Corrugated cardboard boxes are useful in so many ways, but what type of corrugated material is best? This guide will help you choose the right kind of cardboard to meet your project needs, whether that’s shipping items or storing them over long periods of time. We’ll also discuss how to properly maintain and store your corrugated cardboard so it lasts as long as possible.
Types of Corrugated Cardboard - Paper Layers
The number of paper layers in a corrugated cardboard box determines its durability. The more layers there are, the more rigid and durable it will be. If you're looking for something that can hold up under heavy loads, go with a corrugated cardboard box with five or more paper layers. For light duty use, choose one with two to four layers.
The average weight capacity for a single layer is 1-3 pounds; two-layer boxes can carry 4-6 pounds; three-layer boxes carry 8-10 pounds; four-layer boxes carry 12-15 pounds; and five-layer boxes carry 20 pounds per layer. Choose your corrugated cardboard based on how much weight it's expected to hold!
Types of Corrugated Cardboard - Wax
Waxed cardboard is one of the most versatile types of corrugated cardboard. It is strong, durable, and can be used with a variety of materials without any issues. It is also perfect for mailing or shipping as it has been treated with wax or paraffin which makes it waterproof. The downside to this type of packaging material is that it does not create a clean edge when cut. The other downside is that because it does not bend easily, using this type of packaging requires more labor.
Types of Corrugated Cardboard - Board Type
There are four types of corrugated cardboard:
1. Single-wall (also called single-flute) is a lightweight, low-cost paper board that has one layer of corrugations on each side. Single-wall boards have a smooth surface and are used primarily in light duty applications like signs, displays and packaging.
2. Double-wall is heavier than single wall and has two layers of corrugations on both sides. Double-wall boards are strong enough to be suitable for shipping or storage purposes. 3. Triple-wall is twice as heavy as double-wall and has three layers of corrugations on both sides. Triple wall is often combined with recycled fiber content, which can make it even stronger than double-wall without adding much weight or expense. 4. Quadruple-wall is four times as heavy as triple-wall and has four layers of corrugations on both sides. Quadruple walls are often combined with recycled fiber content, which can make them extremely durable without adding much weight or expense.
2. Board Thickness - The thicknesses available vary by manufacturer but generally fall within these ranges: 5/16, 1⁄4, 1⁄2 and 3⁄4 for single-, double-, triple-, quadruple-wall respectively.
Getting Creative with Materials
Corrugated cardboard is an excellent material for a number of different projects, but it can be difficult to know which type you need. This guide will help you make sure you are using the right kind of corrugated cardboard for your project. #1: Single Wall – If you’re looking for lightweight and strong packaging, single wall corrugated cardboard is perfect. It’s typically made with one layer of paper board with one layer of plastic coating on both sides, so this type of cardboard will hold up well in any situation and can be used in place of plastic or Styrofoam containers to save money on shipping costs.