Choosing the right material for your business sign is crucial for longevity and appearance. This guide compares the most popular signage materials used in the UK.
Dibond (Aluminium Composite)
What it is: Two thin aluminium sheets bonded to a solid polyethylene core
Pros:
- Lightweight yet rigid
- Excellent for large flat signs
- Weather resistant
- Cost-effective
- Easy to cut and mount
Cons:
- Can delaminate if edges aren't sealed
- Not fully recyclable (plastic core)
- Can dent with heavy impact
Best for: Shop fascias, hoarding panels, flat signage up to 3m wide
Price: £25-£45 per square metre
Lifespan: 5-10 years outdoors with proper maintenance
Solid Aluminium
What it is: Single sheet of aluminium metal, typically 2-3mm thick
Pros:
- Extremely durable
- Fully recyclable
- Premium appearance
- Won't delaminate
- Resistant to corrosion
Cons:
- Heavier than Dibond
- More expensive
- Can be harder to work with for large panels
Best for: Traffic signs, architectural signage, tray signs, premium outdoor applications
Price: £60-£95 per square metre
Lifespan: 15+ years, often 20+ years
Foamex (PVC Foam Board)
What it is: Lightweight expanded PVC foam
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Easy to cut and shape
- Good for indoor use
- Lightweight
- Takes vinyl graphics well
Cons:
- Not environmentally friendly
- UV degradation outdoors
- Can warp in direct sunlight
- Relatively short lifespan
Best for: Indoor signage, temporary outdoor signs, exhibition graphics, estate agent boards
Price: £8-£15 per square metre
Lifespan: 6-18 months outdoors, 3-5 years indoors
Cast Acrylic (Perspex)
What it is: Clear or colored plastic polymer
Pros:
- Excellent light transmission
- UV stable
- Can be shaped when heated
- Premium appearance
- Recyclable
Cons:
- Can scratch easily
- More expensive than PVC
- Requires careful handling
Best for: Built-up letters, illuminated signs, face panels for lightboxes
Price: £45-£85 per square metre (clear), more for colors
Lifespan: 10+ years with proper care
Correx (Fluted Polypropylene)
What it is: Corrugated plastic board (like cardboard but plastic)
Pros:
- Very cheap
- Waterproof
- Lightweight
- Easy to stake into ground
- Recyclable
Cons:
- Looks cheap
- Very temporary
- Easily damaged
- Not professional appearance
Best for: Estate agent boards, temporary event signage, site directional signs
Price: £3-£8 per square metre
Lifespan: 6-12 months outdoors
Timber (Oak, Iroko, Cedar)
What it is: Natural hardwood boards
Pros:
- Traditional, premium look
- Sustainable if FSC certified
- Long-lasting with treatment
- Biodegradable
Cons:
- Requires regular maintenance
- Expensive
- Can warp or split
- Needs weather treatment
Best for: Heritage sites, traditional pubs, parks, rustic/premium branding
Price: £80-£150 per square metre
Lifespan: 10+ years with annual treatment
Quick Comparison Table
| Material | Indoor/Outdoor | Cost | Lifespan | Eco-Friendly |
|----------|---------------|------|----------|--------------|
| Dibond | Both | £££ | 5-10yr | Partial |
| Aluminium | Outdoor | ££££ | 15+yr | Yes |
| Foamex | Indoor mainly | ££ | 1-3yr | No |
| Acrylic | Both | £££ | 10+yr | Yes |
| Correx | Outdoor temp | £ | 6-12mo | Yes |
| Timber | Outdoor | ££££ | 10+yr | Yes |
Which Material Should You Choose?
For shop fascias: Dibond or solid aluminium
For illuminated signs: Cast acrylic faces with aluminium backing
For temporary promotions: Foamex or Correx
For premium branding: Solid aluminium or timber
For vehicle graphics: Specialist cast vinyl (not a rigid material)
For window displays: Foamex or acrylic
Environmental Considerations
Most recyclable: Solid aluminium (high scrap value)
Least eco-friendly: Foamex (PVC-based, difficult to recycle)
Sustainable option: FSC-certified timber
Compromise: Dibond (aluminium skins recyclable, core is not)
Talk to Your Sign Maker
The best material depends on your specific needs, location, and budget. A professional sign maker can assess your building, exposure, and requirements to recommend the optimal solution.
*Material prices are typical UK trade costs as of December 2025. Retail prices will be higher.*