Types of Book Binding: Perfect, PUR, Saddle Stitch and More

Binding is what holds the pages of a book together, and it affects how the book opens, how long it lasts and what it costs. Here are the main types of book binding and when each one is used.

The pages are gathered, the spine edge is roughened, and glue fixes them to a wraparound card cover. It gives the flat, printed spine you see on most paperbacks, and it is the standard choice for novels, memoirs and non-fiction from about 40 pages upwards.

PUR is perfect binding with polyurethane reactive glue instead of standard hot-melt (EVA) glue. PUR glue is stronger and more flexible, copes better with heat and cold, and lets the book open flatter without pages loosening. It is the binding we use for our paperbacks.

Folded sheets are nested inside each other and stapled through the fold. It is quick and inexpensive, and suits booklets, programmes, magazines and short children's books. It works for a low page count only, and the page count must be a multiple of four. There is no printed spine.

The pages are glued or sewn into a rigid cover made of boards wrapped in printed paper or cloth. It is the most durable and most expensive option, used for coffee table books, gift editions and library copies. See paperback vs hardcover.

Pages are printed in folded sections that are sewn together with thread before the cover goes on. It is very durable and lies flat, but it costs more and takes longer, so it is mostly used for premium editions.

A plastic or metal coil runs through punched holes. The book opens completely flat, which suits workbooks, manuals, cookbooks and notebooks, but it is rarely used for books sold in shops.

• Novel, memoir, business or faith book: PUR perfect binding.
• Short booklet or programme: saddle stitch.
• Coffee table or gift book: case binding.
• Workbook or manual used at a desk: spiral or wire binding.

Our paperbacks are printed in A5 and 6×9 with PUR perfect binding, from 100 copies, delivered 10 working days after proof approval. See A5 printing prices.