Q&A with Derek Landheer
How to Choose the Right Binding Style for Your Book
Choosing the right binding style isn’t just about looks; it’s about functionality, durability, and creating the best experience for your readers. Whether you’re a self-published author, an indie press, or a company producing educational books and manuals, binding is a crucial part of your print project’s success.
Derek, our Production Manager here at Color House Graphics, answers common questions to help you make the best choice.
Q: Why is the choice of binding so important for a print project?
Binding is the backbone of any printed book or project. It determines how well the book holds up to use, how it lies when open, and even how professional it feels in a reader’s hands. The proper binding ensures your project is not only attractive but also functional and durable. It’s an investment in quality, and your readers will notice.
Q: What are the most common binding styles you see at CHG?
We offer a range of options, but the most common include:
- Perfect Binding: The classic “paperback” style, featuring a squared spine, is affordable, clean, and professional.
- PUR Binding: A stronger version of perfect binding that uses PUR adhesive for improved durability, ideal for heavier or coated papers.
- Saddle-Stitching: Staples along the spine for booklets or smaller page counts, great for catalogs or programs.
- Case Binding: Traditional hardcover, offering maximum durability and a premium feel.
- Spiral/Coil Binding: Flexible and lays flat, excellent for workbooks, manuals, or cookbooks.
Each style has strengths, depending on how the book will be used.
Q: How does the intended use or audience affect binding choice?
Audience and use are huge factors. For example:
- A children’s book might use case binding for durability.
- A manual or workbook often works best with spiral or coil binding, allowing it to lie flat.
- A high-end coffee table book benefits from a hardcover with specialty finishes.
- A novel typically uses perfect binding for cost-effective, professional results.
We always ask customers about their audience and purpose to help them make the right choice.
Q: What should clients consider in terms of budget and quantity?
The binding choice affects cost. Saddle-stitched booklets are generally the most affordable, while case binding is more expensive but adds value for specific markets. Quantities matter too; some binding methods are better suited for short runs (like PUR binding for durable short runs) while others scale better for larger print runs.
We work with clients to help them balance their budget and goals, ensuring they achieve the best possible result within their means.
Q: Can you share an example of helping a customer choose the right binding style?
We often work with self-publishing authors who assume they want a hardcover, but when we discuss their goals and budget, perfect binding or PUR binding is a better fit. It keeps costs down without sacrificing quality.
On the other hand, some projects benefit from an upgrade. We recently printed a high-end coffee table book, and they went with case binding and embossing. It elevated the entire piece and helped them stand out.
Q: How does CHG help guide customers through the decision?
We don’t just take an order, we consult. Our team will ask about the project’s purpose, page count, paper type, audience, budget, and timeline. We then recommend the best binding style for those specific needs.
Q: Any common mistakes you see when people choose binding options?
One big mistake is underestimating how the book will be used. A workbook that can’t lie flat frustrates readers, or picking a glue that fails with coated papers if you don’t use PUR.
Another is ignoring page count; saddle-stitching works great for low-page-count booklets, but just doesn’t work well for thicker books.
We view our role as helping clients avoid those issues upfront.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone starting a new project?
Don’t design everything first and then ask about binding. If you bring us in early, we can help you choose specs that look great, work well, and stay within budget. It saves a lot of headaches and leads to better results.
Ready to find the best binding for your project? Let our experienced CHG sales team help you select the perfect style that matches your goals, timeline, and budget. Contact us today to start the conversation.
