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
Single Wall

Single Wall Corrugated Boxes

One layer of fluting between two liners, the most common way to build a corrugated box. Request used single wall boxes through partner suppliers.

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What is Single Wall Corrugated?

Single wall corrugated board consists of one layer of fluted medium sandwiched between two flat linerboard faces. This construction creates a lightweight yet sturdy material suited to a wide range of products.

The fluting acts as a cushion, absorbing impacts and vibrations during transit. The outer liners provide a smooth surface for printing and labeling while adding structural rigidity.

Single wall is the most common corrugated construction, popular for its balance of protection and weight. Used single wall boxes are available through partner suppliers, and availability depends on them.

B-Flute (3mm)

Fine fluting for excellent printing surface. Great for retail displays and lightweight items.

C-Flute (4mm)

The most common flute type. Good balance of cushioning and stacking strength for general shipping.

E-Flute (1.5mm)

Micro-flute for thin, lightweight packaging. Perfect for mailers and small product boxes.

Common Sizes

Dimensions (L x W x H)Common ECTTypical Use
4 x 4 x 432Jewelry, small parts, samples
6 x 6 x 632Small items, candles, samples
8 x 8 x 832Candles, jars, small electronics
10 x 8 x 632Books, DVDs, documents
12 x 10 x 832Retail goods, craft supplies
12 x 12 x 1232Kitchen items, toys
14 x 14 x 1432Clothing bundles, light equipment
16 x 12 x 1232Shoes, retail goods
16 x 16 x 1644Medium electronics, small appliances
18 x 14 x 1244Office supplies, tools
18 x 18 x 1644Medium appliances, bulk items
18 x 18 x 2444Moving boxes, household items
20 x 20 x 2044Large items, multiple products
24 x 18 x 1844Linens, pillows, bulky items
24 x 24 x 2444Moving, storage, large items
24 x 20 x 1244Flat items, trays, baking supplies
30 x 18 x 1244Long flat items, prints, frames

Sizes and ratings are for reference, not a stock list. Used boxes may not perform like new ones, so ask the supplier for rated capacity. Availability depends on partner suppliers.

Flute Profiles

Detailed Flute Comparison

The flute profile affects how a single wall box performs. Each one offers a different balance of cushioning, stacking strength, and printing quality. Heights and counts are approximate.

Flute TypeHeightFlutes/ftCushioningStackingPrint QualityBest Applications
A-Flute5mm (3/16")33-36ExcellentGoodFairFragile items, cushion-critical shipments
B-Flute3mm (1/8")47-52GoodVery GoodVery GoodRetail displays, canned goods, die-cut boxes
C-Flute4mm (5/32")39-43Very GoodVery GoodGoodGeneral shipping, most common all-purpose flute
E-Flute1.5mm (1/16")90-96FairGoodExcellentMailers, pizza boxes, lightweight retail packaging
F-Flute0.8mm (1/32")120+LimitedFairExcellentMicro-corrugated packaging, cosmetic boxes, jewelry

How Fluting Works

Fluting is the wavy layer sandwiched between the two flat liners of corrugated board. It works on the same principle as an arch: the curved shape spreads force across the structure. When a box is compressed from the top (stacking), the flutes bear the load vertically. When the box receives an impact from the side (dropping), the flutes act as springs, absorbing and distributing the energy across the entire wall rather than concentrating it at the impact point. This is why corrugated board can protect products from both compression and shock simultaneously.

Flute Direction Matters

In a standard RSC (Regular Slotted Container) box, the flutes run vertically when the box is standing upright. Vertical flutes help stacking strength because the arches line up with the force of gravity. Stack boxes the right way up to keep that benefit.

By Industry

Single Wall Applications by Industry

Single wall boxes turn up in nearly every line of work. Here is how different sectors use them and which sizes are common.

E-Commerce & Online Retail

Sizes: 6x6x6 to 20x20x20ECT: 32-44

Online sellers often use a handful of standard sizes to cover their range. Cleaner boxes suit customer-facing deliveries.

Packaged Goods

Sizes: 10x8x6 to 18x18x16ECT: 32-44

Roasters, bottle shops, and specialty producers ship sealed, already-packaged goods in single wall boxes. Used boxes are not a fit for direct food contact.

Books & Media

Sizes: 10x8x6 to 14x14x14ECT: 32

Books are heavy for their size, so smaller boxes are easier to lift and less likely to be overloaded.

Apparel & Fashion

Sizes: 14x14x14 to 24x18x18ECT: 32

Clothing is light and not fragile, so single wall is a natural fit. Outer box condition matters less when products are individually poly-bagged inside.

Light Electronics

Sizes: 8x8x8 to 18x18x16ECT: 32-44

Routers, small printers, and accessories can ship in single wall boxes with suitable cushioning.

Health & Beauty

Sizes: 4x4x4 to 12x12x12ECT: 32

Cosmetics and personal care brands use small single wall boxes for subscription and direct-to-consumer shipping. E-flute gives a thinner, neater look.

Arts & Crafts

Sizes: 12x12x12 to 24x24x24ECT: 32-44

Artists and makers across Portland protect ceramics and handmade goods in single wall boxes with good padding.

Office & Business Supplies

Sizes: 10x8x6 to 18x18x16ECT: 32

Print shops and business services use single wall boxes for paper, toner, and promotional materials.

Agriculture & Nurseries

Sizes: 12x12x12 to 24x18x18ECT: 44

Nurseries and seed companies ship bulbs, seed, and supplies in single wall boxes, often with ventilation for live goods.

Decision Guide

How to Choose the Right Single Wall Box

Use this guide to work out what to ask for. Consider these four factors in order.

1

Determine the Size

Measure your product at its widest, tallest, and deepest points, and allow room for cushioning on every side. If shipping multiple items, lay them out and measure the combined footprint. Oversizing wastes material and can add dimensional weight charges, while undersizing risks damage. Aim for a snug fit with cushioning on all six faces.

2

Think About the ECT Rating

32 ECT is the common single wall rating, and 44 ECT is a stronger grade. If your product has sharp edges or concentrated weight, or boxes will be stacked on pallets, ask about a stronger grade or double wall. Ask the supplier for rated capacity for your load.

3

Choose the Flute Profile

C-Flute is a sensible default for general shipping. Choose B-Flute for a better printing surface or a thinner profile. Choose E-Flute for lightweight mailers and neat retail packaging. A-Flute is less common in standard shipping but offers more cushioning.

4

Decide on Condition

Like New or Good for customer-facing shipments where appearance matters. Fair for warehouse storage and internal transfers. Used for non-shipping jobs like storage and packing material. Partner suppliers may describe condition in their own terms, so confirm before you order.

Reading Single Wall Ratings

What the common terms mean, and how the ratings usually pair up. Used boxes may not perform like new ones, so treat printed ratings as a starting point.

TermCommon PairingWhat It Tells You
ECT (Edge Crush Test)32 ECT, 44 ECTEdgewise crush strength of the board; relates to stacking strength
Burst (Mullen)200 lb, 275 lbPressure the board takes before rupturing; relates to puncture resistance
Equivalent Grades32 ECT with 200 lb; 44 ECT with 275 lbBoxes are usually rated one way or the other, and these are widely treated as equivalents
Box Maker's CertificatePrinted on the boxStamp showing the maker's stated ratings, where a box has one

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

Request Single Wall Boxes

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

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