Art & Construction Paper

What is construction paper and when would you use it?

Construction paper is a type of paper that fits between cardstock and standard white printer paper. It's about the same thickness as standard printer paper but has a slightly rough texture. This is because it's usually made of wood pulp, so you can see small particles on the surface.

While construction paper typically comes in different colours, like black, pink, red, green, yellow, purple, orange, and others, it comes in white, too. It's ideal for arts and crafts, particularly in a classroom by younger students. But you can also use construction paper for presentations and making art projects at home. The colours tend to fade quickly, however, so construction paper isn't intended for crafts that you want to keep for a long time.

You can get construction paper in standard 8.5 x 11-inch sizes or smaller or larger than that. It comes in assorted construction paper packs of multiple colours or all one colour. You can sometimes run construction paper through a printer using the heavyweight paper setting for printing stencils or pictures but consult your manual first before you try this. Construction paper isn't recommended to be used with copiers.

How does construction paper differ from other types?

Construction paper and coloured paper are often considered to be one in the same, but sometimes coloured paper will be much thinner and not have that same rough texture. As noted, construction paper is typically a bit heavier than standard paper with strong fibres. It can fold without cracking and easily tears, just like regular paper. Unlike cardstock, however, it can't be used with hot glue. Construction paper is defined mostly by its rough texture and being available in a variety of colours.

Cardstock, on the contrary, is much thicker and smoother, and comes with various finishes like high gloss, textured, or patterned. It, along with fine art paper, which comes in either sheets or rolls, is used for higher value crafts and those with more sentimental value. That could include printing art projects or photos for framing or to put on display or give as gifts.

What is the best construction paper?

The best construction paper is sturdy, strong, but thin enough that you can fold, cut, and manipulate it as needed. It should be acid-free, and it's a bonus if it's made from 100% recycled materials, thus helping the environment.

Since coloured construction paper is usually used for throwaway projects at home or in the classroom, the best construction paper should be affordable and come in a variety of colours so kids, and crafty adults, can let their creative juices flow freely.