A Quick Guide to Book Binding Types

Booklet Binding Types

Over the years we’ve had requests for pretty much every type of book binding. We produce Wiro Binding, similar to and the equivalent of Spiral Binding, and Saddle Stitching in house. Often, we also get requests for Perfect Binding, which we outsource to a specialty bindery that does a great job for us.

The main attractions of Perfect Binding seem to be the fact that the spine can be printed and the lay flat characteristics. This allows easy recognition of the publication when it’s on a bookshelf and the lay flat characteristics vs saddle stitching which bulges near the spine. The lay flat quality also makes shipping easier as it takes up less room than traditional Saddle Stitching.

One drawback with Perfect binding is the cost. Especially with short runs. It is the most expensive of all the standard binding procedures, with the exception of Casebound, which is usually sewn and a hard cover attached.

There are smaller units that can produce short run Perfect Binding, but in my opinion, not at the quality that I would be happy with. Especially with coated stock.

Saddle Stitching

Saddle Stitching is the most cost effective method but a big drawback is the number of pages that can be effectively bound economically. Usually around 100 pages of 20 lb Bond with self cover (25 sheets with 4 pages per sheet). Meant for smaller publications like magazines, Catalogues and Newsletters.

A less Expensive Alternative to Perfect Binding

Squarefold Bound Booklets

We now have a big improvement to the maximum page issue and a less expensive alternative to Perfect Binding.

Squarefold Booklets have a spine on the thicker booklets that can be printed, just like Perfect Binding, and can accommodate 200 pages of 20 lb bond with self cover (50 sheets with 4 pages per sheet). Twice the standard Saddle Stitching pages. The book also lays flat like a Perfect Bound book. This allows Perfect Bound like results at close to Saddle Stitching prices.

The only drawback are the visible staples on the spine (see photo above).

Wiro/Cerox Binding

Custom Size Wiro Binding

Wiro Binding is basically the same and are a more permanent version of Cerlox Binding. Coil binding basically screws through the holes while Wiro is straight rings so the pages open a bit easier. The cost per book remains fairly constant for run length and is the same as Cerlox Binding.

Cerox Binding is much the same as Wiro except they are comb style plastic coils. This is usually for larger reports or articles of up to 1.25” thick. Their advantage is that they can easily be opened to either, add, delete or change pages but are less permanent then other options. Price is the same as wiro/coil binding.