<p>I would strongly consider what is usually used for covers in these types of books. Hardboard or millboard. They are both similar materials that I would suggest for this. Unfortunately their names are sometimes used interchangeably so I would like to clarify a little what they are. Then you should be able to make a informed choice. </p>

<p><strong>Millboard</strong> is what you would find if you were to take a simple binder or traditional hardcover book apart. It is also heavier than millboard so keep that in mind. Side Note: Doing just that is a great way to get perfectly sized materials!</p>

<p><strong>Hardboard</strong> is, like its name suggests, a very hard rigid and dense board. It is similar to both MDF and particle board. These come in thin sheets that would be perfect for binding. I talk about hardboard a <em>little</em> more over at <a href="https://woodworking.stackexchange.com/questions/1528/how-can-i-identify-some-of-the-common-engineered-boards-panels/1529#1529">Woodworking.SE</a></p>

<p>I would lean towards millboard as it is more forgiving to bending than hardboard. Hardboard will hardly move at all. Both are perfectly adequate for binding leather. I have made 5 books that were leather bound. </p>

<blockquote>
  <p>However, I want to bump up the quality of the binding</p>
</blockquote>

<p>If you wanted to do something else to bump up your game I would suggest using actual leather for you book covers. It is <em>really</em> easy to come by if you are no picky about colours. Local secondhand stores are usually where I source my leathers. Jackets might be tempting for their size but they are usually too expensive. Skirts are the best best at being both cheap and containing large enough swatches to cover your book panels. </p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-09-07T13:59:08.440Z
I'm interested in your last statement. What kind of stores do you go to? thrift shops, or other places? what items usually have good, usable, leather? what is the color? is is vege-tanned, or dark hide?
tuskiomi
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-09-07T14:16:39.100Z
I have not tested if the leather I get is veg tanned. I suspect its not given the clothing. Thrifts shops yes. I don't know where you are located or what you have available in your area but thrift shop should mean something to you. Colour varies with availability. Black is common but I have gotten greys and reds before.  Not familiar with the term dark hide.
Matt
CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-12-23T14:57:19.477Z
If you have a place near where they re-cover leather furniture they might have the old leather available. (And if they have to get rid of leather furniture or leather from furniture, you can often find quite big stretches of the backs and sides which are not worn.)
Willeke
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-09-07T10:46:53.230Z
2016-09-07T19:14:57.100Z
2017-04-13T12:49:02.167Z
Matt
<p>I am getting into book binding, and want to try binding something with faux leather. However, I want to bump up the quality of the binding, and don't want to use cardboard as a backbone in holding the faux together. </p>

<p>I was wondering about a material that I could use in its place. I was thinking possibly Solid Bleach Board, or chipboard. I do like the look of chipboard, though i'm worried it may be <em>too</em> rigid. </p>

<p>Are there any types of cardboard that are simply loosely compressed, and uncorrugated?</p>

<material-selection><book-binding>
What material can I use for hardcover book panels when binding?
tuskiomi
# What material can I use for hardcover book panels when binding?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2016-09-06)

I am getting into book binding, and want to try binding something with faux leather. However, I want to bump up the quality of the binding, and don't want to use cardboard as a backbone in holding the faux together.

I was wondering about a material that I could use in its place. I was thinking possibly Solid Bleach Board, or chipboard. I do like the look of chipboard, though i'm worried it may be *too* rigid.

Are there any types of cardboard that are simply loosely compressed, and uncorrugated?

**Tags:** material-selection, book-binding


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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2016-09-07. Score: 8 | Accepted answer

I would strongly consider what is usually used for covers in these types of books. Hardboard or millboard. They are both similar materials that I would suggest for this. Unfortunately their names are sometimes used interchangeably so I would like to clarify a little what they are. Then you should be able to make a informed choice.

**Millboard** is what you would find if you were to take a simple binder or traditional hardcover book apart. It is also heavier than millboard so keep that in mind. Side Note: Doing just that is a great way to get perfectly sized materials!

**Hardboard** is, like its name suggests, a very hard rigid and dense board. It is similar to both MDF and particle board. These come in thin sheets that would be perfect for binding. I talk about hardboard a *little* more over at [Woodworking.SE](https://woodworking.stackexchange.com/questions/1528/how-can-i-identify-some-of-the-common-engineered-boards-panels/1529#1529)

I would lean towards millboard as it is more forgiving to bending than hardboard. Hardboard will hardly move at all. Both are perfectly adequate for binding leather. I have made 5 books that were leather bound.

> However, I want to bump up the quality of the binding

If you wanted to do something else to bump up your game I would suggest using actual leather for you book covers. It is *really* easy to come by if you are no picky about colours. Local secondhand stores are usually where I source my leathers. Jackets might be tempting for their size but they are usually too expensive. Skirts are the best best at being both cheap and containing large enough swatches to cover your book panels.

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: I'm interested in your last statement. What kind of stores do you go to? thrift shops, or other places? what items usually have good, usable, leather? what is the color? is is vege-tanned, or dark hide?  
> **username_1**: I have not tested if the leather I get is veg tanned. I suspect its not given the clothing. Thrifts shops yes. I don't know where you are located or what you have available in your area but thrift shop should mean something to you. Colour varies with availability. Black is common but I have gotten greys and reds before.  Not familiar with the term dark hide.  
> **username_2**: If you have a place near where they re-cover leather furniture they might have the old leather available. (And if they have to get rid of leather furniture or leather from furniture, you can often find quite big stretches of the backs and sides which are not worn.)  

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