Cardstock & Specialty Paper Printing in Birmingham, AL
Invitations, greeting cards, note cards, rack cards, parchment, and custom cardstock printing. 80 lb through ultra-thick 2-ply stock. Local pickup in Homewood.
What We Print on Cardstock
Any time paper weight matters — invitations, cards, certificates, and specialty documents.
- Invitations & Announcements
Wedding invitations, graduation announcements, baby shower invites, and party cards. Heavy cardstock conveys formality — 100 lb cover minimum, 130 lb or ultra-thick for premium suites.
5×7", 4×6", A2, A6, custom
- Greeting & Holiday Cards
Custom printed greeting cards, holiday cards, and thank-you cards on heavy stock. Flat or fold-score. Full-color on one or both sides, with a white or printed interior.
5×7" flat, 4×5.5" or 5×7" folded
- Table Cards & Place Cards
Tent cards, place cards, escort cards, and table numbers for events and weddings. Scored and folded, or flat. Short runs of 25–100 are common — no need for a large minimum.
2×3.5", 3×4", 4×6" · scored fold available
- Custom Note Cards
Blank or printed note cards for personal correspondence, business thank-yous, and stationery sets. Single-sided or double-sided printing on smooth, linen, or cotton cardstock.
4×6", 5×7", A2 · flat or scored fold
- Rack Cards & Tear-Offs
Thick rack cards (3.5×8.5") for hotel lobbies, waiting rooms, and retail displays. Heavier than a standard flyer — they stand upright in a rack and feel like a real marketing piece.
3.5×8.5" standard rack card · 100 lb cover
- Parchment & Specialty Paper
Certificates, diplomas, awards, and formal documents printed on parchment or laid-finish paper. The paper communicates formality before anyone reads a word. Ask about 24 lb parchment bond if you're printing text documents.
8.5×11", 8.5×14" · parchment, laid, linen finish
Cardstock Weight Guide
The right paper weight depends on what impression you want to make. Here’s how the common weights compare.
| Weight | Feel | Best For | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80 lb Cover | Light cardstock | Rack cards, basic postcards, casual note cards | Thicker than paper, thinner than a greeting card |
| 100 lb Cover | Standard cardstock | Invitations, greeting cards, business postcards | The most common weight for premium print jobs |
| 130 lb Cover | Heavy premium | Wedding invitations, formal announcements | Noticeably heavier in hand — signals quality |
| Ultra-Thick (2-ply) | Luxury double-layer | Premium suites, high-end invitations, special gifts | Two sheets laminated together — closest to engraved stationery |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between cardstock and regular paper?
- Regular printing paper (copy paper, printer paper) is typically 20 lb or 24 lb bond — lightweight, flexible, and designed to run through office printers. Cardstock starts around 65 lb cover and goes up to 130 lb and beyond — it's rigid, has a substantial feel, and doesn't curl or crumple the way paper does. For anything you want to feel premium — an invitation, a greeting card, a certificate — cardstock is the right choice.
- What cardstock weight do you recommend for invitations?
- 100 lb cover is the baseline for most invitations — it's noticeably heavier than a standard greeting card and prints beautifully in full color. For wedding invitations and formal announcements where the paper weight is part of the impression, 130 lb cover or ultra-thick (2-ply) stock makes a significant difference. The heavier the stock, the more it communicates care and permanence.
- Can you print on parchment or specialty paper?
- Yes — we stock parchment bond, linen-finish, and laid-finish papers for certificates, diplomas, awards, and formal correspondence. Parchment paper prints cleanly on our digital presses and has the textured, antique feel associated with formal documents. If you need a specific finish or weight not listed here, call and we'll confirm availability.
- What is the smallest quantity I can order for cardstock printing?
- There's no strict minimum for most cardstock jobs — we regularly print runs of 25–50 cards for personal events and small business needs. Very small quantities (under 10) may carry a setup fee. For events like weddings where you need a specific count, we recommend ordering 10–15% more than your guest list to account for mistakes, extras, and keepsakes.
- Do you offer scoring and folding for card stock?
- Yes — we can score and fold cardstock for greeting cards, tent cards, place cards, and folded invitations. Scoring is important on heavier stocks (100 lb and above) to get a clean, crack-free fold. Specify whether you need single or double fold and the finished size when you request a quote.
Need Something Printed on Cardstock?
Tell us your size, quantity, stock preference, and deadline. We’ll respond with pricing the same business day.
Toll-free: 1(800) 910-8273
