What is the Best Material for a Yard Sign?

From the real estate sign next door to the punny quip outside the coffee shop, we’ve all seen yard signs in our neighborhoods. They’re a simple and effective way to call customers' attention and generate buzz in the community.

Yard signs send an important message, but not just with words. What your sign is made of is just as important as what it says. Make sure the material is durable enough to withstand the elements so your message isn’t just seen but also remembered. Keep reading to learn more about yard sign materials and how to pick the best one for your needs.

Three Materials for Yard Signs - Pros & Cons


Corrugated Plastic (Coroplast)
Corrugated plastic, or coroplast, is the go-to material for many yard signs. These are the ‘For Rent’ signs you usually see outside apartment buildings, or the political signs touting a candidate’s name that pop up during elections. Many business owners order yard signs in coroplast for its quality, longevity, and affordability. The material is made up of three layers of plastic which ensures durability without making it too heavy. In fact, it’s light enough to be moved around and store after use. Coroplast is also weather-resistant so your outdoor sign is protected from the rain and won’t fade in the sun.

Pros and Cons of Coroplast
Pros Cons
Weather-proof; lightweight but durable for outdoor use Ideal for short-term displays only
Affordable; it’s the most inexpensive outdoor material Not a premium material
Waterproof; strong enough to keep the sign’s rigid shape Not recommended for printing photos or hi-res images
Translucence allows for backlighting at night Translucence is obvious when designs are printed on both sides
Sturdy yet pliable enough to be cut, scored, bent, and grommeted Texture is visible up close
Recyclable Non-biodegradable

Aluminum

When it comes to a long-term outdoor display, aluminum is the first choice of realtors for their yard signs. Its metal finish gives a sleek and sophisticated look making potential buyers feel that the property is worth their investment. The deep colors and contrasts that can be achieved using aluminum also distinguish the sign’s details when seen from afar.

Thanks to its extreme durability, businesses also use aluminum on informational displays like warning signs, parking directions, and other property-related messages. Its rust-free which means it can weather the elements especially when its displayed outdoors or areas near water (think properties near the beach or those that have pools). This material is also recommended for businesses that can spend a little extra and want their signs displayed for years. Plus, aluminum offers durability and high image quality at a fair price.

Aluminum Pros and Cons
Pros Cons
Extremely durable; it can last three years outdoors. Not the cheapest option
Lightweight for a sign made of metal Requires posts to hold its weight
Waterproof and rust-resistant.
Recommended for double-sided printing

Alumacore

Alumacore has the combined strength of aluminum and coroplast. The material is composed of a polypropylene core or corrugated plastic that’s sandwiched between two pre-painted aluminum sheets. It’s much lighter compared to aluminum but is equally durable. Businesses typically use Alumacore for signages displayed for a few months. Alumacore signs last longer than coroplast but they aren’t recommended for permanent displays.

Alumacore Pros and Cons
Pros Cons
Durable enough to last indoors and outdoors; signs last for a few months The most expensive material for yard signs
Lightweight and easy-to-install
Rust-resistance from aluminum sheets makes it waterproof
Recommended for double-sided signs on temporary display