Architecture is one of the most in-demand occupations in the United States. It’s possible to earn upwards of $80,000 a year with only a Bachelor’s Degree. This means there are more and more architects each year.
Architects have their own powerful and popular software like AutoCAD and Revit, but they also have their own unique needs for supplies.
Here is what you need to know about architecture paper sizes for your own architectural drawings, blueprints, and schematics.
What is Architecture Paper?
Architecture paper is a subset of the larger group of drafting paper. Drafting paper has a number of unique properties that make it particularly useful for technical drawing.
Architects’ paper needs to be archival quality so that the images can be reproduced faithfully for years to come. It’s often a particular color, as well, so that pencil markings show up vividly.
Architecture paper is often stiffer than your average printing paper. The best paper for architectural drawings needs to be rigid so they don’t accidentally wrinkle and cause distortions or inaccuracies in the plans.
Architecture paper, and drafting paper in general, can come in a variety of styles and types. Let’s look at a few common styles you’re likely to come across.
Bond Paper
Bond paper is by far the most common architecture paper you’re likely to come across. It gets its name from the fact that it’s the paper that governments used to print bonds for the longest time.
Bond paper is often the standard white of printer paper and is available in a variety of weights, also. 16lb, 18lb, and 20lb are all common paperweights, although they can get as thick as 32lb.
If you’re using bond paper for drafting, a toothier paper will suit your pencil better than a glossier, smoother paper.
Vellum
If you’re looking for a thicker, even more durable paper for your architecture drawings you might consider vellum. Historically, vellum was printed on animal skins which is where it first developed its reputation for durability and longevity.
It has since become cruelty-free, but it’s still suitable for archiving or drafting when you’re expecting lots of revisions. Vellum is particularly able to withstand lots of erasing and re-drafting.
It’s also slightly transparent, so it’s suitable for tracing while being far more resilient than your standard tracing paper.
Both vellum paper and bond paper are available as single sheets and as an architect paper roll. If you’re going to be doing a fair deal of printing, you’d be advised to go with the paper roll as it’ll save you a good deal of time, money, energy, and resources.
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