Yard signs come in a variety of types, each tailored to meet different needs and purposes. In this guide. We’ll explore the three best types of yard signs: corrugated plastic yard signs, aluminum yard signs, and Alumacore yard signs. From affordability and versatility to durability for long-term outdoor use, each material offers unique advantages.
Custom yard signs are highly adaptable tools that make a big impact. Whether you’re a realtor showcasing properties, hosting a wedding reception, organizing little league sign-ups, or promoting a community event, the right yard sign can grab attention and effectively convey your message.
But how do you decide which type of yard sign is best for your needs? What materials fit your budget? Which designs are best for outdoor durability? This guide will provide the answers and help you find the perfect yard sign to achieve your goals. Let’s dive in!
Corrugated Plastic Yard Signs
Corrugated plastic yard signs, often called coroplast or coro signs, are the go-to choice for a wide range of applications. These signs feature flutes or channels, designed to securely hold wire stakes, making them easy to place in any yard.
Praised for being durable, lightweight, weather-resistant, and budget-friendly, coroplast signs are a customer favorite. They come in various sizes and shapes, with the 18”H x 24”W option being particularly popular for its versatility. Standard coroplast signs are 4 millimeters thick (roughly 1/16th of an inch), though thicker options are available for heavier-duty applications.
What makes these plastic signs so widely used? Their affordability and adaptability make them ideal for everything from business advertising to event promotions. They perform exceptionally well in short-term outdoor scenarios and can be printed digitally or using screen printing techniques—each suited to different needs, which we’ll explore further ahead.
This type of plastic is the ideal substrate for short-term outdoor graphics. Corrugated plastic yard signs can be printed digitally or via silk screen. More to come on the differences between those in a bit.
Aluminum Yard Signs
Aluminum yard signs are similar to custom lawn signs and tend to be a step up for those seeking durability and professionalism. Like corrugated plastic signs, they will withstand the weather elements very nicely, but aluminum signs don’t corrode.
Lightweight yet incredibly strong, aluminum signs are one of the most durable types of yard signage available. Sporting a smooth, baked-on, high-gloss factory finish, they depict a polished first-class image. They are made to last, guaranteed never to peel, flake, rust, corrode, or fade for as long as a decade. While they are a bit more expensive initially, the fact that they can really last for 10 continuous years often justifies paying more for them.
Realtors often use aluminum yard signs in property marketing due to their sleek appearance and durability. These signs are normally digitally printed to achieve clear, bright designs. They are heavier compared to corrugated plastic and usually require strong posts to hold them up instead of wire stakes. From real estate to other professional purposes, aluminum signs offer a durable and high-quality solution for your outdoor sign needs.
Alumacore Yard Signs
Alumacore yard signs offer the strength of aluminum with the lightweight benefit of a corrugated polypropylene core. This unique construction combines two pre-painted aluminum sheets bonded to a durable plastic interior, creating a rigid yet lightweight panel that is easier to handle than solid aluminum. Ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.
Alumacore signs are perfect for medium- to long-term signage and can be printed on both sides, making them great for applications that require durability and visibility from multiple angles. Common uses include point-of-purchase displays, trade show exhibits, and architectural installations. While Alumacore is heavier than corrugated plastic signs, its design still makes it impractical for use with wire stakes, unlike lighter materials. For best results, these signs are typically printed on digital presses, offering high-quality, long-lasting designs.
Digital vs Silk Screen Printed Yard Signs
Screen printing has a long history, dating back centuries before digital printing emerged in the early 1990s. While digital printing has gained immense popularity due to its versatility and efficiency, screen printing remains a trusted and reliable method for many applications.
Screen printing delivers rich, vibrant colors to signs, enhancing designs, text, and logos alike. While preparing materials for screen printing takes longer, the actual printing process is significantly faster than digital methods, making it highly efficient for large-scale orders.
In contrast, digital printing processes artwork via computer and prints it directly onto the sign, excelling in high-detail designs. Without the need for screens, digital printing can produce photorealistic images, making it ideal for short-run or low-quantity orders. This method is especially budget-friendly for small batches or single signs.
Both printing techniques offer unique advantages. Your choice depends on factors like your design needs, budget, and the quantity of signs required. Screen printing shines for bulk orders with bold, consistent colors, while digital printing is the go-to for intricate designs and smaller projects.
When you’re ready to get your new yard sign(s), head to our website or call us at (800) 614-8040 or (813) 447-4770. We have a fantastically talented staff of salespeople, designers, and production specialists at the ready. We’ll answer any questions you have and walk you through the process.
