Double-Wall vs. Single-Wall Boxes

The power of packaging is undeniable. When choosing the right box for your products, it’s worth the time to understand the types of boxes and which one is the best fit for your needs.

How do you know which one is right? Before committing to your box type when packaging your products, think about the type of box you need. Doing so can save you time and money in the long run. Packaging is about more than design — you also need to consider strength and durability, functionality and other factors. Because the type of box you use is one of the most important packaging decisions you’ll make, for several reasons. 

If you’re not sure whether to use single-wall or double-wall cardboard boxes for your packaging, this article will help you decide.

What Is a Single-Walled Cardboard Box?

Single-walled cardboard boxes are made of corrugated cardboard, which consists of a fluted paper sheet placed between two sheets of liner paper. They are a standard option for packaging because they are easy to seal, lightweight, versatile and can be made of recycled materials.

When to Use Single-Wall Boxes

Single-wall boxes are an excellent choice for general packaging purposes of light- to medium-duty use. This type of box is commonly used for packaging lightweight products and is a perfect, cost-effective choice for sending through the postal system. 

Depending on the length, width and depth measurements, the box strength for single-wall cardboard ranges from 65 pounds to 95 pounds. 

What Is a Double-Walled Cardboard Box?

Double-wall boxes are sturdier and more rugged than single-wall boxes are. Much like single-wall boxes, double-wall boxes are made with fluted paper sheets that are pressed in place in between two sheets of liner paper. Box strength and durability are determined by the type of paper that’s used and the size of the flutes. Double-walled cardboard boxes stand up to 120lb of weight.

When to Use Double-Wall Boxes

Double-wall boxes are an excellent choice for products that are on the heavier side or that need more protection. They’re also a great option when products will need to be safely stacked and stored in transit or warehoused while waiting to be sold. Because they’re more rigid, they’ll better withstand those long-term stacking and storing conditions. Double-wall boxes are often used in retail outlets and manufacturing facilities.

Differences Between Single- and Double-Wall Cardboard Boxes​

The major difference between single- and double-wall boxes is that double walls have two layers of fluted center material rather than just one. This simple change makes up for wide differences in protection.

The more layers a box has, the more insulation it provides for your packaged goods. Double-walled boxes can handle heavy and fragile products and keep their contents in storage for longer periods of time, while single-walled boxes have less capacity, insulation and resistance. 

Cost increases or decreases according to the amount of material used to manufacture a box. Single-wall boxes provide a low-cost solution for general packaging. Double-wall boxes are higher in price because they require more material to make, though they may be more cost-effective depending on your products. It’s better to invest a little more in packaging upfront than to have to pay to replace damaged items later.

How to Choose the Right Box

The three main factors to consider when choosing cardboard boxes are box strength, storage and budget. If you’re looking for customized packaging for lightweight products, single-walled cardboard boxes are the best fit. If you need to ship more fragile and heavy products or are looking for long-term storage, a double-walled cardboard box is ideal.

If budget is a concern (isn’t it always?) keep in mind that, yes, double-wall boxes are a bigger investment than the single-walled options — but they can sometimes pay for themselves when you assess the expenses and overall cost to replace any damaged items if you use single walled boxes.

If your product will not be stored for any length of time and it isn’t extremely heavy or sensitive to temperature, a double wall box may not be worth the extra investment in terms of cost. 

Start Creating Your Packaging Today

Custom Boxes Now is a one-stop shop for all your packaging needs. For over 60 years, we have provided clients with high-quality corrugated boxes and customized packaging solutions. We are a complete product packaging company that offers more than stock-sized boxes. Our ISO 9001:2015 certification is proof of the quality of our products. 

If you’re wondering where to buy double-walled boxes, you’re in the right place — check out our box configurator. By filling out your specifications and design, you can get an idea of what your packaging will look like and get a faster quote.

Contact us to learn more about our services and create your boxes today!