When it comes to wedding invitations, business cards, menus, certificates, and everything in between, not all paper is created equal. Picture using flyer paper for a business card and you can start to understand why.
We’re talking about cardstock, and if you want to choose the right cardstock for any occasion, it helps to understand what questions to ask.
For example, what type of paper is cardstock? What’s the difference between cover stock and cardstock? What differentiates printing and writing paper from cardstock? Why do we use different types of paper for different printing jobs? And what makes the best cardstock for the job?
Here are answers to all your most pressing cardstock questions so that you can be sure to order the perfect cardstock.
What is Cardstock?
First, the basic question. What is cardstock?
Cardstock is thicker and more durable than regular printer paper but is thinner and more flexible than cardboard. This makes cardstock the happy medium–durable enough to tolerate handling and look good, but flexible enough to run through a printer.
This is what makes cardstock ideal for a wide range of paper DIY and crafting. What you use cardstock for depends on a variety of factors, such as its weight, color, and finish.
Cover Stock vs Cardstock
Now, if you’re searching for information about cardstock, you may have run across the term “cover stock” and met some confusion. What is cover stock and how is it different from cardstock?
The answer is simple: cover stock and cardstock are the same things (sort of). They’re more or less analogous, with a few key differences in finish and texture.
Cardstock texture is typically smoother than cover stock. Cardstock finishes are also more generic in appearance–that is, more forgiving for a wide range of uses. Cover stock, on the other hand, is usually coated and textured, so the paper has more character (and is less adaptable than cardstock).
In addition, paper weight is measured differently between the two. Cardstock is usually measured and sold in caliper measurements, or thickness in points, while cover stock is measured in basis weight.
Caliper measures the specific thickness of a single paper sample, while basis weight is the weight of 500 sheets of sample paper measured in pounds. In other words, cardstock is measured based on the thickness of an individual sheet, while cover stock is measured based on the weight of 500 sheets.
That said, cardstock and cover stock are often made with similar materials. Both are typically made with a blend of hardwood and softwood fibers. Softwood fibers provide strength to the paper, while hardwood fibers made it possible to form the paper properly.
Some papers are printed uniformly, such as regular printer paper. However, mills often use different fibers at different ratios when printing cardstock and cover stock, which is why you see a range of paper qualities, finishes, and weights, even though the paper is technically the same type.
Cardstock vs Paper
With that in mind, let’s talk about the difference between cardstock and regular writing paper.
Most of the time, when people think of printer paper, they think of bond paper, a durable type of paper with a basis weight of 20 lbs characterized by good absorption, erasability, and rigidity. These qualities and this particular weight make it especially useful for a variety of documents created using office inkjet and laser printers.
The biggest difference between bond paper vs cardstock has to do with the weight of the paper. Bond paper can range in weight from 16 to 36 lbs. Cardstock typically starts at a basis weight between 65 and 100 lbs but can go as high as 200 lbs.
Most consumer-grade inkjet and laser printers are only equipped to handle paper with a basis weight up to 80 lbs, which is why you’re used to seeing bond paper at work instead of cardstock. Printing on cardstock is different than printing on paper because the weight changes how you can print on the paper.
In simple terms, the thicker the paper, the heavier it is, which means that heavier paper does not bend as easily. This makes it more difficult for it to travel through a printer, and heavy cardstock cannot travel through a regular consumer printer at all.
Cardstock Weight & Thickness
This brings us to cardstock weight and cardstock thickness.
What lb is cardstock? That depends on what type of cardstock you’re looking for.
As we noted earlier, most consumer-grade printers can only handle paper with a basis weight of 80 lbs. That said, you typically won’t use paper with that high of a basis weight unless you specifically buy cardstock – most bond paper, as we’ve noted, runs between 16 lbs on the thin side and 36 lbs on the heavy side.
Cardstock has a far wider range of weights, as the different weights of cardstock qualify it for different uses. Because heavy weight cardstock (53 lbs and up) is extremely durable, it can be used for certain heavy-duty applications such as hangtags or even boxes. Lighter cardstock (around 38-53 lbs) is suitable for standard applications and postcards.
The size of the cardstock also changes its applications. For example, there’s 8.5 x 14 cardstock (menu cardstock), sometimes called legal cardstock, which is slightly longer than regular letter paper (8.5 x 11). That said, many manufacturers produce cardstock in larger or smaller non-standard sizes perfect for invitations, tags, or business cards.
If you’re looking for a detailed guide on various types of paper and their equivalent weights, this page has a table that can help you get an idea of what cardstock weights to look for.
Cardstock Colors & Finishes
The beauty of modern paper manufacturing is that you can find cardstock in a huge array of colors and finishes perfect for any project.
Clean white cardstock is always a versatile classic on its own, before you even consider whether you want glossy cardstock or matte cardstock. But colored cardstock can also go a long way to grab attention, whether you’re using bright colors or soft pastels.
Our bright color cardstock, for example, comes in 23 mesmerizing colors.
Of course, if you’re looking for something elegant and timeless, you don’t need to limit yourself. Textured cardstock can offer a touch of character without shouting from the rooftops. We love linen cardstock, a simple yet luxurious cardstock that’s versatile and easy to use. There’s also parchment cardstock (certificate cardstock), the perfect option for a bit of Old World charm.
What Is Cardstock Used For?
There are so many things to do with cardstock, the real question is what project you have in mind. Here are a few common projects we see:
- Booklets
- Brochures
- Business cards
- Catalogs
- Certificates
- Flyers
- Greeting cards
- Invitations
- Menus
- Table Tent Cards
That said, cardstock uses will change the type of cardstock you purchase. Cardstock for card making is different than a cardstock brochure as the paper will face different handling and requires a different level of formality. The same can be said of cardstock for invitations, which is not to be confused with business card stock.
The reason is simple: inviting someone to a wedding has a different aura of formality than printing on letterhead. You’re giving someone the first taste of what your wedding will be like, and the invitation paper lends significant weight.
Choosing the Best Cardstock for Every Occasion
Here’s the good news: no matter what your occasion might be, we can help you find the best cardstock for the job. You know your event, and we know cardstock. So let’s make your event come alive.
If you’re ready to get your project started, we’re ready to help. Click here to start perusing our selection of paper and cardstock today.