The Pros and Cons of Wooden and Cardboard Jigsaw Puzzles

Jigsaw puzzles have stood the test of time as a beloved source of entertainment.

There is no generation gap when it gets to assembling puzzles - it's obvious for all ages and makes your brain think better than any mobile game.

And that's how I personally dived into this deeper. I remember spending time with Mom assembling jigsaw puzzles from a very young age.

And back in the day, I remember that mostly we had mostly cardboard puzzles but one day dad bring us a wooden puzzle with a fox picture. It was truly amazing! I still remember that smell of burned wood and the dark burned corners of puzzle pieces.

So, anyway, today I want to compare these two options: wooden jigsaw puzzles vs. cardboard puzzles.

Obviously, it's nothing about choosing "this one" but never "this one", however, I have some thoughts to share with you.

Let's start by building a list of criteria to compare:

• Durability
• Difficulty level
• Price
• Color vibrancy
• Precision of cuts
• Variety of designs are available
• Reusability
• Availability
• Educational Value
• Number of pieces

Durability

When choosing a jigsaw puzzle, durability is important. You want it to last since you're investing time and money. For sure, wooden puzzles are more durable than cardboard ones. They won't bend or break easily and are less sensitive to moisture. On the other hand, cardboard puzzles have improved in durability with high-quality materials and advanced printing techniques; some cardboard puzzles even have a protective layer. Wooden puzzles have thicker pieces, making them easier to handle and fit together. But since wood does not bend like cardboard puzzles, the spacing between pieces is bigger when you connect them to each other.

Wooden puzzles last longer and have a satisfying tactile experience, while high-quality cardboard puzzles are more affordable.

Difficulty level

When you're trying to determine between a wood puzzle and a cardboard puzzle, it's critical to consider the difficulty level. You need a puzzle that's going to challenge you, but not too much to get annoyed and put them back on a shelf forever. Cardboard puzzles generally tend to provide a wider variety of difficulty levels because they are extra popular and there's a wider variety of them. The smaller pieces and a ton of different designs (including extra tricky ones like monochrome puzzles) could make for a more challenging experience, especially if the design is complicated. Wooden puzzles often have larger, greater uniform pieces that can be simpler to work with and fit together easier. The designs tend to be less difficult and less tricky, which can be a plus for some humans. So, there can be fewer difficulty levels available for wood puzzles. In the long run, the selection of wooden and cardboard puzzles comes all the way down to your desire. If you enjoy a challenge and complicated designs, a cardboard puzzle can be more your pace. However, in case you prefer easier designs and larger pieces, a wooden puzzle is probably a better choice.

Simply consider, regardless of the material, the complexity level will rely on the variety of shapes and the intricacy of the layout.

Price

When it comes to price, wooden jigsaw puzzles tend to be more expensive than cardboard jigsaw puzzles. The wooden puzzle materials are typically better quality and the manufacturing method can take more time. But, wooden puzzles may be considered an investment because they're durable and may be reused for a really long time. On the other hand, cardboard jigsaw puzzles are frequently low-priced and accessible to those on a tight budget – they could offer hours of enjoyment and relaxation without breaking the bank. Cardboard jigsaw puzzles are available at a wide range of prices, from extra simple and cheap to more complex, quality, and, costly.

To summarize, if you're looking to spend extra money on a high-quality puzzle to provide years of re-rassemblements, wooden puzzles may be worth it. But, if you're searching for a cheaper option or just default designs, then cardboard jigsaw puzzles may be a great choice.

Color vibrancy

There are some notable differences between the wood and cardboard options when it comes to the color vibrancy of the puzzle. Corrugated jigsaw puzzles tend to have brighter and more vibrant colors because they are machine printed. Wooden puzzles, on the other hand, can be slightly muted due to the natural grain and surface. However, this adds to the aesthetic appeal and can also give the puzzle a unique look. The price of the puzzle also affects the brilliance of the colors. Wooden jigsaw puzzles tend to be more expensive, and that extra cost can result in better color quality. Ultimately, choosing between wooden jigsaw puzzles and cardboard jigsaw puzzles for color vibrancy comes down to personal preference. If you prefer brighter, more vibrant colors, cardboard puzzles may be a good choice. However, if you appreciate the natural aesthetics of wood and don't mind slightly muted colors, wooden puzzles may be the right choice.

Precision of cuts

When it comes to the precision of cuts, wooden puzzles tend to have more precise and accurate cuts due to their sturdier and harder material. The pieces fit together smoothly and precisely, giving a satisfying feel when completing the puzzle. On the other hand, cardboard puzzles can sometimes have slightly uneven cuts, making it more challenging to fit the pieces together. However, this can also add to the puzzle's difficulty and create a unique challenge. So, it depends on personal preference and the level of challenge you want. Keep in mind that higher-quality cardboard puzzles tend to have better precision cuts compared to lower-quality ones.

Variety of designs are available

When it comes to the variety of designs available, both wooden and cardboard puzzles offer a wide range of options to choose from. However, wooden puzzles tend to have more unique designs since they are less popular and are made with better craftsmanship. Wooden puzzles often feature intricate and artistic designs that can be enjoyed as a piece of art even after completion. On the other hand, cardboard puzzles often have more mass-produced designs that can be found in many stores. That being said, there are still plenty of unique and creative designs available in cardboard puzzles, especially from independent puzzle makers.

Reusability

When it comes to reusability, both wooden and cardboard puzzles, wooden puzzles are usually more durable. They may resist a lot of assembling/dissembling cycles without losing a good look and damage to pieces. Cardboard puzzles are often less durable and might be dissembled without a good deal and tier only a few times. I would add that some expensive cardboard puzzles have an additional layer that actually makes them more durable compared to normal ones but it's still nothing compared to wooden ones.

Availability

In terms of availability, cardboard puzzles tend to be more broadly available in offline and online stores because of their popularity and affordability. Wooden puzzles might be more difficult to find, as they're often made in smaller batches and are typically more expensive. But, some specialty stores or online shops (like ours) could provide a wider variety of wooden puzzles. Long story short, cardboard puzzles are much easier to find but only make wooden puzzles more exclusive.

Educational Value

Working on puzzles can improve cognitive skills such as problem-solving, spatial awareness, and fine motor skills. Completing a puzzle provide a sense of accomplishment and boosts confidence. Therefore, let's see which option provides us with better educational value. Cardboard puzzles can offer educational value through their designs, and, as we remember, they have much more design options. Cardboard puzzles feature images pretty often are famous landmarks or historical events or persons and this can be another step that can spark curiosity and encourage learning about these subjects. Wooden puzzles, on the other hand, often come with pieces that have different shapes and sizes, which can help children develop their tactile and sensory skills. Additionally, wooden puzzles can feature educational themes such as letters, numbers, and animals, which can be especially helpful for young children who are learning these concepts. In summary, both wooden and cardboard jigsaw puzzles offer educational benefits, but in different ways. Wooden puzzles may be better suited for developing tactile and sensory skills, while cardboard puzzles can offer educational value through their designs.

Number of pieces

As for the quantity of the pieces, both wooden and cardboard puzzles offer various options. Cardboard puzzles usually provide a much wider variety of pieces count, starting from very small (less than a hundred pieces) to extremely large (over 10,000 pieces). Wooden puzzles, often have fewer pieces options available and are usually limited to a smaller variety of pieces count. Size and quantity of pieces you would select need to depend on your personal preferences and skill stage. If you're new to puzzling, we advise starting with smaller puzzles to assemble. It would help you build self-assurance and not give up in the middle. For experienced puzzlers who enjoy a challenge, a larger count can be more satisfying.

After comparing the pros and cons of wooden and cardboard jigsaw puzzles in various aspects, it's clear that both materials have their advantages and disadvantages. Wooden puzzles are more durable and are available in more unique designs, while cardboard puzzles offer a wider range of difficulty levels and more affordable prices, and that's why more widely available in stores. In terms of precision of cuts, educational value, and the number of pieces, both wooden and cardboard puzzles have options to choose from. When it comes to choosing between wooden and cardboard puzzles, it really depends on your personal preference and what you are looking for. If you value durability and unique designs or just like that feel and smell of burned wood, wooden puzzles might be the way to go. If you prefer a wider range of difficulty levels and more affordable prices, cardboard puzzles could be a better choice. Either way, both types of puzzles can provide hours of entertainment and a great way to relax and unwind.