Best Materials for Outdoor Signs: Top 9 Durable Options to Consider

Choosing the right material for outdoor signage is crucial for businesses looking to attract customers and make a lasting impression. Our guide outlines nine durable and visually appealing options, from versatile aluminum and vibrant vinyl to rustic wood and modern stainless steel. Each material offers unique benefits in terms of cost, durability, maintenance, and style. Working with a professional team like Divine Signs ensures that your signage is not only built to last but also tailored to reflect your brand’s identity with maximum impact.

Well-designed outdoor signs have the power to draw customers into your store. Not only do they boost foot traffic, but they also convey your brand message effectively and elevate the overall customer experience. Choosing durable materials for outdoor signs is essential to ensure they stand the test of time. Here are nine reliable options worth considering.

1. Aluminum

Tough and lightweight, aluminum is an ideal choice for an outdoor sign. The material is resistant to corrosion, allowing it to withstand the harsh Midwestern weather. Aluminum’s light weight makes it easy to handle and install in comparison to heavier metals.

Aluminum, though a pricey option, is highly versatile and can be painted in jazzy colors to further amplify the business’s brand. Once the sign is ready to retire after its long lifespan, it can be recycled. Be aware that the metal is prone to dents and scratches from mishandling.

2. Acrylic

Like its aluminum counterpart, acrylic is lightweight and easy to install. Businesses do not need to be concerned about an exterior acrylic sign being too heavy to hang. As a weather resistant material with built-in UV protection, it is a solid option for outdoor use.

However, when exposed to the elements, thin acrylic material can crack upon impact. Painted acrylic, on the other hand, is stronger and longer-lasting. Maintenance requirements are minimal, with only soap and water needed to keep it looking clean and new all year-round.

3. Vinyl

Businesses that aim for flexibility find their signage needs met with vinyl. The versatile material sticks to a wide range of surfaces, such as glass, metal, and plastic, as well as vehicles, windows, and walls. Cost-effective, vinyl outdoor signs are often vibrantly colored and eye-catching.

While vinyl offers a great deal of versatility, it is less likely than its more rigid counterparts to withstand long-term outdoor use. Plus, it requires careful and skilled installation to avoid bubbles, wrinkles, and other blemishes that can detract from the sign’s professional appearance.

4. Stainless Steel

Add a modern vibe with a stainless steel exterior sign. Stainless steel can be shaped in a variety of ways to suit business needs. Its sleek look and shiny finish remain attractive over time. Plus, the low maintenance of stainless steel makes it a practical option for busy companies.

Stainless steal boasts strength. The material withstands impacts, such as from hail or other severe weather conditions. As a result of its durability, stainless steel endures, reducing the need for frequent replacements. However, stainless steel is a costly material and heavy to handle.

5. 3D Plastic Lettering

Consisting of high-quality plastic, like acrylic or PVC, 3D plastic letters are a dynamic choice for outdoor signage. The depth and shadows created by the letters offer visual interest and appeal. 3D plastic lettering can be customized with various colors, sizes, and fonts to showcase the brand’s aesthetics.

Compared with metal signage materials, 3D plastic lettering is relatively affordable. Plus, as a lightweight material, it can be installed in a wide variety of areas without having to meet structural requirements. 3D plastic lettering also stands up to UV rays and adverse weather conditions.

CHANGE YOUR SPACE with Dimensional Letters!

6. Wood

The rustic charm of wooden signs ensures businesses stand out from the crowd. Wood offers warmth and character, unlike plastic and metal. Depending on the quality of hardwood, this type of sign can be either costly or affordable. Wood also requires ongoing maintenance to keep it looking its best.

For example, moisture is a problem for unprepped and unmaintained wooden signs. The wood must be sealed to keep out moisture and prevent the sign from warping and rotting over time. It’s also heavier than other options, like PVC, making it challenging to install.

7. Dibond

Dibond is an aluminum composite material. Signs made from Dibond feature a polyethylene center sandwiched between two metal sheets. What results is a durable, lightweight sign. The material is noted for its ability to maintain its shape without succumbing to warping or delamination over time.

8. Alumalite

Alumalite consists of aluminum sheets with a corrugated plastic core. It offers rigidity without adding excessive weight. This makes Alumalite perfect for construction site signs and billboards. Cleaning is done with simple soap and water. Plus, as a recyclable material, it’s environmentally friendly.

9. PVC

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is among the most affordable outdoor signage materials on the market. It’s easy to handle and install, given its lightweight properties. The high level of versatility offered by PVC signs makes it suitable for both temporary and permanent exterior business signs.

Harsh weather is an adversary to PVC, however, due to the material being less durable than aluminum or acrylic. PVC also fails to deliver a high-end look, like metal effortlessly provides. On the flip side, this material can last for years with proper finishes and UV coatings.

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Outdoor Signage from Divine Signs

Durable outdoor signs offer value. They’re among the first things customers see before deciding to walk into a store. When you aim to update or install a brand-new outdoor sign, work with the sign experts at Divine Signs and Graphics. We design, produce and install attention-grabbing exterior signs.

Our sign professionals offer many outdoor sign material options so you can choose what works best for your business. We offer suggestions, as needed, to guide you. Your business’s logo, colors, and fonts are incorporated into the outdoor sign for maximum impact. We also create custom graphics.

The wide range of outdoor signs we create include lighted business signs as well as wall signs and plaques. We are experienced in producing stone, metal, or wood ground signs, free-standing monument signs, and plaza signs that boldly stand at the entrance to the plaza or strip mall.

A high-quality outdoor sign can last for years when the right materials are selected and you work with Divine Signs and Graphics. We deliver a stunning exterior sign design that’s produced with precision and installed securely. Call our Schaumburg, Illinois, office to discuss your next custom outdoor sign.