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Our Ultimate Buying Guide to Bespoke Cardboard Boxes

Step 1: Box Dimensions


  • We always measure our boxes in mm, click here to convert inches to millimetres. 
  • We work with internal dimensions, so all measurements refer to the inside of the box. As we are dealing with corrugated cardboard there can be a variance on size by up to 3%.  
  • We measure our boxes in (L) Length x (W) Width x (H) Height – see image:
  • On the drawings:
  • L = Length – the longest measurement of the box at its opening
  • W = Width – the shorter dimension of the box at the opening
  • H = Height – the measurement from the top of the opening to the base of the cardboard carton

How to work out the correct measurements for a box to suit your product:

  • When working out the dimensions for your bespoke cardboard boxes, always try to use a tape measure as you will find this far more accurate than a ruler
  • First you will need to work out the length of the box you need, which is the measurement of the longest side of the base of your box
  • Then work out the width, which would be the shortest side of the base of your box
  • Finally work out the height, which is the measurement from the base to the top of the box

If you are sending out a product and are unsure what size box you require, you can work this out by measuring the length, width and height (as described above) of your product and adding 5mm to each measurement.


Something to consider…


Will Your Products Need Cushioning/Protection?

  • If this is the case, you will need to allocate more space in your box to allow for this.
  • Take a look at our Protection, Cushioning and Wrapping range to view our extensive product protection options.
  • Remember, you will need to add to your Length, Width and Height Dimensions to allow for this.

Tip… The more space you leave, the more cushioning you can fit in – the key to ensuring your items remain safe whilst in transit or storage. 

Step 2: Box Style


  • You can be assured of the quality of our range of bespoke cardboard boxes, which conform to FEFCO (The European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers) standards and the ESBO (The European Solid Board Organisation) code. This international code assigns a number and straightforward drawing to each style of cardboard carton.
  • You can view our shop here, to give you some inspiration for a box style which would work for you.
  • You can choose single or double wall corrugated boxes for any box style you choose, and note that each of our cardboard cartons can be customised to your specifications, made to measure or printed as you wish.
  • Here are some popular FEFCO / ESBO carton styles to give you a starting point in making your decision:
  • 0201 / 0203 – standard cardboard box – suitable for anything
  • 0300 – box suitable for flat items
  • 0320 – box suitable for items with varying heights / heavy items
  • 0409 – box suitable for flat items
  • 0411 – box suitable for flat items

Step 3: Cardboard Box Colour/Print


  • We offer a range of different types of board, including the option to have a standard brown cardboard box, or white paper over the board if you wish. 
  • Our white board is white externally and brown internally 
  • We can supply white internally however this is not a standard board and will require a minimum order QTY
  • We can provide brown external and white internal 
  • Our standard brown cardboard is brown on both the exterior and interior 

Step 4: Cardboard Box Thickness


The thickness of the cardboard will determine how strong or flexible your box is. When you are

designing your bespoke box with us, you have a choice between single wall and double wall

board:

  • Single Wall Board – Board which has one layer of fluting (see Figure A – this can be a variety of sizes) which is a lighter box and gives a more delicate impression. This can be used for products that are lightweight or do not need extra protection.
  • Double Wall Board – Board which has two layers of fluting which gives your product an extra layer of protection and ensures that the box is strong and sturdy. This board would usually be used to pack products that are either very fragile or heavy.

You will also need to decide on the size of your fluting, and your board grade (the thickness of the board liners – see Figure A). This will define how thick the cardboard is and therefore ensure that your box is made from a board that is just the right strength and weight for your product.

Step 5: Quantity and Delivery of Boxes


  • Lastly, you will be asked to input the quantity of bespoke cardboard boxes you require. This can range from just one box, to several thousand!
  • Please note that the lower the quantity of boxes, the higher the price will be per box. This price increase is especially noticeable when you are looking to buy a single box, as we must cover the set-up costs for manufacturing the box.
  • Price breaks are introduced as your quantity increases. You will see the price breaks displayed underneath the quantity input box on our custom box calculator. The shipping cost must be added to your box cost before you proceed to checkout. In your online basket, you can add your delivery address into our shipping calculator, which will work out the shipping cost and add it on to your order total.
  • There is also the option to arrange your own courier service or collection from our warehouse if you prefer. However, we do try our best to keep shipping costs down for our customers, so we believe we offer competitive pricing for shipping.

How to order

Get in touch

Input your box specifications into our Instant Box Quote, select the print option (or not if you want it plain), and upload your artwork. From the cart you can either send yourself the quote or place the order directly.

Confirm Artwork

(If you don't require printing skip this step)

Once the order is placed we use the artwork you upload to create a print proof. If you need help creating the artwork, let us know and we'll create it for you.

Start Production

Once you are happy with the box spec and/or the print proof, the final design is approved, and the production process begins!


Receive Delivery

We will ship your new wonderful boxes to the place of your choice, anywhere in the UK!

Find out how Quickbox can help you solve any and all of your packaging problems today!

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