How Much Does it Cost to Rebind an Old Book?

You know that all books are unique, right? However, some old books are extra special, and several critical factors determine their book rebinding costs.

For example, a book’s rarity, perceived value, and desired use are appropriate guides for your decision-making.

There are book rebinding costs in the range of $250 to $500 for elaborate work, light restorations for $50, and basic new cover replacements for about $100.

For an idea of the possible cost to rebind a book, this factual article provides information on what you need to know about book rebinding prices for old books.

How to Know When it’s Time to Rebind an Old Book

To know when it’s time to rebind an old book, check the degree of damage. Say your book has many detached pages, badly damaged covers, or pages poorly attached together, rebind it. However, you can only rebind books made with flexible paper. What’s more, consider its resale value, sentimental value to you, and whether you’ll afford the book rebinding costs.

Why Rebind an Old Book?

Books are a timeless record of human thoughts, feelings, images, and ideas. The book in question is probably a collection of delicious recipes handed down to you from your granny. Or a journal that’s got immense sentimental value.

Moreover, old books span family bibles, journals, diaries, ancient texts, recipes, photo albums, and rare books with untold significant value. 

Because of these, there are specific reasons why book collectors and sellers choose to rebind them.

• Some old books have drab unappealing covers; thus, some collectors choose to improve their aesthetic appeal by rebinding them.

• Furthermore, some antique book collectors assert ownership by rebinding in distinct covers and stamping them with a symbol of identity.

• When a book is the only remaining authentic piece of its kind, rebinding aids in indicating its value and importance.

• If a book is the only remaining source of reference or verification of information, rebinding will ensure its preserved and useful lifespan extended.

• At times it’s cheaper to rebind a book than have it replaced with a newer version. And alternatively, you can use the savings to add exciting new versions to your collection.

• You can also rebind old books and flip them for profit. Here’s a guide to flipping books for profit that you can check out.

Repair or Rebind — Which Should You Do?

Book repair or restoration is mostly a corrective measure and is most suitable as an ongoing maintenance measure.

Best part? It retains your book’s original material and appearance and is cost-effective when there’s minimal work. The ideal books to repair are in constant use like library books or work manuals; they aren’t rare and modern.

Book restoration costs for repairs that don’t involve any significant deconstruction are about $60 – $75. Unfortunately, some repairs like paper restorations take time and require superior artisanal skills, making them quite expensive.

Interestingly books that were produced pre 1840s are the easiest to restore because the process of making paper from linen and cotton changed around this time. Regrettably, when they started using the wood pulp to make paper, they weren’t deacidifying it, making paper challenging to work with.

An example of a time-consuming book to restore is a bible whose book restoration costs range from $150 – $500. 

If you’ve got an incredibly valuable old book, it would be best to contact a qualified conservator for advice before having any work done because a misguided repair can cause irreversible, costly damage. 

On the other hand, a rebind is the renewal or replacement of a book’s case. It involves restitching or renewal of the glue, which holds the pages together. The bookcase primarily consists of the top and back covers plus a stiff spine inlay covered by either linen or sturdy paper.

Because a rebind is expensive, you should only consider it if:

• The book is either beyond corrective repair or restoration. 
• There’s a real risk of losing its content.
• It has significant resale value.
• It’s of sentimental value to you. 

Some people believe that a rebind devalues a book. This is often so when low quality or inappropriate materials are used, and the skill employed is average.

Some bookbinders are so skilled that their work can pass for the original. However, this doesn’t mean that you should conceal information. Instead, maintain meticulous records of all restoration works and disclose them if you intend to bequeath the book to someone or sell it.

Professional book rebinding costs start from $100 and can go to hundreds of dollars, depending on the book’s damage and required skill.

However, be careful when sourcing these services. A dismal repair job that leaves the case in mutilation could very well mean that the book can only be salvaged by new binding, where even the most exceptional craftsman can’t screen poor workmanship.

Another plausible alternative if you’re not convinced of rebinding or if the book is a wee bit salvageable is a reback. Here’s where you decide to save the bookcase with its original cloth rather than throw it all aside. Book restoration prices for this fall in the range of $75 – $150.

All in all, whether you choose to repair or rebind, the most important thing is to ensure that you get the most professional person or company to get the job done.

Want to know the best bookbinders available? Read on

The Best Bookbinders to Choose to Rebind Your Book

There’s no doubt that bonafide bookbinders love books. They preserve traditions and are fastidious when it comes to details.

Before you get a list of some of the best service providers in this sector, what precisely should you look for when searching for a veritable bookbinder?

First, understand the purpose of the rebind. It’s not to make your old book brand new. No! It’s to give it a new lease of life, making it readable with as little alteration as possible.

That said, here are the key elements to aid your selection:

• Credibility: Ask for references and also check out reviews on their website and social media pages.

• Track past records: Follow some of their projects, sass out the cost to rebind a book with them, their style, and preferences — perhaps, they only work with particular books or materials.

• Contact them: Call or send them an email and ask to speak to their professionals on your needs. From their feedback and response, you’ll know whether they’ll be a good fit for you.

1.Guild of Book Workers

This non-profit was founded in 1906 and is based in New York. It promotes and preserves the arts of book crafting and care. If you’re looking for professional expertise, this is one of the model places to begin your search.

2.ibookbinding.com 

This online platform is dedicated to bookbinding and is the perfect place for your book rebind needs. They’ve got contact with exemplary bookbinders and companies that you can vet from and select.

3.Designer Bookbinders UK

This is an organization dedicated to promoting and preserving bookbinding as an art. It runs workshops, lectures, and courses across the UK throughout the year.

How Much Does it Cost to Rebind a Bible?

Book rebinding costs for popular books like the Bible are essentially based on the styles and materials used for rebinding and the bible’s condition. 

Most bibles are family heirlooms that have important notes written in the margins and quotes marked on them. 

Large family bibles often need complete restoration. This includes new spine materials, cover restoration, page repairs, and more. While it’s way cheaper to replace with a new one, most people opt to have them restored regardless of the book restoration cost, which could be in the range of $250 – $500.   

If more than a few pages are loose, the bible may need to be sewn together, adding $125-$200 to the book restoration cost. 

You’d also be surprised to learn that some family bibles cost $1500 – $1800 because, besides the scriptures, they have artwork, family trees, recipes, and advice on how to treat common ailments.

How Much Does it Cost to Rebind a Book in Leather?

The most commonly used leathers these days are pigskin, cowhide, calfskin, and goatskin.

Why?

Because they’re genuine, durable, and practical for everyday use.

Some ways to gauge the cost to rebind a book with leather are the quality of the leather, book’s size, and skill required.

Simple rebinding in bonded (faux) leather is $90. Glaze (luxurious) leather, cowhide, pigskin, and kidskin goes for $165, and if you need elaborate work, it could go up to $500 or more.

However, most of these book rebinding prices are estimates. For exact book rebinding costs, seek professional verification

Conclusion

So, how much does it cost to rebind an old book? If someone asks you this question today, what will you say?

The fact is, different books mean different things to different people.

Book collectors and resellers know that there’d be fewer first editions or rare books if it weren’t for book rebinding or restoration.

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