Types of Book Binding
Binding refers to the process of assembling a book out of folded pages and a cover. We offer three types of binding: saddle stitch, perfect bound, and hardcover. Each of these types has its pros and cons which are listed below. Different schools will have different binding needs depending on page count, how durable the covers need to be, and whether or not they need to lay flat when opened.
Our books are the highest quality
No matter what type of binding you choose, you’re getting a top-notch product.
Saddle Stitch
At Quality Yearbook Publishing we go the extra mile by providing standard 4-staple bind on square backed books. Saddle stitch binding gets its name from the way the books look when they are loaded onto a conveyor for binding. The paper is simply folded in half with metal staples going down the spine. This option is best for shorter yearbooks or schools with a lower budget.
Pros: Can lay flat when opened down the middle, one of the cheapest options.
Cons: Margins can be harder to set up, less durable than other options.
Saddle Stitch available up to 92 pages – Perfect binding then required.
Perfect Bound
At Quality Yearbook Publishing, we only use state of the art PUR plus to film laminate your covers to ensure your books will be long lasting. Perfect bound books have a thicker, often laminated, paper stock cover with standard interior pages. The interior pages are printed and glued to the spine portion of the cover. This option is ideal for yearbooks that are too thick for a saddle stitch bind but may not necessarily need a hard cover. Perfect binding gives you the sleek presentation that you can get with a hardcover book without the extra cost.
Pros: Looks impressive, reasonably priced.
Cons: Can’t lay flat when opened down the middle, paper cover is not as durable as a hardcover.
Hardcover
At Quality Yearbook Publishing we use state of the art PUR glue and 120-point board with a film laminate cover to ensure you receive the highest quality book. Hardcover or case binding involves the most lengthy creation process out of all of the binding options. The cover is manufactured separately from the pages, which are grouped together into sections called signatures. The signatures are assembled into bigger groups called the book blocks and are glued to the spine. The cost is higher, but the end result is a quality book that will last for many years.
Pros: Looks stunning and appears to have more value.
Cons: More expensive, heavy to carry around and to ship.
