Custom Yard Signs: The Complete Guide to Materials, Costs, Printing & Design

Custom yard signs are one of the simplest and most versatile ways to put a message in front of people where they already live, drive, shop, and work. From advertising a local business to promoting an open house, directing guests to an event, or supporting a political campaign, yard signs can turn a small piece of outdoor space into highly visible advertising.

But if you're ordering custom yard signs for the first time, you may have questions.

What are yard signs made of? Are yard signs waterproof? How much do custom yard signs cost? What is the best material for outdoor yard signs? And is it better to order yard signs online or use a local printing service?

This guide answers those questions and explains what to consider before designing and ordering custom yard signs online.

What Are Custom Yard Signs?
What Are Yard Signs Made Of?
Best Material for Outdoor Yard Signs
Are Yard Signs Waterproof?
What Makes a Durable Outdoor Yard Sign?
How Are Yard Signs Printed?
How to Get Yard Signs Made
How to Order Custom Yard Signs Online
Best Places to Order Custom Yard Signs Online
Local Printing Services vs. Online Yard Sign Printing
How Much Do Yard Signs Cost?
Cheap Yard Signs: What Should You Look For?
Are Yard Signs Effective?
How to Design an Effective Yard Sign
Political Yard Sign Design Tips
Regulations for Political Yard Signs
Where to Buy Wire Stakes for Yard Signs
Eco-Friendly Yard Sign Printing
Why Order Custom Yard Signs From Graphic Joy?
Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Custom Yard Signs?

Custom yard signs are lightweight outdoor signs printed with personalized text, logos, colors, photographs, contact information, or other artwork.

They are commonly installed in grass or soil using metal wire stakes, often called H-stakes.

Businesses and organizations use customizable yard signs for countless purposes, including:

Landscaping and lawn care advertising
Roofing and construction
HVAC and plumbing businesses
Real estate listings
Open houses
Political campaigns
School events
Graduation celebrations
Birthday parties
Directional signage
Parking instructions
Home services
Community events
Fundraisers
Grand openings

One of the biggest advantages of a yard sign is its simplicity. You don't need a permanent structure or expensive sign installation to advertise a message outdoors.

A well-designed sign can be placed in a strategic location and begin generating visibility immediately.

What Are Yard Signs Made Of?

One of the most frequently asked questions about custom lawn signs is "What are yard signs made of?"

The most common material is corrugated plastic, sometimes called coroplast or fluted plastic.

Corrugated plastic contains two flat plastic surfaces connected by internal flutes. The construction is somewhat similar to corrugated cardboard, except the material is plastic rather than paper.

This structure makes the sign:

Lightweight
Water-resistant
Easy to transport
Suitable for outdoor use
Relatively inexpensive
Compatible with wire stakes

At Graphic Joy, our custom yard signs are produced using 5 mm corrugated plastic, providing a sturdy but lightweight solution for outdoor advertising.

What Materials Are Used in Durable Yard Signs for Outdoor Use?

Several materials can be used to produce outdoor signs, and the right choice depends on how and where the sign will be displayed.

Corrugated Plastic

Corrugated plastic is the standard choice for traditional yard signs.

It works particularly well for temporary and medium-term outdoor advertising because it balances durability, weight, and affordability.

PVC

PVC signs are more rigid and have a smoother, more substantial feel.

They can be an excellent option for displays requiring a more permanent appearance, although traditional wire-stake yard sign applications generally favor corrugated plastic.

Aluminum Composite

Aluminum composite signage provides excellent rigidity and durability. It is often chosen for longer-term outdoor signs rather than temporary lawn advertising.

Cardboard

Cardboard signs can be inexpensive but generally aren't the best solution for extended outdoor use because exposure to rain and moisture can damage the material.

For most traditional yard sign applications, corrugated plastic offers one of the best combinations of affordability, weather resistance, portability, and print quality.

What Is the Best Material for Outdoor Yard Signs?

For most customers, corrugated plastic is the best material for outdoor yard signs, especially when signs need to be affordable, lightweight, weather-resistant, and easy to install.

A 5 mm corrugated plastic sign offers additional rigidity while remaining easy to move and store.

This makes it especially useful for:

Business advertising
Contractor signs
Political campaigns
Real estate
Events
Directional signage
Temporary promotions

Heavier materials may make more sense for permanent outdoor signage, but they're usually unnecessary for a traditional lawn sign.

Are Yard Signs Waterproof?

Corrugated plastic yard signs are highly water-resistant and designed to withstand normal outdoor exposure.

Unlike cardboard, the plastic itself doesn't readily absorb water.

That makes corrugated plastic signs suitable for exposure to rain, sprinklers, humidity, and other typical outdoor conditions.

However, no temporary outdoor sign is indestructible.

Severe wind, storms, prolonged extreme weather, improper installation, or physical impact can damage a sign.

If you're expecting bad weather, temporarily bringing your signs indoors can help extend their usable life.

What Makes a Durable Outdoor Yard Sign?

Material is only part of yard sign durability.

Other factors include:

Thickness

Thicker corrugated plastic can provide additional rigidity.

Printing

Quality printing helps produce crisp graphics and colors that remain visually appealing outdoors.

Installation

A properly installed sign is less likely to lean, twist, or blow away.

Location

Signs positioned in protected areas generally experience less wind stress than signs installed in completely exposed locations.

Design

Believe it or not, design also matters.

A sign that remains readable from farther away can continue doing its job even after normal outdoor wear.

How Are Yard Signs Printed?

Modern custom yard signs are generally produced using digital printing technology.

The customer's artwork is prepared as a digital design and printed onto the sign material.

The basic process looks like this:

1. Artwork is created or uploaded.

The design may contain a logo, phone number, website, offer, message, QR code, or other graphics.

2. Artwork is reviewed.

The file should be checked for dimensions, resolution, spelling, placement, and print quality.

3. The design is printed.

Professional printing equipment applies the artwork to the corrugated plastic.

4. The sign is finished.

The finished sign is cut to its specified dimensions and prepared for installation.

At Graphic Joy, customers can receive design assistance and review their artwork before it moves into production.

That extra proofing step is particularly useful for business signs where a wrong phone number, spelling mistake, or misplaced logo could make an entire batch unusable.

How to Get Yard Signs Made

Getting custom yard signs made doesn't need to be complicated.

Start by deciding:

What the sign needs to say
Where it will be displayed
Your preferred dimensions
How many signs you need
Whether you need single- or double-sided printing
Whether you need stakes
Whether you already have print-ready artwork

If you don't have a finished design, that's okay.

Graphic Joy offers free design assistance, making custom printing accessible even if you aren't a graphic designer.

How to Order Custom Yard Signs Online

Ordering custom yard signs online can save time compared with visiting multiple local printing shops.

A typical process includes:

Step 1: Choose your sign specifications.

Select the appropriate size, quantity, and available printing options.

Step 2: Upload your artwork.

Provide your existing design, logo, branding, or other files.

Step 3: Request design assistance if needed.

If your artwork isn't ready for printing, professional assistance can help prepare it.

Step 4: Review your proof.

Check names, phone numbers, URLs, spelling, colors, quantities, and sizing carefully.

Step 5: Approve production.

Once everything looks correct, your signs can move into printing.

Step 6: Install your signs.

Insert the appropriate wire stake through the sign's vertical flutes and push the stake securely into the ground.

Best Places to Order Custom Yard Signs Online

When searching for the best place to order custom yard signs online, don't compare companies based on price alone.

Look for a printing provider offering:

Durable outdoor materials
High-quality printing
Custom sizing
Multiple quantity options
Design assistance
Artwork review
Clear communication
Shipping options
Business-friendly ordering

Graphic Joy specializes in professional custom printing for businesses and individuals, including custom yard signs and other coordinated marketing materials.

Instead of driving between local print shops, customers can submit their artwork and order their signage online.

For businesses ordering multiple types of marketing materials, using one printing company can also help maintain consistency between yard signs, banners, decals, business cards, and other printed products.

Local Printing Services for Yard Signs vs. Ordering Online

Searching for "yard sign printing near me" or "local printing services for yard signs" may seem like the easiest option.

But local doesn't automatically mean better.

A local shop can be convenient when you need immediate pickup, but online custom printing offers several potential advantages.

You can order without driving to a storefront, submit artwork digitally, compare specifications from home, and have the finished products shipped directly to you.

Online ordering is particularly convenient for businesses purchasing signage for multiple locations or ordering from outside their immediate area.

Graphic Joy provides an online alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar printing while still offering personalized design and order assistance.

How Much Are Custom Yard Signs?

There isn't one universal yard sign price.

The cost of custom yard signs depends on factors such as:

Sign dimensions
Material
Quantity
Single- or double-sided printing
Finishing options
Stakes or accessories
Shipping
Custom design requirements

Quantity can be particularly important.

Businesses, campaigns, contractors, and events frequently need multiple signs, so comparing the total project price rather than the cost of a single sign gives you a more accurate picture.

Before ordering, determine approximately how many locations you want to cover. That will make it easier to choose an appropriate quantity.

Cheap Yard Signs: What Should You Look For?

Everyone wants a good price, but the cheapest yard signs aren't necessarily the least expensive in the long run.

If an inexpensive sign is difficult to read, printed poorly, or made from an unsuitable material, replacing it can eliminate the initial savings.

Instead of looking only for "yard signs cheap," compare value.

Consider:

Material thickness
Print quality
Outdoor suitability
Design support
Proofing
Customer service
Quantity pricing
Shipping costs

An affordable sign that represents your business professionally is usually a better investment than simply selecting the lowest advertised price.

Are Yard Signs Effective?

Yes — yard signs can be extremely effective when the message, design, and placement are right.

Their biggest advantage is repeated local visibility.

A landscaping company might leave a sign at a completed property. Neighbors repeatedly see the company's name while driving or walking past.

A roofing contractor can use signs around neighborhoods where work is being performed.

A real estate professional can direct potential buyers toward an open house.

Campaign signs can repeatedly expose voters to a candidate's name.

Unlike an online advertisement that disappears when someone scrolls past it, a physical yard sign can continue generating impressions for days or weeks.

How to Design an Effective Yard Sign

A yard sign doesn't have much time to communicate.

Someone driving past may only see it for a few seconds.

That means simplicity wins.

Use Large Text

Important information should be readable from a distance.

Limit Your Message

Don't try to fit your entire website onto one sign.

A business sign might contain only:

Company Name
Primary Service
Phone Number
Website

Use Strong Contrast

Dark lettering on a light background — or light lettering on a dark background — generally improves visibility.

Prioritize One Call to Action

Tell viewers what to do next.

Examples include:

CALL TODAY

FREE ESTIMATE

NOW HIRING

OPEN HOUSE

SCAN TO LEARN MORE

Don't Make Your Logo Too Small

Your branding should be recognizable without overpowering the message.

How to Design Effective Political Yard Signs for Campaigns

Political yard signs have an especially difficult job: communicating a candidate's identity in seconds.

An effective campaign sign typically prioritizes:

Candidate name
Office or position
Strong color contrast
Simple branding
Minimal supporting information

Avoid filling political signs with paragraphs.

Drivers usually won't have enough time to read them.

For example:

JANE SMITH
FOR CITY COUNCIL

is far more readable from a moving vehicle than a sign containing a long campaign statement.

Consistency also matters. Using the same colors, fonts, and visual identity across campaign signs can strengthen recognition.

Regulations for Placing Political Yard Signs

Before placing political signs, check the applicable local rules.

Regulations can vary by city, county, state, homeowners association, property type, and roadway.

Rules may address:

When campaign signs can be installed
When they must be removed
Maximum dimensions
Public property restrictions
Roadway setbacks
Right-of-way restrictions
Permission from property owners

Never assume that because another campaign placed a sign somewhere, you're automatically allowed to do the same.

Check current local regulations before installing political signage.

Where to Buy Wire Stakes for Yard Signs

Wire stakes are commonly used to install corrugated plastic yard signs.

One of the most common styles is an H-stake.

The upper portions of the stake slide into the vertical flutes of the corrugated plastic while the lower section pushes into the soil.

When buying stakes, make sure they are compatible with your sign's:

Material
Thickness
Flute orientation
Width
Intended installation environment

The direction of the flutes is especially important because the stake must slide into the channels correctly.

Eco-Friendly Yard Sign Printing Options

People searching for eco-friendly yard sign printing should look beyond marketing claims and consider the entire sign lifecycle.

Questions worth asking include:

Can the sign be reused?
Can the stakes be reused?
Is recycling available locally for the sign material?
Can the sign be stored and used again?
Is the sign appropriately sized instead of unnecessarily oversized?
Can a generic design replace a date-specific design?

One simple way to reduce waste is to design reusable signage.

For example, instead of printing:

SUMMER SALE – AUGUST 15

a business could use:

SUMMER SALE – SHOP TODAY

if the sign will be useful for multiple promotions.

Metal H-stakes can also often be saved and reused with future signs.

Recycling options for corrugated plastic vary by municipality, so customers interested in disposal should check with their local recycling provider.

Why Order Custom Yard Signs From Graphic Joy?

Graphic Joy makes professional custom printing accessible without requiring customers to visit a traditional print shop.

Our custom yard signs are a practical solution for businesses, campaigns, events, real estate professionals, contractors, organizations, and individuals who need highly visible outdoor signage.

Customers can benefit from:

5 mm corrugated plastic yard signs
Custom printing
Professional design assistance
Artwork review
Online ordering
Business-friendly service
Custom marketing products beyond yard signs

Need matching marketing materials?

Graphic Joy can also help businesses coordinate their yard signs with custom banners, car decals, business cards, flags, and other printed advertising materials.

The result is a more consistent brand across the places customers encounter your business.

Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Yard Signs

What are yard signs made of?

Most traditional yard signs are made from corrugated plastic. The material is lightweight, water-resistant, affordable, and contains internal flutes that allow compatible wire stakes to be inserted.

Are yard signs waterproof?

Corrugated plastic is highly water-resistant and suitable for normal outdoor exposure, including rain and sprinklers. Severe weather and prolonged exposure can still affect the lifespan of any temporary outdoor sign.

How are yard signs printed?

Custom artwork is prepared digitally and printed onto the sign material using professional printing equipment. The sign is then cut and finished according to the order specifications.

How much are custom yard signs?

Custom yard sign prices vary depending on dimensions, quantity, printing options, materials, accessories, and shipping. Ordering multiple signs can also affect the per-sign cost.

Are yard signs effective?

Yes. Yard signs can provide repeated local exposure and are especially effective for businesses, contractors, real estate, campaigns, events, and directional advertising when placed strategically.

Can yard signs be customized?

Yes. Custom yard signs can include logos, business names, phone numbers, websites, QR codes, campaign messages, event information, colors, photographs, and other personalized artwork.

What is the best material for outdoor yard signs?

Corrugated plastic is one of the best choices for traditional outdoor yard signs because it combines affordability, low weight, water resistance, printability, and compatibility with wire stakes.

How do I get custom yard signs made?

Choose your size and quantity, prepare or submit your artwork, review the design proof, approve the final design, and have the finished signs printed and shipped.

Can I order custom yard signs online?

Yes. Ordering online allows you to submit artwork, review specifications, receive design assistance, and have custom signs shipped without visiting a physical print shop.

What should be included on a business yard sign?

Keep it simple. Include your business name or logo, primary service, phone number or website, and one clear call to action.

Create Your Custom Yard Signs With Graphic Joy

Whether you're promoting a business, advertising a service, directing guests, running a campaign, hosting an event, or simply trying to get your message noticed, the right yard sign can create visibility exactly where you need it.

The key is choosing a durable material, keeping the design easy to read, using strong colors, and working with a printing company that can turn your idea into professional signage.

Graphic Joy makes ordering custom yard signs online simple.

Upload your artwork or send us your idea, choose your sign specifications, and let our team help prepare your design for printing.

Ready to get your message noticed? Order your custom yard signs from Graphic Joy today.

Custom Yard Signs: Materials, Costs, Sizes & Complete Buying Guide