THE MAIN DIFFERENCES OF OUT DOOR SIGNS

In this post, we will compare outdoor signage types in terms of durability, size, reposition ability and finally cost.
This post will help you determine which outdoor signs will work for you by using the table below:

Small Medium Large Mild Conditions Harsh Condtions Cost $ Cost $$ Cost $$$
Banner X X X X X X X X
Aluminum X X X X X X
Flags X X X X X X
Yard Signs X X X X X
Rigid Plastic X X X X X X
Backlit X X X X X X X
A-Frame Signs X X X X X
High Adhesive Decals X X X X X X X
Window Decals X X X X X X X X
Pop Up Tents X X X

LEGEND

Small signage is anything less than 12″ x 12″

Medium signage is greater than 12″ x 12″, but smaller than 50″ x 100″

Large signage is anything greater than 50″ x 100″

Mild conditions include light rain, mild wind, and minor dirt/dust

Harsh conditions include heavy rain, strong wind, and moderate dust/dirt

“$” is anything less than $15

“$$” is more than $15 but less than $450

“$$$” is anything more than $450

BANNERS

Banners are by far the most versatile outdoor sign and can be hung virtually anywhere. They can be small or large, depending on your needs. They are very durable and can roll up for easy transportation and storage.

Banners come in small, medium, and large sizes. They can withstand both mild and harsh conditions. Using the hanging accessories (grommets or pole pockets) banners are easy to display and move. As is the case with all signs, the cost is affected by the size of the banner. Banners have a wide price range with the smallest being less than $15 and the largest ones costing more than $450.

ALUMINUM

Aluminum signs are great for outdoor use. They are most commonly used in parking lots, but can also be used for ‘no trespassing’ and other outdoor signs. They can be hung using drilled holes and drilling them to a wall or metal pole.

Aluminum signs come in small to medium sizes. The heavy duty aluminum can withstand harsh outdoor weather conditions. They can easily be moved and are in the low to medium price range.

FLAGS

There are a number of different flags: feather flags, spirit flags, standard flags, etc. Flags are a great way to advertise. Feather flags can be placed outside of businesses to draw attention. Standard flags can be hung up outside on a flagpole or using a simple PVC pipe. Flags are perfect for windy locations as they move with the wind.

In comparison to banners, flags are less durable. They come in small to large sizes. Flags are fragile and need to be treated with care as they can easily tear or fade in the sun. They can withstand mild conditions. Like banners, they can easily be moved and hung somewhere else. Flags vary in price from medium to high based on the flag type, accessories, and size.

YARD SIGNS

Yard signs are a great and inexpensive way to advertise outdoors, especially in large quantities. This makes them great for political campaigns. They are lightweight and can include wire stakes or grommets if need be. Wire stakes are great if you plan on placing them in yards and/or other areas with soft ground. If that doesn’t work, you can add grommets to your yard sign and hang them against a chain-linked fence. Yard signs can be cut to the exact shape of your design. This is known as contour cut. They can also be cut with a border around your design, also known as halo cut.

Yard signs are one of the least expensive outdoor signs on the market. Similar to flags, yard signs come in small and medium sizes and can withstand mild conditions. They can easily be moved from one location to another.

RIGID PLASTIC

Rigid plastic is very similar to yard signs, except that it is made with a stronger and more durable plastic. They are great for a property, real estate, directional, park, trails, safety, and surveillance signs. Rigid plastic can be cut in a number of different ways including a standard rectangle, halo cut, contour cut, or rounded corners.

Like yard signs, rigid plastic come in small and medium sizes and are priced in the low to mid price range. Rigid plastic signs are more durable than yard signs. As a result, they can withstand more harsh conditions. They are typically hung up using 3M command strips, velcro, zip ties, suction cups, or permanently mounted with screws. Depending on how rigid plastic signs are hung, they can easily be moved to different locations based upon your needs.

BACKLIT

Backlit signs are an adhesive vinyl that is placed on an internally lit lightbox. When the light box is turned on, the colors become more apparent. One of the biggest advantages to backlit signs is that they are great for night use. They are very durable and can be used both indoors and outdoors.

Backlit signs come in a wide variety of sizes from small to large. If installed properly, they can withstand harsh weather conditions. One downside to backlit signs is that once fully installed, they cannot be removed without ruining the adhesive vinyl. They range from medium to high price, depending on the size.

A-FRAME

A-frames, also known as sidewalk signs, are great for directing more traffic to businesses. They are often placed directly outside of the business. A-frames consist of the plastic “A-frame” and the printed sign. The printed sign can be a vinyl decal, a corrugated plastic, or a hard rigid plastic depending on your A-frame type.

All of our A-frames come in one size. The printed part of the A-frame measures 24″ x 36″. A-frames are made of a strong plastic and are very durable. In addition to that, they can be filled with sand or water to withstand harsh conditions. The A-frame makes it possible to fold and easily store and/or move. A-frames are priced in the middle price range.