Reusing a box avoids making a new oneFree, no-obligation quote requestsUsed boxes and gaylords through partner suppliersFlatten and stack cardboard to save floor spaceKeep boxes dry so they can be reusedServing Portland, Oregon and the metro areaReusing a box avoids making a new oneFree, no-obligation quote requestsUsed boxes and gaylords through partner suppliersFlatten and stack cardboard to save floor spaceKeep boxes dry so they can be reusedServing Portland, Oregon and the metro area
Portland Boxes
Double Wall

Double Wall Corrugated Boxes

Two layers of fluting add crush resistance and stacking strength for heavier shipments. Request used double wall boxes through partner suppliers.

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How Double Wall Adds Strength

Double wall corrugated board features two layers of fluted medium separated by a flat liner, creating a five-layer construction with more crush resistance and stacking strength than single wall.

Often built with BC flute (B-flute plus C-flute), double wall boxes are a common step up for heavier goods, stacking, and long-term storage. Ask the supplier for rated capacity.

Used double wall boxes are available through partner suppliers. Prior use affects strength, so ask about condition before you rely on a box for a heavy load. Availability depends on partner suppliers.

Compare with Single Wall
5-Ply

Board construction

2

Fluted layers

BC

Common flute pairing

48 ECT

Common double wall rating

Common Sizes

Dimensions (L x W x H)Typical Use
10 x 10 x 10Dense small items, heavy tools
12 x 12 x 12Heavy small items, tools, castings
14 x 14 x 14Equipment, dense electronics
16 x 16 x 16Equipment, electronics, lab gear
18 x 14 x 14Server components, UPS units
18 x 18 x 18Industrial parts, machinery components
20 x 20 x 20Heavy equipment, bulk goods
24 x 18 x 12Flat heavy items, metal plates
24 x 18 x 18Automotive parts, manufacturing
24 x 24 x 24Larger heavy items, storage
30 x 24 x 24Oversized heavy items, export shipping
36 x 24 x 24Large machinery parts, industrial storage
36 x 36 x 24Oversized equipment, palletized goods
40 x 30 x 24Large industrial components

Double wall boxes are commonly 44 or 48 ECT. Sizes are for reference, not a stock list. Ask the supplier for the rating and rated capacity. Availability depends on partner suppliers.

Common Applications

Industrial Shipping

Heavy machinery parts, automotive components, and manufacturing supplies that need more protection in transit.

Export & International

Longer trips with more handling are harder on a box. Double wall gives extra protection for the journey.

Long-Term Storage

Warehoused goods that sit under stacking pressure for a long time. Double wall is better at holding up than single wall.

Construction

Double Wall Construction Explained

Understanding how double wall corrugated is built helps you decide when it is worth asking for.

The Five-Layer Structure

Double wall corrugated board consists of five distinct layers, from outside to inside: (1) outer liner, (2) outer fluting, (3) center liner, (4) inner fluting, (5) inner liner. This five-ply board, roughly 1/4 to 3/8 inch thick, adds crush resistance, puncture resistance, and stacking strength. The center liner keeps the two fluted layers apart so they work independently under compression.

BC Flute: The Standard Combination

A common double wall configuration is BC flute: a B-flute layer (3mm) combined with a C-flute layer (4mm). The C-flute adds cushioning and stacking strength, while the finer B-flute helps resist puncture and gives a better printing surface on the outer face. BC double wall is a common choice for heavy shipping boxes and industrial containers.

AC Flute: More Cushioning

For fragile items, AC flute combines the thick A-flute (5mm) with C-flute (4mm). This makes a thicker board with more cushioning. The tradeoff is lower flat crush resistance than BC, so it suits sharp-edged contents less well. Ask a partner supplier whether it is available.

Layer by Layer

Outer LinerKraft linerboard

Printing surface, puncture resistance

Outer Fluting (B or A)Corrugating medium

Crush resistance, dent protection

Center LinerKraft linerboard

Separates the flutes, spreads load

Inner Fluting (C)Corrugating medium

Cushioning, stacking strength

Inner LinerKraft linerboard

Clean interior surface

Moisture Resistance

Double wall has more paper to get through, so it generally takes up moisture more slowly than single wall. It is still corrugated, though, and damp conditions weaken it. In a wet Portland winter, keep boxes dry and off the floor.

Upgrade Guide

When to Upgrade from Single Wall

Single wall suits many jobs, but there are situations where double wall is worth asking about. Use this guide to decide.

Heavier Products

As contents get heavier, single wall has less margin, especially when stacked. Ask the supplier for rated capacity and step up if your load is near the limit.

Long Stacking Time

If boxes will sit stacked on pallets for a long time, consider double wall. Corrugated experiences "creep", a gradual compression under sustained load, and sturdier board helps.

Longer or Multi-Leg Trips

Shipments that move between truck, rail, or ocean freight see more vibration and handling than a single local trip. Double wall adds some reserve for those transitions.

High-Value Contents

When the contents are worth far more than the box, the step up to double wall is often easy to justify. Good cushioning still matters.

Sharp or Pointed Contents

Tools, machined parts, and metal brackets can puncture single wall from the inside during transit. Double wall adds resistance, especially where items can shift.

Damp or Cold Storage

If boxes will sit in a refrigerated space or be exposed to damp during loading, double wall generally holds up better than single wall. Keep them as dry as you can.

Single Wall vs. Double Wall

A side-by-side look at how the two constructions differ. Actual performance varies by board, flute, and condition.

FeatureSingle WallDouble Wall
Board3-ply5-ply
Fluted Layers12
Approx. Thickness1/8" - 3/16"1/4" - 3/8"
Common FlutesB, C, EBC, AC
Common ECT32, with 44 as a stronger grade44 or 48
StackingGood for lighter stacksBetter for heavier stacks
Puncture ResistanceGoodBetter
Weight of the BoxLighterHeavier

Ask the supplier for rated capacity for the box you are quoted.

Industry Applications

Double Wall by Industry

Double wall boxes are common where contents are heavy or hard to replace. Here are some of the usual uses and sizes.

Automotive Parts

Common sizes: 18x18x18 to 36x24x24

Brake assemblies, stamped parts, and other dense components. Double wall helps resist puncture from sharp edges.

Tools & Hardware

Common sizes: 12x12x12 to 24x18x18

Hand tools, fasteners, and hardware kits are heavy for their size and can have sharp edges that work at the box walls.

Machined Parts

Common sizes: 14x14x14 to 30x24x24

Precision-machined parts need protection from knocks. Double wall with suitable inserts is a common way to pack them.

Industrial Equipment

Common sizes: 16x16x16 to 36x36x24

Pumps, motors, and heavy electrical components. Double wall helps with the weight, and cushioning protects machined surfaces.

Bottled Goods

Common sizes: 12x12x12 to 20x20x20

Bottles are heavy and fragile together. Double wall with cell partitions separates them and adds strength.

Furniture Components

Common sizes: 24x18x12 to 40x30x24

Flat-pack panels, hardware kits, and furniture pieces ship in double wall boxes that resist bending in transit.

Request Double Wall Boxes

Send a free, no-obligation quote request and a partner supplier follows up. Availability depends on partner suppliers.

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