The Great Outdoors: The Top 5 Sign Materials Perfect for Your Outdoor Custom Sign

If you are considering opening a new bricks-and-mortar business, or opening another location, getting outdoor signage is probably at the top of your list. When it comes to reliable, long-term outdoor signage, these 5 sign materials are the "greats" and are definitely deserving of some attention in your decision-making process.

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Aluminum – Known for its strength and rigidity, aluminum is probably the most popular sign material (and it's our top-seller!). Even though it is relatively thin and lightweight, it has great panel strength. Aluminum comes in primarily 5 thicknesses, but three are most common. Thin, small signs (like real estate signage) are made with the .040 gauge thickness. Sturdier street signs, (like neighborhood stop signs) are made with the .080 gauge aluminum. The thickest and strongest gauge, .125, is reserved for heavy-duty signs (like the hazardous materials signs on construction sites). Looking for an outdoor sign material that won't split, warp, bow, or shatter? Aluminum leads the pack.

Dibond – Like aluminum, but need something a little thicker? Dibond may be the perfect choice! It offers an aluminum surface with added dimension. Dibond's plastic core gives added depth without added weight. And, that core makes it 10 times stronger than .040 aluminum. Dibond can be custom cut to shape or size and designed with any color graphics or vinyl. Also, it has a high tolerance for cold and hot weather temperature extremes, which makes it one of the "greats" for outdoor signage. Plus, there's not much difference in price between it and aluminum. Best of both worlds, right?

Alumalite – Like Dibond, Alumalite also has a thicker core. Instead of a solid core, it has a corrugated, or ribbed, plastic core between two sheets of factory enameled aluminum. That hollow core gives it great panel strength! It comes in both ¼" and ½" thicknesses and it is built to last – this material is strong, rigid and weather-resistant. Customize Alumalite with a full-color design and add edge-capping for a professional finish. It's a "great" sign material for your custom outdoor sign.

Vinyl Banners & Outdoor Banners – The nylon threading woven into the vinyl material makes banners super strong. And, heavy-duty outdoor banners particularly, are highly tolerant of environmental conditions, like high winds, bitter cold, and even hot weather extremes. They could last for several seasons outdoors! Vinyl banners are quite useful as temporary signage for new businesses. Can't afford a permanent sign just yet, put up a full-color, well-designed outdoor banner! They are also excellent for community fundraisers, sporting events, county festivals and more – great for the outdoors, indeed.

Dura-Wood – This outdoor "great" combines the traditional, classic beauty of wood with the convenience and versatility of vinyl! It feels and mounts like wood, but is the perfect canvas for your full-color artwork. Dura-Wood is available in a ½" thickness and comes in 4'x10' panels. You can custom cut the material to the size you desire, or panel it for an oversized sign. It's weather-resistant and can be single or double-sided. Dura-wood is strong, long-lasting and super professional – certainly a "great" for outdoor signage!

Bonus: 3-D Letters – Putting 3-D letters on the outside of your building is also an option. Even though they are not in the top 5, they are certainly one of the "greats" of outdoor signage! If you have ever seen 3-D letters mounted, they are not only attractive, they are functional – which is exactly what you want signage to be. Whether channel lit or non-illuminated, they draw attention and last for years! And, plastic 3-D letters are quite long-lasting, as well (in fact, they last longer than wooden letters). We've included 3-D letters as a bonus because they are worth your consideration ;)