Abstract: A joint structure including a nail plate having an imperforate central region and being provided between two bearer components, and a plurality of nails adapted to extend through a first of the components, the imperforate region of the nail plate, and into the other of the components. The joint structure further provides a pallet having at least two laterally spaced bearers, and a plurality of laterally extending support boards extending over and being secured to an upper surface of each bearer. The pallet may also include a base having a plurality of laterally extending base boards extending under and being secured to a lower surface of each bearer. The support boards and base boards are in the form of elongated boards and, while successive support boards can abut, they preferably are slightly spaced apart.