Book Binding Options: What Makes 48 Hour Books Different

At 48 Hour Books, we are your partner for printing and binding services. We print paperback books in just 2 business days! if you're in a bind (no pun intended), let us know of your need-by date, and we will give you the timing you need to get your book on time. We also have "Rush' and "SuperRush" production (check availability the day you order), if you need your books even faster.

We offer a variety of binding options for your projects. We use PUR adhesive for our paperback and hardcover binding. PUR adhesive holds up the best over time, so you don't get any gapping in the hinge area of the spine, giving your books a long shelf life.

For unique cover customizations, consider adding our Diamond 3D Printing to your book cover, available in different colors and patterns. If you're printing a cloth or leather hardcover book, our hot foil-stamping is a popular pairing to add.

There are many decisions that go into planning the printing of your book. What size do I make it? What kind of paper should I use? Do I want a paperback or hardcover? We’ve already answered some of these questions in previous posts, and now we’re tackling binding. We’re breaking down our different book binding options: what we offer, the recommended page counts for each, genre-specific binding, spine size, and more. 

Types of Book Binding

Let’s start with spine widths. We have a basic formula for calculating the correct width of your spine for paperback and hardcover books. We’ve made it easy for you by providing cover size calculators. Simply enter your book size, paper stock, and the number of pages and we’ll tell you what size to make your cover and spine.

Perfect Bound (paperback book binding): (16 – 1,050 pages)

Paperback books are the most popular book binding option, and for good reason. They are the most cost-effective, versatile, and complement most genres. With perfect bound binding, we can print your books in just 2 business days, so if you are in a time crunch, paperbacks are going to be your safest bet.

Case Bound (hardcover book binding): (40 – 1050 pages)

If your heart is set on a hardcover book and you have less than 40 pages, we can do this, but we recommend you get a printed proof with your order to double-check that you are happy with the way the case bound binding looks.

The most popular types of books that are printed in hardcover are children’s books, family histories/genealogies, encyclopedias, books with larger page counts, yearbooks, and many others.

You have the option of choosing between gloss or silk (matte) laminate cover finishes. We also offer leather and cloth covers that you can pair with a dust jacket.

We also have the option of adding hardcover books to your paperback book order if you wanted some special edition hardcovers. You can request this on your online order form.

Coil Bound (spiral book binding): 2 – 350 pages)

If you’re printing a coil bound book, chances are there’s a functional purpose. The most common coil bound books are journals, cookbooks, workbooks, devotionals, coloring books, logbooks, and more. Since many of these books are used to write in, we recommend upgrading your paper stock to 70# or 80# Offset.

We use plastic coil that comes in a variety of colors. You will see these options on your online order form. If you request a specific color, keep in mind that we may need to order it and it could add a few additional days to your production time.

Need tabs? Tabs are great for cookbooks, workbooks, booklets, and daily planners. Our custom Index Tab Dividers are the perfect way to keep your book beautifully organized and easy-to-use. These attractive and durable page tabs for books can be customized to fit your specific needs. 

Just tell us how many die-cut tabs you need, whether they are in black and white or full-color, and how many die-cut tabs per bank. Then, send us the wording for each tab, and we'll do the rest.

Saddle-stitch (stapled book binding): (Up to 36 pages + cover)

Saddle-stitch books are a great option if you have a book with very few pages. For example, maybe you have a children’s book that is only 12 pages – saddle stitch binding would function perfectly.  This binding type is popular for programs, brochures, manuals, small children’s books, and books with low page counts.

The most important thing to know about saddle-stitch books is that in order to successfully set them up, your pages must be divisible by 4. Because of the way these books are printed and folded, we will not be able to execute an odd number of pages.

Remember, this is YOUR book you’re printing. If you have your heart set on your books being hardcover, then make them hardcover! If you are printing a cookbook and really want tabs, but you’re not sure how to set them up, call us! We want your books to be a reflection of your vision and we will help in any way possible to make that vision a reality.

Ready to get started? Contact us today!