire Pallet Cage | New | 1200 x 1000 x 1000mm | 800kg | Half drop-down |
| Refurbished Folding Wire Pallet Cage | Refurbished | 1200 x 800 x 980mm | 500kg | Half drop-down |
All three are steel mesh cages with a pallet-sized base, and the 1500kg heavy duty model suits the type of heavy loads usually carried in stillages. Not sure whether to buy new or refurbished? Read new or refurbished pallet cage.
Where Are Stillage Cages Used?
Manufacturing and automotive. Moving parts and work-in-progress between suppliers and production lines.
Warehousing. Stacking heavy stock safely, often in pallet racking.
Returns and reverse logistics. Collecting and sorting returned goods. See stillages for returns.
Recycling and waste. Holding scrap metal, cardboard and packaging for collection.
How to Choose Between a Stillage Cage and a Pallet Cage
What are you storing? Heavy, dense parts suit a stillage cage or heavy duty pallet cage. Mixed or lighter goods suit a standard folding pallet cage.
Do cages travel back empty? If yes, a collapsible design saves space and transport costs.
Will they go in racking? Check the base and feet suit your racking beams and pallet positions.
How heavy is the load? Pick a cage rated above your heaviest load and check the stacking limit.
Do you need to track them? An engraved ID plate helps keep your fleet together.
For more on metal cages, read metal cages and pallets: specs, types and buying guide.
Stillage and Pallet Cage Repairs
Bent mesh, broken hinges and damaged gates do not mean a cage must be scrapped. Our pallet cage repairs service repairs and fully refurbishes damaged pallet cages and stillages to a clean, safe working condition. Repairs can be done on site by our mobile engineers, at our repair centre, or through collect and repair, and our in-house spray booth can re-spray cages in your company colours.
FAQ
What is a stillage cage?
A stillage cage is a heavy-duty steel cage with built-in feet, used to store, stack and move goods by forklift. The feet let cages stack securely on top of each other.
Is a cage stillage the same as a pallet cage?
They are very similar, and many UK suppliers use the names for the same product. Stillage cages tend to be more rigid and built for heavy industrial loads, while pallet cages usually fold flat and suit general storage.
What is a pallet stillage?
A pallet stillage is a steel stillage built to a standard pallet footprint, so it can be handled and stored like a pallet.
Are stillage cages collapsible?
Some are. Rigid welded stillages do not fold, but collapsible stillage cages fold flat when empty.
How much weight can a stillage cage hold?
It depends on the design. Our pallet cages and stillages range from 500kg to 1500kg.
Can damaged stillages be repaired?
Yes. Most damage, such as bent mesh, broken hinges and damaged gates, can be repaired on site or at our repair centre.
Find the Right Cage for Your Operation
Whether you need a rigid stillage cage for heavy parts or a folding pallet cage for mixed stock, Distribution Maintenance supplies new and refurbished cages and repairs them across the UK from our depots in Harlow and Grantham.
Browse our new pallet cages, request a quote or contact our team today.
