Laminating services at Staples typically vary by sheet size, pouch thickness, and turnaround. This guide outlines the cost to laminate, including the price ranges for common formats and the main drivers behind any added charges. Buyers will see clear low–average–high ranges to estimate their project budget.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laminating per 8.5×11 sheet (standard film) | $0.50 | $0.80 | $1.20 | Includes basic 3 mil film; single-sided. |
| Laminating per 11×17 sheet (large sheet) | $1.50 | $2.00 | $3.50 | Higher film cost and edge trimming may apply. |
| Front-to-back (two-sided) per sheet | $0.50 | $0.90 | $1.50 | Same price on most formats. |
| Film thickness (permanent/premium) | $0.25 | $0.50 | $0.80 | Thicker or UV-resistant options cost more. |
| Rush/Same-day service | $0.25 | $0.50 | $1.00 | Premium timeline, subject to store capacity. |
Overview Of Costs
Cost and price for Staples lamination vary by sheet size, film type, and service level. Typical projects range from a small stack of basic 8.5×11 sheets to larger, double-sided, two-week rush jobs. The following summarizes total project ranges and per-unit ranges with assumptions: a standard customer request uses 8.5×11 sheets, 3 mil film, and standard processing time; larger formats and premium films increase the total cost per item.
Cost Breakdown
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
| Materials | Labor | Equipment | Permits | Delivery/Disposal | Accessories | Warranty | Overhead | Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $0.50–$1.20 per 8.5×11 sheet | $0.10–$0.40 per sheet | $0.05–$0.25 per sheet | $0–$2 per order | $0–$5 per order | $0–$1 per sheet | $0–$2 per order | $0–$1 per sheet | Included in checkout where applicable |
What Drives Price
Key drivers include sheet size, film thickness, and turnaround speed. Larger sheets (11×17) require more film and longer handling, while premium coatings (UV or matte) add material costs. The choice between standard and rush processing also shifts the total. Regional pricing differences account for modest variations in labor and store-level fees.
Factors That Affect Price
- Sheet size and orientation: 8.5×11 vs 11×17 vs custom formats.
- Film type: basic clear film versus premium UV or matte finishes.
- Turnaround time: standard vs rush service; same-day incurs higher fees.
- Quantity: bulk orders may receive volume-based discounts or bundled pricing.
- Edge trimming and lamination quality: edge finishing options can add cost.
- Color accuracy and image quality requirements for prints that require better alignment.
Ways To Save
Strategies to reduce cost include batching items, choosing standard film, and avoiding rush options when possible. Plan a single trip to the store to laminate multiple sheets, compare standard vs premium film, and take advantage of any store promotions or loyalty pricing. If a project fits within standard sizes, pricing is easier to predict and less likely to incur surprise fees.
Regional Price Differences
Prices at Staples can vary by region due to local labor costs and store-level promotions. In major metro areas, per-sheet costs for 8.5×11 lamination may run toward the upper end of the low–average range, while rural stores might trend lower due to different pricing strategies. Expect a spread of roughly +/- 10–20% between urban, suburban, and rural locations for common formats.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards demonstrate typical quotes for common lamination projects.
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Basic: 20 sheets of 8.5×11 lamination, standard film, standard processing.
- Specs: 8.5×11, 3 mil, single-sided.
- Labor: 1–2 hours total across job.
- Prices: 20 sheets × $0.80 = $16.00; film, labor, and misc. add roughly $4–$6.
- Total estimate: $20–$26.
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Mid-Range: 15 sheets of 11×17 lamination, double-sided, 5 mil film, standard turnaround.
- Specs: 11×17, double-sided, 5 mil.
- Labor: 2–3 hours.
- Prices: 15 sheets × $2.50 = $37.50; added costs $8–$12.
- Total estimate: $46–$50.
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Premium: 40 sheets of 8.5×11 lamination, UV-resistant film, rush service.
- Specs: 3 mil UV film, rush.
- Labor: 1–2 hours; expedited handling.
- Prices: 40 sheets × $1.20 = $48.00; rush and film premium $12–$18.
- Total estimate: $60–$66.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.