What Material Are Yard Signs Made Of?

Yard signs are a staple in the world of advertising and politics.
From promoting a local business to showing support for a political candidate, yard signs have been around for decades. But have you ever wondered what they’re made of and how long they can last? Let’s dive into the world of yard signs!
What material is a yard sign made of?
The most common type of material used to make yard signs is corrugated plastic. This type is lightweight and durable plastic, usually 4mm thick, that holds up to the weather very well. Corrugated plastic is usually cost-effective, allowing your to get a sign up without a large investment. Plus, you can recycle corrugated plastic, so it’s also an eco-friendly material.
Another type of yard sign material is corrugated cardboard. They won’t last as long as plastic, but they are more affordable and can also be recycled of course.
Corrugation, in both the plastic and the cardboard, refers to the ridges within the material – see image below. This structure helps to give the signs a rigid shape and allows it to make great signage material. You can use corrugated plastic to create larger sign installations as well.

Other types of yard sign materials are aluminum and Alumacore. Aluminum signs are are a more upscale, higher end look, and they are fully weather-resistant. In fact, they last up to 10 years! This makes aluminum a great choice for a yard sign you’ll want to have up all year round, as opposed to a specific marketing campaign that only lasts a few weeks or months.
Alumacore is similar to aluminum – it is lightweight and ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. It’s more flexible than aluminum, and it also last years – this makes it a great option for a long term sign.
Are yard signs weather resistant?
The most common material for yard signs is corrugated plastic. It’s lightweight, durable, and affordable. Plus, it’s easy to print on and can be cut to any size. But don’t be fooled by its lightweight appearance. Corrugated plastic is tough and can withstand harsh weather conditions.
That brings us to our next point – are yard signs weather-resistant? Yes! Corrugated plastic is waterproof and UV-resistant, meaning it won’t fade in the sun or get damaged in the rain. So go ahead and put up that “Vote for Pedro” sign in the pouring rain – it’ll be just fine.
How do I display my yard sign?
Most corrugated yard signs come with an H stake that you put into the ground and then slide the sign on to. The H stake is a simple and quick way to display your sign.
If you need to hang the yard sign from a fence, corrugated plastic signs can be grommeted. Grommets are small metal rings that are added to the corners of the sign. Using zip ties through the grommets, the sign can then me secured to a fence, post, or other structure.
Not all yard sign companies offer grommets, so be sure to ask if it’s something you need.
How long does it take to make a yard sign?
The answer varies depending on the quantity you need, but we can turn around a yard sign order in just a few days. We even offer rush options if you need your signs ASAP.
Just be sure to plan ahead so you have plenty of time to design and approve your sign before it goes into production. Our world-class customer service team can connect you with our graphic designers if you’re struggling with design, as well!
How long will a yard sign last?
As explained above, it depends on the type material and weather conditions. A well-maintained yard sign can last anywhere from a few months to a few years, or even up to a decade for aluminum or Alumacore. Just be sure to store it properly during the off-season (i.e., don’t leave it out in the sun all winter) and give it a good cleaning every now and then.
Contact us to get started on your yard sign order today!

Mendy Rimler
As CEO of NorthCoast Banners, Mendy has 15 years of experience in the print industry and has worked with brands large and small across the US to bring their branding to life with quality prints.