Your exhibition display is the face of your brand during expos and events. When visitors stroll through the aisles of the expo hall, your booth is the first thing they’re going to see, and first impressions count. That’s why crafting a unique and eye-catching display is important, and there are a variety of materials you can employ to make your stand display more attractive.
But what materials can you use, and which ones are better in which scenarios?
The world of exhibition stand materials is a vast and fascinating one. In this article, we’ll cover everything from wood to cardboard and highlight all the pros and cons you need to know. Think of this as your master materials guide to accompany you as you consider your exhibition stand designs.
But first, let’s go over some important ground rules.
Before We Begin…
Here are some important points to consider before you dive in head first:
Budget: Balancing Creativity With Resources
We get it: ROI matters.
If you have a tight budget, your exhibition stand design options may seem constrained. However, even with limited funds, there are creative ways to make a significant impact.
To ensure success, it’s crucial to establish a realistic budget that reflects your objectives. Sometimes, a relatively modest increase of 10-15% in your budget can elevate your stand’s impact and boost your ROI.
Durability: Longevity And Maintenance Considerations
Some trade show stand materials have a longer lifespan than others. Wood is timeless and looks great, but also gets damp when wet and tends to chip. Cardboard is even more fragile, but is cheaper and very eco-friendly. Some options can incur higher refurbishment costs too.
The way out of this dilemma? Carefully consider your long-term goals. Are you looking to reuse the same exhibition stand for multiple events, or do you prefer creating a new showpiece for each occasion? The answer to this will affect your choice of exhibition stand materials and construction techniques.
Regulations: Keeping Everyone Safe
Certain trade show venues and events have exhibition stand regulations, particularly in the United States. While these usually affect the shape and design, they can sometimes restrict material usage also.
The main concern, of course, is fire. So be prepared to adjust your trade show stand ideas to exclude flammable materials like cardboard or wood at certain shows. Being aware of, and adhering to, these regulations ensures a smooth exhibition experience for everyone.
Brand alignment: Consistency And Brand Perception
Ideally, your choice of stand materials should align with your brand’s values and identity. Consider how the stand’s design, materials, and finishes reflect your brand image.
For instance, if your company promotes eco-friendliness, using plastic-heavy finishes may send conflicting signals. Likewise, a large aluminium structure might be less poignant than a wooden one if you run a timber supply business.
Keeping your stand in-line with your brand’s ethos helps maintain consistency. It also fosters a positive brand perception among visitors, so pay attention!
Stand Materials: All You Need To Know
Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s go one by one through some trade show materials for your stand.
Wood: The Timeless Classic
Wooden exhibition stands have truly withstood the test of time. They’re a classic choice for their elegance, warmth, and timeless appeal. It’s a natural material that lends a sense of sophistication to your exhibition stand, making it ideal for discerning brands.
One of the major advantages of using wood is how versatile it is. It can be carved, stained, painted, or veneered to match your brand’s aesthetics. Woodworking is underrated nowadays, and wood can be adapted to various design styles from rustic to modern.
Additionally, wood is fairly easy to work with, allowing for intricate detailing and customisation.
It’s worth noting that wood also has its downsides. It can be heavier and more costly than some other stand materials and requires more maintenance for longevity. It’s also flammable, meaning some venues won’t accept wooden designs as per their regulations.
Overall, those seeking a timeless and elegant look will still find wood an evergreen trade show stand choice.
Aluminium: Sleek And Lightweight
For those needing a balance between aesthetics and functionality, aluminium stands are what you’re after. This lightweight metal offers a modern and sleek appearance; it’s also easy to transport and assemble.
Aluminium frames are durable, resistant to rust and corrosion, and can be customised to fit various stand design concepts. Their modular nature allows for easy reconfiguration, making them a versatile, reusable, and sustainable. They’re easy to install, dismantle, and store for your next show.
The lightweight properties of aluminium also translate to cost savings on logistics costs. Plus, the metal’s ability to support various attachments makes it a popular modern trade show display choice.
Fabric: Dynamic and Eye-catching
Fabric has emerged as one of the most dynamic stand materials for creating exhibition stand. While it’s too weak to build an entire stand out of, it is cheap, flexible, and visually stunning. Tension fabric displays like curved fabric walls are very useful for branded displays.
One of the standout features of fabric builds is how lightweight and easy-to-assemble they are. The fabric graphics can be easily swapped out, allowing for updates if your branding changes. Vibrant dye-sublimation printing ensures high-quality graphic prints that grab the trade show attendees’ attention.
Fabric can also be used for creating immersive environments within your exhibition stand. Backlit fabric displays, for instance, create a captivating atmosphere to attract attendees.
Unfortunately, fabric also has its drawbacks. It’s not strong enough to make entire booths out of, and its overuse results in a “flat” appearance.
Plexiglass: Transparency Without Fragility
When transparency and a modern aesthetic are your priorities, plexiglass comes to the forefront. Plexiglass-clad exhibition stands offer a sleek and contemporary look, perfect for technology, fashion, and design brands.
Plexiglass, which is also known as acrylic, is known for its high transparency. This allows you to showcase products or graphics in a visually striking manner. Glass may have a similar effect, but is more expensive and fragile.
Versatility is another one of plexiglass’ strengths. You can alter it with various textures, finishes, and even the LED light integration. This will help attract more potential customers from afar.
While plexiglass is more durable than glass, it’s still more fragile than other materials. Still, it makes up for this by helping create a sense of space and lightness, which makes your stand feel open and inviting.
It’s a bold choice that can help your expo stand design stand out.
Cardboard: Sustainable And Innovative
Twenty years ago, showing up to a trade show with a cardboard stand would’ve earned you a few laughs. Now, that couldn’t be further from the reality.
In recent years, sustainability has become a driving force in the exhibition stand industry. Brands are seeking more eco-friendly alternatives, and cardboard has emerged as that solution.
Cardboard trade show stands are not only environmentally responsible, but also innovative and cost-effective. Other key selling points for this material are that it is lightweight, easy to transport, and is fully recyclable! With a growing demand for sustainable solutions, it’s a great way to leave a lasting impression.
Don’t be fooled by its humble origins! Cardboard can transform into impressive and eye-catching displays with the right design. Plus, its affordability allows for creative experimentation, to increase your ROI.
Still, cardboard isn’t perfect. It’s not the strongest and can look tatty when reused.
Case Study: Broekhof
Broekhof, a sustainable plant packaging provider, needed to enhance their trade show presence at the 2024 Global Produce and Floral Show. Booth Exhibits™ stepped up to the task and created a fully recyclable, sustainable stand for Broekhof. Their inline stand was made almost entirely out of cardboard, with meeting areas placed upfront to engage attendees.
With sustainability right at the core of Broekhof’s brand identity, it was only fitting to have their displays be eco-friendly.
Metal: Heavy And Robust
If you prefer to make a bold and industrial statement, metal is your material of choice. Metal exhibition stands exude strength and durability, making them ideal for brands in the automotive or construction sectors.
Steel, for example, provides exceptional structural integrity. Beams and pillars can support heavy displays or equipment, and can have various overlays to achieve the desired aesthetic. Powder coatings and metallic spray paint are great companions here.
Metal stands the test of time and can be reused for multiple events, though they are heavier than aluminium and take longer to set up. They’re more expensive short-term, but offer long-term cost savings.
It’s important to remember that steel stands may require professional installation due to their weight and complexity. Some venues have weight limits for their stands, and steel structures can meet those limits quickly. If you manage to get it right, you’ll end up with a stand that exudes power and stability.
Hybrid combinations: infinite possibilities
The realm of trade show stand materials is not limited to a single choice. In fact, many exhibitors opt for hybrid designs that combine different booth materials. This helps achieve a desired look and while keeping costs down.
For instance, a wooden table with fabric trade show table covers marries the strength of wood with the visual impact of fabric. Similarly, mixing plexiglass screens with metal beams can result in a transparent and industrial stand.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to exhibition stand materials, there’s an array of options to suit every brand’s vision and budget. Whether you’re aiming for the flexibility of aluminium or the sustainability of cardboard, there’s plenty of trade show stand display ideas out there.
The choice of material is just one aspect of crafting an exceptional exhibition stand. It should be complemented with thoughtful design, strategic placement, and clever marketing materials for optimum results.
Are you about to embark on your next trade show adventure? Consider bringing a reputable exhibition stand builder along who can help you build your masterpiece and generate quality leads.
What materials are used to make a stand?
Many exhibitors opt for hybrid designs that combine different stand materials, including aluminium, wood, fabric, and plexiglass.
What material are stands made of?
Stands are made up of a variety of materials like wood, steel, and sometimes even cardboard.
What material is used for exhibition stands?
Exhibition stands are typically constructed from an aluminium frame with add-ons made of wood, fabric, or glass.
