Quick summary: for shipments under 5 kg, single-wall is sufficient; from 5 to 20 kg, high-grammage single-wall or C-flute; and for over 20 kg or a move involving heavy items, double-wall.
If you manage shipments for your company, online store, or warehouse, you have surely encountered a recurring question: what type of cardboard is most suitable for packing my products? The answer is not always obvious, as there are multiple types of cardboard with very different characteristics, strengths, and uses.
In this guide, we explain in detail each type of cardboard used in packaging —from cardstock to triple-wall corrugated cardboard— so you can make informed decisions and optimize both the protection of your products and your packaging costs. If you already know what you need, you can go directly to our size-based search tool to find your box.
Why is it important to choose the right type of cardboard?
Choosing the wrong cardboard can have direct consequences for your business: products damaged during transport, unnecessarily high shipping costs due to over-packaging, or an unprofessional brand image. A purchasing manager who understands the differences between cardboard types can reduce incidents, improve the customer experience, and save money. If you want to delve deeper into how packaging impacts your company, check out our guide on cardboard packaging as a competitive advantage for your business.
Key factors to consider are mechanical strength (how much weight it supports), cushioning capacity (protection against impacts), grammage (weight per square meter), and, of course, cost.
General classification of cardboard types
Cardboard types for packaging can be classified into four large families based on their structure and composition. Before going into each one, it is worth remembering that cardboard is just one part of your product's packaging system:
- Cardstock: thin, smooth cardboard, single layer.
- Solid board: multiple pressed layers without internal corrugation.
- Corrugated cardboard (or wavy cardboard): structure with one or more wavy layers between smooth liners, which provides strength and cushioning.
- Micro-flute cardboard: a variant of corrugated cardboard with a very fine flute, ideal for presentation packaging.
Let's look at each one in depth.
Cardstock: what it is and what it is used for
Cardstock is thin cardboard, generally between 300 and 600 g/m² in weight, made of a single layer of pressed fibers. It is the material you find in cereal boxes, cosmetic packaging, pharmaceutical boxes, and small food containers.
Main characteristics of cardstock
- Grammage: between 300 and 600 g/m².
- Structure: single-layer, no internal corrugation.
- Surface: smooth, suitable for high-quality printing (offset, digital).
- Strength: low to medium. Does not support heavy loads or stacking.
Most common uses
Cardstock is mainly used for primary presentation packaging: cosmetic boxes, medicine boxes, dry food packaging, and point-of-sale displays. It is not suitable for transport packaging as it does not offer sufficient protection against impacts. If you want to get to know this material in depth —types of cardstock, finishes, and applications— we have a complete guide on cardstock.
Corrugated cardboard: the king of transport packaging
Corrugated cardboard —also called wavy cardboard— is the material par excellence for shipping boxes and logistics packaging. Its structure combines smooth layers (called liners) with wavy layers (called flutes), creating a sandwich structure that offers an excellent balance between strength, weight, and cost. For an in-depth technical analysis (strength tests, regulations, flute types), see our article dedicated to what corrugated cardboard is and how it is manufactured.
Types of corrugated cardboard by number of flutes
The most important classification of corrugated cardboard is based on how many wavy layers it has:
Single-wall
Consists of one outer liner + one flute + one inner liner. It is the most commonly used for standard shipping boxes. It offers good protection for light to medium-weight products (up to approximately 15-20 kg). It is the typical cardboard of the affordable shipping boxes that you receive at home when buying online.
Double-wall
Consists of two outer liners + two flutes + one middle liner. Significantly multiplies stacking strength and impact protection. Used for heavy products (up to 30-40 kg), fragile objects that need maximum protection, and boxes that must support stacking on pallets during transport and storage. It is the cardboard you will find in our moving packs to protect the most delicate items.
Triple-wall
With three wavy layers and four liners, triple-wall cardboard offers maximum strength. It is used for heavy industrial packaging, machinery, engine parts, and maritime export where transport conditions are more demanding. It can support loads of over 50 kg. If you work with these types of volumes, check out our catalog of large and giant cardboard boxes and our guide on large pallet-sized boxes.
Types of flute by size
In addition to the number of layers, the size of the flute influences the cardboard's properties:
- A-flute (large): ~4.8 mm high. Maximum cushioning, ideal for fragile products.
- B-flute (medium): ~2.5 mm. Good balance between strength and flat surface for printing.
- C-flute (intermediate): ~3.6 mm. The most versatile, combination of cushioning and crush resistance.
- E-flute (micro): ~1.2 mm. Very smooth surface, excellent for printing. Used in micro-corrugated and presentation packaging.
Solid board: strength without corrugation
Solid board is made of multiple layers of cellulose pressed together, without any wavy layers. The result is a rigid, dense, and heavy sheet that offers high resistance to compression.
Characteristics of solid board
- Grammage: between 700 and 2,000 g/m² or more.
- Structure: multi-layer pressed, no corrugation.
- Rigidity: very high. Does not bend easily.
- Cushioning: low. Does not absorb impacts like corrugated cardboard.
When to use solid board?
It is mainly used as a separator between products inside a box, as corner reinforcement, as a rigid base for light pallets, and in the manufacturing of folders, filing cabinets, and rigid luxury packaging (jewelry boxes, premium electronics, etc.).
Micro-corrugated cardboard: presentation packaging
Micro-corrugated cardboard is a variant of corrugated cardboard with a very fine flute (type E or F, 1-1.5 mm). It combines the lightness and good printing surface of cardstock with superior strength thanks to its wavy structure.
It is the choice of many ecommerce brands for their customized shipping boxes, as it allows for high-quality direct printing (logos, full-color designs) while maintaining the protection of corrugated cardboard. If you have ever received a package from a premium brand with a full-color printed box, it was likely micro-corrugated. The die-cut self-assembling boxes are usually manufactured precisely with this material.
Comparison table: packaging cardboard types
To make the choice easier, we leave you a comparison table with the main characteristics of each type of cardboard:
| Type of cardboard | Approx. Grammage | Strength | Cushioning | Printing | Primary use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardstock | 300-600 g/m² | Low | Minimal | Excellent | Cases, cosmetic and pharmacy packaging |
| Solid board | 700-2,000+ g/m² | High (compression) | Low | Good | Separators, reinforcements, rigid packaging |
| Micro-corrugated (E/F) | 400-600 g/m² | Medium | Medium | Very good | Branded ecommerce boxes, displays |
| Single-wall corrugated | 500-800 g/m² | Medium-high | High | Limited (flexo) | Standard shipping boxes (up to 20 kg) |
| Double-wall corrugated | 800-1,200 g/m² | High | Very high | Limited | Heavy, fragile products, stacking |
| Triple-wall corrugated | 1,200-1,800 g/m² | Very high | Maximum | Basic | Heavy industrial, maritime export |
How to choose the right cardboard for your product?
The choice of cardboard type depends on several factors. These are the key questions you should ask yourself:
1. How much does your product weigh?
For light products (less than 5 kg), single-wall is sufficient in most cases. For medium-weight products (5-20 kg), single-wall with high grammage or a C-flute is recommended. For heavy loads (over 20 kg), you will need double-wall or even triple-wall.
If the shipment is heavy, the 60×40×40 double-wall.
2. Is it fragile?
Fragile products (glass, electronics, ceramics) need maximum cushioning. Opt for A or C-flute with single-wall, or double-wall for valuable items. Always supplement with interior filling material (bubble wrap, polyethylene foam, or paper shavings). If you are also hesitating between a box and an envelope for your light shipments, our comparison of cardboard boxes vs. shipping envelopes will be useful.
3. Do you need high-quality printing?
If your priority is a box with a quality printed design (logo, corporate colors, product information), choose micro-corrugated or cardstock. Standard corrugated cardboard only allows low-resolution flexographic printing.
4. Are you going to stack the boxes?
If your boxes are going to be stacked on pallets for storage or transport, you need cardboard with high vertical crush resistance (ECT - Edge Crush Test). Double-wall offers the best performance for stacking.
Difference between corrugated and wavy cardboard
One of the most frequent questions is: is corrugated cardboard the same as wavy cardboard? The short answer is yes. Both terms refer to the same material: a cardboard with a structure of wavy layers between smooth liners. "Corrugated" comes from the English corrugated, while "wavy" directly describes the shape of the internal layers. In the professional sector, they are used interchangeably.
The confusion usually arises because cardstock (which has no corrugation) is sometimes erroneously called "cardboard." To avoid misunderstandings, remember: if it has internal waves, it is corrugated/wavy; if it is smooth and thin, it is cardstock.
Recycled cardboard: sustainability without losing strength
More and more companies are looking for sustainable options for their packaging. The good news is that recycled cardboard can offer very similar performance to virgin fiber cardboard, especially in single-wall and double-wall qualities.
Corrugated cardboard is one of the materials with the highest recycling rate in Europe (more than 85%). By choosing boxes made with certified recycled cardboard (FSC, PEFC), your company contributes to the circular economy without sacrificing the protection of its shipments. At Telecajas, we work with recycled and recyclable materials throughout our cardboard box catalog.
Conclusion: choose well, pack better
Knowing the types of cardboard for packaging allows you to make smarter decisions as a purchasing manager, logistics manager, or owner of an online store. Each type of cardboard has its function: cardstock for presentation, single-wall corrugated for standard shipments, double-wall for heavy or fragile products, and micro-corrugated when you need to combine protection with brand image.
At Telecajas, you will find all these types of cardboard in a wide variety of sizes and formats, with fast shipping throughout the peninsula. Visit our complete catalog of boxes, use our size-based search tool to find exactly what you need, or discover where to find cardboard boxes according to your area. We serve Madrid and Valencia with 24-hour delivery.
Now that you know the types of cardboard, the next step is to choose the correct box. See our selection of cardboard boxes, flap boxes for warehouse and shipping, or self-assembling boxes for ecommerce. For a complete overview of all materials, read our packaging materials guide.
