Custom Interlock Gable Box

From $0.95 / unit

500 units minimum · 7 days from approved proof

Custom interlock gable boxes use bottom panels that are folded and engaged by hand to form the base, while the upper panels close into the integrated gable handle. With no glue at the base, the carton ships and stores flat and suits programs where simple hand assembly is acceptable.

Manually interlocking bottom panels
Integrated carry handle
Flat shipping and storage
Practical for hand-packed programs

SKU PD-INTERLOCKGABLEBOX

Configure your order Estimated quantity *

Box dimensions (inches)

Board Finish

Print coverage Custom insert

Target deadline Project details Artwork or spec file Optional. PDF, JPG, PNG, WEBP, TIFF, AI, EPS, or PSD. Up to 3 files, 8 MB each.

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Gable boxes in yellow, teal, and lavender with a folded top handle, shown closed on a bakery counter.

Product Details

Overview & Specifications

What Is an Interlock Gable Box?

An interlock gable box is a folding paperboard carry carton whose bottom panels are folded in sequence by hand until they engage and lock together, forming the base without glue. After filling, the sloped top panels close over the product and meet at a built-in handle. Unlike an auto lock gable box, the base is not pre-glued to form on its own.

How the Interlock Gable Box Works

The format works through three assembly details.

Interlocking Bottom Panels

The bottom panels carry tabs and slots set on the dieline, so they engage with one another when folded in the right order.

Hand-Formed Base

The packer opens the carton and folds the bottom panels in sequence until they lock. The exact panel order follows the approved dieline rather than a generic folding pattern.

Gable Top and Handle

Once filled, the roof panels close over the contents and meet at the handle panels, where a die-cut hand opening forms the grip.

Anatomy of an Interlock Gable Box

01
Interlocking Base Panels
Fold in sequence to form the lock.
02
Lock Tabs and Slots
Set on the dieline so the panels engage.
03
Body Panels
Front, back and side print surfaces.
04
Gable Roof Panels
Sloped top panels that close over the contents.
05
Handle Panels
Meet at the top with a die-cut hand opening.
06
Side Seam
Glued in production.

Artwork note

The base is built from several folded panels, so artwork there is limited to a simple mark set on the dieline. Branding belongs on the side panels and gable roof, clear of the lock zones and handle opening.

Interlock Gable vs Auto Lock Gable at a Glance

Feature	Interlock Gable	Auto Lock Gable
Base made	Folded and engaged by the packer	Pre-glued in production
Base setup	Panels folded in sequence	Locks as the carton opens
Adhesive at the base	None	Production glue
Typical packing	Hand assembly where a pre-glued base is not needed	Many boxes set up per shift

Application guide

When Is an Interlock Gable Box the Right Choice?

An interlock gable box suits hand-packed carry boxes where folding the base by hand fits the workflow: bakery and favor pickups, candy and treat assortments, small gift sets, and event or promotional packs assembled for a single program.

01
Simple
Simple Flat Storage
With no glue at the base, the unassembled carton lies flat and takes less storage space until each box is needed.
02
No
No Automatic-Bottom Requirement
The hand-formed base suits projects where a pre-glued auto bottom is unnecessary, such as event runs and counter packing at a steady pace.
03
Built-In
Built-In Carrying Format
Once erected and filled, the box holds the product and provides a hand-carry handle in one carton.
04
Alternative
When Another Format May Fit Better
If many boxes are set up each shift and base folding time adds up, an Auto Lock Gable Box forms its base as it opens. For a base that closes with a peel-and-seal strip, see the Seal End Gable Box.

Interlock Gable Box Specifications

Custom interlock gable boxes are specified around the hand-formed interlocking base, base-panel geometry, handle, carton dimensions, board grade, packed weight, interior and finishes, with the lock tabs and hand opening set on a custom dieline for each size.

Specification	Available Configuration
Product Type	Folding gable carton with manually interlocked base
Category	Gable Boxes
Dimensions	Custom base length × width × body height, built around the product and carrying requirements
Core Construction	Glued side seam, interlocking bottom panels assembled by hand per approved dieline
Top Closure	Integrated gable handle
Board	White SBS, kraft or recycled paperboard; corrugated board; metallic, holographic, pearlescent or textured cardstock
Board Caliper	Paperboard from about 14 pt to 28 pt, or E-, F- or B-flute corrugated; matched to the product and packed weight
Interior	Paperboard, corrugated or molded pulp inserts; dividers or liners where required
Windows	Die-cut window with clear film, or open die-cut window
Print Coverage	Exterior only, exterior + interior, or full inside and outside
Print Methods	Offset, digital, UV or screen printing; CMYK and Pantone spot colors
Coatings and Finishes	Matte, gloss or soft-touch lamination, aqueous or grease-resistant coating, foil stamping, emboss/deboss, Spot UV and raised 3D UV
Starting Price	From $0.95 / unit; final price depends on size, board, print, finishes and quantity
Minimum Order	500 units
Standard Production	7 days from approved proof
Production Check	Base geometry, fold sequence, board, handle and packed-weight suitability confirmed per project
Rush Production	Available on request
Shipping	Ships flat, USA and worldwide

How Interlock Gable Compares to Other Gable Box Structures

Attribute	Interlock Gable	Auto Lock Gable	Seal End Gable
Base	Panels folded and engaged by hand	Pre-glued, locks on opening	Panels sealed with a peel-and-seal strip
Base steps at packing	Fold in sequence	Open and square	Fold, peel cover, press
Adhesive at the base	None	Pre-glued in production	Peel-and-seal strip, applied in production
Top	Gable handle	Gable handle	Gable handle
Best fit	Hand assembly, no pre-glue	Repeated packing, fewer base steps	Sealed base without glue equipment

What Size Interlock Gable Box Do You Need?

Quote by inside base length × width × body height. Length and width set the footprint that the interlocking panels must close across, and body height runs to where the roof begins; the gable roof and handle add height above that, drawn on the dieline.

There is no fixed size list: any practical size is built to order, across the full board range below.

How Product Size Becomes Box Size

The figures below are planning references, not fixed manufacturing rules; final allowances depend on product shape, insert and board.

Step	Typical Allowance
Product to inside length and width	Add about 2–3 mm (1/8 in) so the base panels close fully
Product to body height	Add about 3–5 mm so contents clear the roof fold
With an insert or tray	Size to the insert's outer dimensions
Several items	Size to the packed layout

Paperboard Caliper Reference

Board	Typical Thickness	Typically Suited To
About 14–16 pt	About 0.36–0.41 mm	Small favors and samples
About 18–20 pt	About 0.46–0.51 mm	Wrapped candy and light gifts
About 22–24 pt	About 0.56–0.61 mm	Bakery orders and gift sets
About 26–28 pt	About 0.66–0.71 mm	Larger boxes and fuller packs
E- or F-flute corrugated	About 0.8–1.6 mm	Added stiffness at larger sizes
B-flute corrugated	About 3 mm	Large catering and multi-item boxes

Important: These are reference figures. Carrying capacity depends on board, base-panel geometry, handle design, dimensions and packed weight, so no weight rating is published without testing the finished box.

If you are unsure, share the product dimensions and packed weight with the quote request, and the box is sized around them.

How Is the Interlocked Base Assembled?

The carton is opened, then the bottom panels are folded in the order marked on the dieline until the tabs engage. The sample shows the sequence, and the same order applies to every box in the run.

Customization

Customize Your Interlock Gable Boxes

Interlock gable boxes can be configured across dimensions, board, base-panel geometry, handle and top closure, windows and inserts, print coverage and finishes, with lock zones and the hand opening kept clear of decoration that could affect folding.

Base Geometry

Configure the bottom panels around carton size and load while keeping assembly practical for the packing workflow. Reference allowances are in the size guide.

Handle and Top Closure

Develop the hand opening and roof proportions around product size and how the box will be carried. For extra attention to the handle, compare Reinforced Handle Gable Boxes.

Windows and Inserts

Add a die-cut window or paperboard, corrugated or molded pulp inserts only where they suit the product and keep key structural areas intact; see Gable Boxes with Window for window-led designs.

Liners and Dividers

Add dividers to separate items, or a liner or inner container where grease or food contact needs managing.

Print and Surface Finish

Offset, digital, UV or screen printing in CMYK and Pantone spot colors can be paired with matte, gloss or soft-touch lamination, aqueous or grease-resistant coating, foil stamping, emboss/deboss, Spot UV and raised 3D UV, placed on the side panels and roof away from fold and lock zones.

Sustainability Options

With no glue at the base, an unlaminated kraft or recycled interlock gable box is a fiber-based configuration that may simplify the material mix when compatible paper-based inserts are chosen; inks, coatings and window film affect local recyclability. See Kraft Gable Boxes for natural kraft designs.

Ordering

How to Order Custom Interlock Gable Boxes

Ordering custom interlock gable boxes takes five steps: share the product and requirements, confirm the size, base panels, handle and dieline, approve the artwork proof, move into production, and ship flat. Orders start at 500 units, with standard production in 7 days from approved proof after the final specification is confirmed.

01
Request a Quote
Share the product, its dimensions and packed weight, quantity, the event or packing setting, and any insert, window or finish preferences. Packaging Dock typically responds to quote requests within 24 hours.
02
Confirm the Size and Dieline
Inside dimensions, board, interlocking base panels and handle are developed around the product. Packaging Dock then provides a custom dieline showing the base fold order, roof panels and hand opening.
03
Approve the Artwork and Proof
Artwork is prepared on the dieline with free design support available. The proof is reviewed for panel layout, roof artwork, lock zones and finishes before approval.
04
Production
Production begins after the artwork proof and final specification are approved. Standard production is 7 days from approved proof, with rush production available on request.
05
Shipping
Finished interlock gable boxes ship flat across the USA and worldwide. Transit method, delivery time and shipping cost depend on the destination, order volume and shipment requirements.

Sample note: A pre-production sample can be arranged to confirm the base folding sequence, the handle with the packed product, and the print before the full production run.

Uses

What Are Interlock Gable Boxes Used For?

Interlock gable boxes are used for bakery and favor pickups, candy and treat assortments, small gift sets, and event or promotional packs, wherever carry boxes are assembled by hand and stored flat until needed.

01
Bakery and Favor Pickups
Lightweight to moderate contained products packed by hand at counters or events. More formats are covered under Bakery Packaging and Small Gable Boxes.
02
Candy and Treat Assortments
Wrapped products or inner packs in a branded carry box. More formats are covered under Food Gable Boxes and Candy & Sweets Packaging.
03
Small Gift Sets
Multi-item gifts where the handle becomes part of the presentation. More formats are covered under Holiday & Seasonal Packaging.
04
Event and Promotional Packs
Samples, giveaways or small merchandise assembled by hand for a single program. More formats are covered under Campaign Packaging and PR & Promotions Packaging.

Structures

Explore Other Gable Box Structures

Interlock gable boxes are one of three core gable box structures. Compare the other formats below, or explore the complete Gable Boxes range, including window, kraft, favor and food variants.

Auto Lock Gable Boxes

A pre-glued base locks as the carton opens, under the gable handle.

Seal End Gable Box

Base panels seal with a peel-and-seal adhesive strip under the handle.

FAQ

Interlock Gable Box FAQs

What is an interlock gable box?

An interlock gable box is a paperboard carry carton whose bottom panels are folded and engaged by hand to form the base, with an integrated handle formed by the top panels.

Is an interlock gable box pre-glued at the base?

No. The base is assembled by hand from interlocking panels; only the side seam is glued in production.

How is it different from an auto lock gable box?

An Auto Lock Gable Box uses a pre-glued bottom that locks as the carton opens. The interlock base is folded and engaged by the packer.

Is it the same as a snap lock box?

No. A Snap Lock Box uses a similar hand-locked bottom under a tuck top with no handle; the interlock gable box adds the gable roof and carry handle.

Is the interlocked base tamper-evident or leak-proof?

No. Those properties need separate sealing features, liners or inner containers.

How much weight can the handle carry?

There is no universal weight rating. Capacity depends on board, base-panel geometry, handle design, dimensions and packed weight, and is checked on a sample.

Is an interlocking bottom stronger than an auto lock bottom?

No universal ranking applies. Suitability depends on board, dimensions, base-panel geometry, packed weight and handling, for either base.

How long does it take to assemble?

Each box needs its base panels folded in sequence. For repeated high-volume setup, an auto lock gable base removes those bottom-folding steps.

Can a window be added?

Yes, where the selected board and window placement keep the base and handle areas intact.

Can it be used for food?

Yes, for wrapped or contained products, with a grease-resistant coating, liner or inner container where needed. Food-contact materials are confirmed per project.

Does it ship flat?

Yes. It ships and stores flat and is assembled by hand before filling.

What board should I choose?

As a guide, about 14–18 pt suits favors and samples, 20–24 pt suits bakery pickups and small gift sets, 26–28 pt suits fuller packs, and E-, F- or B-flute corrugated suits larger boxes.

What is the minimum order for custom interlock gable boxes?

The minimum order is 500 units, with larger runs priced against the confirmed specification.

How long does production take?

Standard production is 7 days from approved proof once the final specification is confirmed, and rush production is available on request. New base-panel geometry may need a sample first.

How much do custom interlock gable boxes cost?

Pricing starts from $0.95 per unit. The final price depends on size, board, base panels, print coverage, inserts, windows, finishes and quantity. Quote requests typically receive a response within 24 hours.

Can I get a sample before ordering?

Yes. Complimentary sample kits ship within two business days; the customer covers shipping. A pre-production sample can also confirm the base folding sequence.

Where do you ship custom interlock gable boxes?

Orders ship flat across the USA and worldwide. Transit method, delivery time and shipping cost depend on the destination, order volume and shipment requirements.

What artwork file formats can I submit?

The quote form accepts PDF, JPG, PNG, WEBP, TIFF, AI, EPS and PSD files, up to 3 files at 8 MB each. A custom dieline with the base fold order and hand opening marked is provided, with free design support.