Need spec book printing and binding in Hamilton or Burlington for a tender set or site copies? The binding you choose affects how fast people can flip through sections, how well pages hold up, and how painful revisions feel. This guide compares common options like cerlox, coil, perfect binding, and saddle stitch, with practical tips for page counts, file prep, and getting a fast quote.
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TLDR
- Tender sets: prioritise clean organisation and easy flipping.
- Site copies: prioritise lay flat use and durability.
- Cerlox: tidy, consistent sets for office and lighter site use.
- Coil: best for heavy handling and lay flat reading.
- Perfect binding: polished, client facing look, less flexible for revisions.
- Saddle stitch: best for low page count booklets.
- For a fast quote, send page count, size, number of sets, binding preference, deadline, and pickup location.
What a spec book is and why binding choice matters
A spec book is the printed project manual that holds specifications, schedules, and supporting docs for a job. In construction and design projects around Hamilton and Burlington, it usually gets printed in multiple sets and used by different people, fast.
Tender sets vs site copies vs office copies
Tender sets are for review and pricing. People skim, flip, and jump between sections. If it is hard to find things quickly, it slows the whole bid process.
Site copies live in the field. They get opened constantly, carried around, and marked up. If the binding does not hold up or will not lie flat, it becomes a daily frustration.
Office copies are reference sets. They are used for coordination, markups, and reprints when revisions come in.
Why binding is not just “how it looks”
Binding changes how the book works in real use.
A good match makes it easy to flip, keeps pages together, and stays readable over time. A bad match usually shows up as torn pages, cracked spines, books that fight you when you try to keep a page open, or sets that get messy when deadlines are tight.
Before you pick a binding, decide these 4 things
- How many pages (rough count is enough to start)
- How it will be used (tender review, daily site handling, or presentation)
- How many sets you need printed
- Whether you expect revisions (addenda, updated sections, version changes)
If you send those details with your file, you will usually get a faster, cleaner recommendation.
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The 4 most common binding options for spec books
Cerlox binding
Cerlox is a punched binding style that creates a neat spine and keeps pages aligned. It is commonly used for office sets and site sets that need to look clean and stay together.
It is a practical option when you are producing multiple sets and want consistency across copies.
If you want the full list of options, see binding and finishing.
Coil binding
Coil binding is often chosen for heavy use because it opens easily and lays flat. That matters when someone needs the book open while checking requirements, comparing sections, or writing notes.
If the spec book will be handled daily on site, coil is usually one of the first options to consider.
Perfect binding
Perfect binding gives a clean, book style finish with a square spine. It is often used when presentation matters and you want a polished look for client facing copies or office shelf copies.
It is typically less convenient when you expect frequent page swaps or revisions, since the book is finished as a single bound unit.
Saddle stitch
Saddle stitch uses staples along the fold. It works best for low page count booklets rather than thick spec packages.
If your document is short and meant to be read like a booklet, this can be a simple option.
Quick comparison
| Binding option | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cerlox | Clean multi set packages, office plus moderate site use | Tidy and consistent |
| Coil | Heavy handling, lays flat, field copies | Great for frequent flipping |
| Perfect | Client facing, shelf ready copies | Less flexible for revisions |
| Saddle stitch | Low page count booklets | Not for thick packages |
How to choose the right binding based on page count and use
The quickest way to pick a binding is to start with two questions.
How thick is the document, and how will people use it.
Page count is a good proxy for thickness, but use matters just as much. A thinner book that gets opened all day on site needs a different binding than a thicker book that sits on a desk.
Under 40 pages
If your spec book is under 40 pages, it often behaves more like a booklet than a manual.
Saddle stitch can work well here if the document is truly short and you want a simple, tidy format. If the set will be handled a lot, or if you want a more durable feel, cerlox or coil can still make sense even at low page counts.
A common example is a short scope package, addendum summary, or a small submission booklet.
40 to 120 pages
This range is where most spec books land.
If the book needs to lie flat for markups and daily reference, coil is usually the most user friendly in the field. If the book is more of an office reference set and you want a clean spine and consistent look across many copies, cerlox is often a good fit.
A common example is a tender spec package that gets distributed to multiple bidders plus one or two internal office copies.
120 plus pages
Once you are into larger page counts, durability and handling become the deciding factors.
For heavy use, coil is often chosen because it flips easily and lies flat even when the book is thick. For client facing sets that need a polished book look, perfect binding can be a consideration, especially when the goal is presentation rather than constant flipping.
A common example is a full project manual with multiple divisions, longer schedules, and supporting documents.
Heavy handling vs presentation
If the book will be used in the field, prioritise lay flat and ease of flipping. That points you toward coil most of the time, with cerlox as a solid alternative when you want a tidy spine and consistent sets.
If the book is primarily client facing, prioritise a clean finished look and an easy to label spine. That is where perfect binding can make sense, as long as you do not expect frequent revisions.
If you are unsure, describe the user in one line when you send your files. For example: “site foreman copy, daily use” or “tender set for pricing review.”
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Spec book printing details that affect cost and timeline
Spec books can look similar from the outside, but a few production choices change the workload a lot. That is what usually affects cost and how quickly sets can be produced.
Paper type
Paper choice affects readability and how the book feels.
Thicker stock can feel more durable for site sets. Lighter stock can keep large manuals from getting overly bulky. If you are not sure, tell the shop whether the set is for tender review, office reference, or site use and ask for a recommendation.
Colour pages vs black and white
Many spec books are mostly black and white, with a few colour pages for charts, schedules, or highlighted sections.
If only certain pages need colour, it helps to flag that clearly in the file or in your request. Otherwise, the safest assumption may be that the whole document is treated the same way.
Tabs and dividers
Tabs and dividers are one of the best upgrades for usability, especially for tender sets and office copies.
They make it easier to jump to Division sections, schedules, and key appendices. They also reduce the time people spend flipping and searching.
If you want tabs, include a clear tab list and the exact tab titles. If you want dividers without tabs, say that too.
Covers and clear fronts
Covers are not just cosmetic. They protect the first and last pages from tearing, curling, and site wear.
Clear fronts are common for quick visibility of the title page. Opaque covers can look cleaner and hide markups. If the set is heading to a job site, cover protection usually matters more.
Drilling, collating, and multiple sets
This is where many orders slow down.
Collating large manuals into multiple complete sets takes time, especially if you have dividers, mixed colour pages, or multiple versions. If you need 5, 10, or 25 identical sets, mention that up front and confirm whether the PDF is already in final page order.
A simple way to send specs for an accurate quote
| Detail | Example you can copy |
|---|---|
| Size | Letter or legal |
| Total pages | 160 pages |
| Printing | Black and white with a few colour pages |
| Sets | 8 sets |
| Binding | Coil for site, cerlox for office |
| Add ons | Clear front, sturdy back cover, dividers |
| Deadline | Date needed by |
If you send these details with your file, you usually get fewer follow up questions and a faster quote.
File prep checklist for spec books
Most spec book delays come from small file issues that only show up at print time. If you handle the basics up front, you usually get a faster proof and fewer back and forth emails. Before you send anything, review our file preparation guidelines to avoid layout shifts and delays.
Use a PDF and keep the page order final
Send one print ready PDF per version.
Make sure the pages are in the exact order you want them printed. If you have a cover page, table of contents, dividers, or appendices, include them in the right spots.
If you are sending multiple versions, label them clearly so the wrong one does not get printed.
Embed fonts and keep formatting stable
If fonts are not embedded, headings and spacing can shift when the file is opened on a different computer.
Export the PDF with embedded fonts turned on. Then open the PDF and quickly scroll it to confirm nothing moved.
Bleed is usually not needed
Most spec books are standard page sizes with margins, so bleed is often not required.
If your file has full page colour that runs to the edge, or custom sized pages, flag it in your request so the print setup matches your layout.
Simple naming convention and version control
This helps a lot when there are addenda and reissues.
Use a consistent file name like:
- ProjectName Spec Book Rev A 2026 01 05.pdf
- ProjectName Spec Book Rev B 2026 01 12.pdf
If you are issuing multiple sets, include the set type in the name:
- Tender Set
- Site Copy
- Office Copy
If you need scanning or revisions
If you only have paper copies, or if you need parts updated before printing, mention it early. It affects the workflow and avoids surprises.
If you are not sure what needs fixing, send the file and explain the problem in one line. Example: “page numbers reset after section 3” or “TOC does not match the headings.”
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Turnaround and pickup in Hamilton and Burlington
Turnaround depends on page count, number of sets, and finishing details like tabs, covers, and collating.
When same day is possible
Same day is sometimes possible for smaller, simpler orders. For example, a shorter spec book, a small number of sets, and a straightforward binding choice.
If you have a firm deadline, include it in your message so the shop can tell you what is realistic based on today’s workload.
When next day makes more sense
Next day is often a safer plan when you have a higher page count, multiple sets, dividers, mixed colour pages, or any extra finishing.
If you are coordinating with tender closings or site mobilization, building in a bit of buffer reduces stress when revisions land late.
Pickup locations and what to include in your request
You can arrange pickup at either location:
- Print Factory Ink Hamilton: 9 Sterling Street, Hamilton ON L8S 4H6
- Print Factory Ink Burlington: 2 4161 Morris Drive, Burlington ON L7L 5L5
To avoid delays, include these details when you reach out:
- Which location you want to pick up from
- Your deadline and preferred pickup time window
- Whether the order is a tender set, site copy, or office copy
- Page count, number of sets, and binding choice
If you are not sure about binding, say how the sets will be used and the team can recommend the best option.
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Conclusion
Spec books are simple on paper, but the details matter. When the binding matches how the set will be used, everything gets easier. People can flip faster, pages hold up better, and you avoid reprints caused by small file or version issues.
For the fastest quote, send your page count, size, number of sets, preferred binding, deadline, and pickup location. If you are unsure, just describe the use case and we will point you to the best fit.
FAQ: Spec Book Printing and Binding
What is the best binding for site copies that get used daily?
Coil binding is often a strong choice for heavy use because it lays flat and is easy to flip. Cerlox can also work well for cleaner looking sets that still need practical handling.
What binding looks most professional for client facing copies?
Perfect binding is commonly chosen when you want a clean, book style look with a square spine that can be labelled. If revisions are expected, talk through options before committing.
How many pages can cerlox or coil handle?
It depends on the final thickness and paper choice. If you provide an approximate page count and paper preference, the right binding size can be confirmed quickly before printing.
Do I need colour printing for spec books?
Not always. Many spec books are mainly black and white, with colour used only where it adds clarity, like charts or schedules. If only some pages need colour, flag which pages those are.
Do I need bleed for spec books?
Most spec books do not need bleed because they are printed with standard margins. If you have full page colour that runs to the edge or custom sizes, mention it so the file can be checked.
What is the best file format to send?
A print ready PDF is best. Make sure the page order is final and fonts are embedded so the layout does not shift.
Can you print multiple sets and keep them collated?
Yes. Collating multiple complete sets is common for tender packages and site distribution. It helps to specify the number of sets and whether you want dividers or tabs.
What details should I include to get a fast quote?
Send page count, page size, black and white vs colour, number of sets, binding type, any covers or dividers, your deadline, and whether you want pickup in Hamilton or Burlington.
Can I print spec books along with drawing sets?
Yes. Many projects order spec books alongside large format drawing sets. If you want both, include that in your request so everything can be coordinated.