Choosing the right cardboard box might seem simple, but it can make a big difference to your shipping costs, product protection, and customer experience. Two of the most common options are single wall boxes and double wall boxes.
Both are useful, but they are designed for different purposes. Using the wrong one can lead to damaged goods, unnecessary costs, or packaging that is not suitable for the item being sent.
A single wall box is made from one layer of corrugated cardboard between two outer liners. Single wall boxes are usually:
They are ideal for businesses sending everyday items that do not require heavy-duty protection. View our range of single wall boxes here.
A double wall box is made with two layers of corrugated cardboard, giving it extra strength and durability. Double wall boxes are usually better for:
Double wall boxes provide additional protection where strength matters most. View our range of double wall boxes here.
Single wall boxes are a great choice for lighter, less fragile products. They are commonly used for:
If the item is not particularly heavy or delicate, a single wall box may provide all the protection you need.
Double wall boxes are better suited to products that need extra support during transit. They are commonly used for:
For fragile or valuable goods, choosing a stronger box can help reduce the risk of damage.
Single wall boxes are usually cheaper than double wall boxes because they use less material. However, the cheapest option is not always the best value.
If a product is damaged because the box was not strong enough, the cost of replacement, refunds, and customer service can quickly outweigh the saving.
The best choice is the box that protects the product properly without adding unnecessary cost.
Packaging weight can affect courier and postage costs. Single wall boxes are lighter, which can help keep shipping costs lower.
Double wall boxes are heavier, but they offer more protection for items that need it. The key is to match the box strength to the product rather than automatically choosing the strongest option every time.
Single wall boxes are often easier to store because they are lighter and less bulky.
Double wall boxes may take up slightly more space, but they offer better strength when stacked.
For businesses managing stockroom or warehouse space, it is worth considering how boxes will be stored before they are used.
Parcels can be handled multiple times during delivery. They may be:
For lighter items, single wall boxes are often suitable. For heavier or more fragile items, double wall boxes provide greater resistance against crushing and impact.
Yes. Even when using a strong box, void fill may still be needed. Void fill helps stop items moving around inside the parcel. Common options include:
A strong box protects from the outside, while void fill protects the product inside. View our range of void fill products here.
The best choice depends on what you are sending. Choose single wall boxes if you need:
Choose double wall boxes if you need:
Single wall and double wall boxes both have an important place in business packaging. Single wall boxes are ideal for lighter, everyday shipments, while double wall boxes provide extra strength for heavier or more fragile items.
By choosing the right box for the product, businesses can reduce damage, control costs, and improve the delivery experience. The right cardboard box is not always the strongest or the cheapest — it is the one that suits the item being sent.
At Parcelsend UK, we supply a wide range of packaging solutions designed to support any UK business - whether you're shipping from a warehouse or your living room. View our range of packaging supplies here.
