Learn the difference between cardstock and construction paper for crafts. Discover which paper is best for your next DIY or kids’ project.

If you're not sure whether to use cardstock or construction paper for your next craft project, you're not alone. We’ve worked with both and can help you pick the right one. By the end of this article, you’ll feel confident knowing which paper is best for your craft.

The difference between cardstock and construction paper for crafts is mainly in thickness and texture. Cardstock is thicker, smoother, and holds up better for detailed or long-lasting projects. Construction paper is thinner, more textured, and great for kids’ crafts or quick projects.

That’s just the beginning—there’s more to know about when and why to use each one. Let’s take a closer look at the details so you can choose the perfect paper for your next creative idea.

What’s the Real Difference Between Cardstock and Construction Paper for Crafts?

If you're trying to decide between cardstock and construction paper for a craft, you’re in the right place. These two types of paper may seem similar, but they’re actually very different. Knowing how they compare will help you choose the right one for your project.

Cardstock is thick and smooth. It feels more like a thin cardboard than regular paper. It holds its shape well and doesn’t bend or tear easily. This makes it great for crafts that need to be strong or last a long time.

Construction paper is softer and rougher. It’s not as thick and can tear more easily. It’s often used in schools and is great for simple or short-term crafts. It comes in lots of bright colors and is easy for kids to cut and glue.

Feature	Cardstock	Construction Paper
Thickness	Thicker and heavier	Lighter and thinner
Texture	Smooth	Rough and fibrous
Strength	Strong and sturdy	Tears more easily
Color Quality	Bold, fade-resistant	Bright, may fade over time
Cost	More expensive	Budget-friendly
Best For	Cards, gift tags, long-term crafts	Kids’ crafts, classroom projects

Cardstock is better for things like greeting cards, gift tags, or decorations you want to keep. Construction paper is better for fast, fun crafts like paper chains or classroom art.

Still not sure which to use? Let’s look at which paper works best for different kinds of crafts.

Which Paper Is Better for Specific Craft Projects?

Now that you know the main differences, let’s look at how each type of paper works for different kinds of crafts. Picking the right one can make your project easier and look even better.

Cardstock works best when your craft needs to stand up, hold its shape, or last a long time. Construction paper is better when you want something quick, fun, and easy to work with—especially for kids.

Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right paper based on your project:

Craft Type	Best Paper	Why?
Greeting Cards	Cardstock	Sturdy and holds folds well
Kids’ Art Projects	Construction Paper	Easy to cut, cheap, and colorful
Paper Flowers	Cardstock	Holds shape and looks polished
Paper Chains	Construction Paper	Flexible and quick to use
Gift Tags	Cardstock	Thick enough to punch and decorate
Classroom Displays	Construction Paper	Budget-friendly and comes in bulk
Scrapbooking	Cardstock	Acid-free and long-lasting

If you're still not sure, think about how long the craft needs to last and how much handling it will get. For crafts that need to look neat or hold up over time, cardstock is usually best. For fast, fun, and colorful ideas, construction paper works great.

But there’s one more thing to think about—how thick the paper is and why that matters. Let’s look at how paper weight affects your project next.

How Do Thickness and Weight Actually Compare?

Paper doesn’t just look different—it also feels different. That’s because cardstock and construction paper have different thicknesses and weights. This matters more than you might think, especially when it comes to crafting.

Cardstock is measured by weight, usually listed as pounds (lb) or GSM (grams per square meter). A common cardstock weight is 65 lb or higher. It’s thicker and stiffer, like thin cardboard. That’s why it stands up better and holds glue or ink without bending.

Construction paper is much lighter. It usually weighs about 58 lb or less and is measured more by its feel and texture than by its exact weight. It’s softer, easier to fold, but also easier to tear.

Common Paper Weights and What They Mean

Paper Type	Weight (lb)	GSM (approx.)	Best For
Construction Paper	~58 lb	~100 GSM	Kids’ crafts, temporary projects
Lightweight Cardstock	65 lb	~175 GSM	Paper flowers, layering crafts
Medium Cardstock	80 lb	~215 GSM	Cards, tags, DIY decorations
Heavy Cardstock	100–110 lb	270+ GSM	Folders, boxes, 3D paper crafts

When shopping for paper, check the packaging. It usually lists the weight, and knowing what those numbers mean can help you avoid buying the wrong thing for your craft.

But paper weight isn’t the only thing to think about. Let’s talk about how long each type of paper lasts and how safe they are to use—especially for kids and keepsake projects.

Are These Papers Safe and Long-Lasting?

When making crafts, it’s smart to think about safety and how long your project will last. This is especially true if kids are involved or if you want to keep your craft for a long time. Both cardstock and construction paper have things to consider.

Construction paper is fun and easy to use, but it doesn’t last very long. It fades over time, especially in sunlight. It also tears more easily. Most types are safe for kids, but not all are acid-free. That means the colors may change and the paper may become brittle.

Cardstock is stronger and more durable. Many kinds are acid-free and lignin-free, which means they won’t yellow or break down as fast. This makes them better for things like scrapbooks, cards, or gifts you want to keep.

What Makes Paper Safe for Crafts?

• Acid-free: Keeps paper from turning yellow over time
• Lignin-free: Prevents paper from breaking down or becoming brittle
• Non-toxic: Safe for kids to use with glue, crayons, or markers

Most big craft brands clearly label their paper if it’s safe or archival-quality. If you're working on a project with photos, or something you want to save for years, look for acid-free cardstock. For simple crafts or kids’ art, regular construction paper works just fine.

Now that we’ve covered safety and strength, let’s explore some other paper types and alternatives that might be perfect for your next project.

What Are Some Good Alternatives or Complements to These Papers?

Cardstock and construction paper are great, but they’re not your only choices. Depending on what you're making, you might want to try something different. Some projects even work better when you mix papers together.

Vellum is a thin, see-through paper that adds a soft, fancy look. It’s great for invitations or layering in cards. Scrapbook paper comes in many colors and patterns, and it’s usually acid-free. It works well for projects you want to keep.

You can also try patterned paper, kraft paper, origami paper, or even fabric-backed paper depending on your idea. Some crafters even reuse old wrapping paper or magazines to create fun and colorful crafts.

Here Are Some Budget-Friendly Options to Try

• Kraft paper: Strong and rustic, great for signs or tags
• Origami paper: Lightweight and folds easily
• Patterned scrapbook paper: Stylish and decorative
• Wrapping paper scraps: Colorful and eco-friendly
• Junk mail or catalogs: Fun to cut and collage

If you ever run out of cardstock or construction paper, don't worry. Just look around your home or craft stash. You may already have something perfect for your next project.

Let’s wrap up with a quick review to help you decide which paper is best for your crafts.

Conclusion: Picking the Perfect Paper for Your Next Craft

Now you know the difference between cardstock and construction paper for crafts. Cardstock is thick, smooth, and strong—great for lasting projects. Construction paper is soft, colorful, and easy to use—perfect for fun, simple crafts.

Each paper has its own purpose. Think about what your project needs. Does it need to be strong or stand up? Use cardstock. Is it a fun, quick project for kids? Use construction paper.

Don’t be afraid to mix things up or try new types of paper. Crafting is all about being creative, and sometimes the best projects come from experimenting.

We hope this guide helped you feel more confident about choosing the right paper. Have fun crafting—and remember, the best paper is the one that brings your idea to life!

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