A plaque is a small, lasting sign that names, marks, or commemorates. It might be a name plaque on an office door, a house name or number by the front door, a dedication or memorial plaque, an award or presentation plaque, or a decorative plaque for the home. Homes, offices, clubs, schools, and public spaces all use them — anywhere a name or a few words deserve a permanent, well-made finish. Because every plaque is made to order, you decide the wording, the material, and the look, right down to the font.
Types of plaque
Whatever the occasion, there's a plaque for it. Browse the type you need:
Name plates and door plaques — for offices, rooms, desks, and reception
House name and number plaques — a clear, welcoming address for the front of your home
Engraved plaques — crisp, permanent engraved lettering for names, notices, and dedications
Wall plaques — commemorative and decorative plaques for the home or workplace
Memorial and bench plaques — a lasting tribute in durable metal
Trophy and award plaques — for presentations, clubs, and recognition
Materials
Engraved plastic
A hard-wearing two-layer laminate: the engraving cuts through the top layer to reveal a contrasting colour beneath, for crisp, permanent text. Good value and available in a wide range of colours, it suits offices, industry, and public spaces, indoors and out.
Material: Two-layer plastic laminate (acrylic)
Thickness: 0.8 mm or 1.6 mm
Production: Laser engraving
Use: Indoor and outdoor (depending on colour combination)
Mounting: Screws or adhesive tape
Brass
A classic, elegant metal finish for a traditional, professional look. Brass is ideal for reception areas, offices, and sheltered entrances. It's supplied as standard plates and is recommended for indoor and sheltered use.
Material: Brass (or nickel-plated brass)
Production: Digital print
Use: Indoor recommended
Note: Standard plate sizes only — size and shape aren't customisable
Mounting: Screws or adhesive
Acrylic
A smart, glass-like finish with full-colour UV print — a modern, premium look for receptions, showrooms, and entrances. Available frosted, and striking on standoff fixings. Suits indoor and outdoor use.
Material: Acrylic (PMMA)
Thickness: 4 mm or 6 mm
Production: Full-colour UV print
Use: Indoor and outdoor (up to ~10 years)
Mounting: Screws, standoff, or adhesive
Aluminium
Lightweight, weatherproof, and printed in full colour — the durable, flexible choice for an outdoor plaque, a house sign, or a larger name plaque.
Material: Aluminium (75% recycled)
Thickness: 1–2 mm
Production: Full-colour UV print
Use: Indoor and outdoor
Mounting: Screws with caps, or standoff
Stainless steel
A crisp, contemporary, hard-wearing metal, laser-engraved for a premium finish. Made in smaller sizes, so it's ideal for a compact name or number plaque.
Material: Stainless acid-proof steel
Thickness: 1 mm
Production: Fibre-laser engraving
Maximum size: 180 × 180 mm
Mounting: Screws or adhesive
Wood
Our wooden signs are warm, natural oak or birch veneer, printed in full colour — a lovely finish for an indoor name plaque, a decorative plaque, or a gift.
Material: MDF with real wood veneer (oak or birch)
Thickness: 4 mm
Production: Full-colour print
Use: Indoor only
Mounting: Screws, tape, standoff, or hanging
How to choose your plaque
Indoor or outdoor?
For an outdoor plaque — a house sign or a memorial — choose aluminium, acrylic, or stainless steel, which handle the weather. Brass is best kept to indoor or sheltered spots, and wood is for indoor use only. Engraved plastic suits most indoor and many outdoor uses.
Which material suits the occasion?
Brass and wood bring warmth and tradition for interiors and gifts; acrylic and stainless steel give a modern, premium feel for receptions and entrances; aluminium is the flexible, weatherproof all-rounder; and engraved plastic is the hard-wearing, good-value choice for names and notices. If you're not sure, engraved plastic and aluminium cover the widest range of uses.
Size, wording, and fixing
Keep the wording clear and let it lead the size: a name and title need less room than a dedication with dates. Note that brass comes in standard sizes, and stainless steel is small-format, while aluminium, acrylic, engraved plastic, and wood can be sized to suit. You'll set the exact size and choose your fixing on the design page.
How to fit your plaque
Every plaque comes ready to mount, with the fixing you choose at the design stage:
Screws, or screws with caps — a clean, permanent fix into wall, door, or post, with neat caps over the heads.
Standoff fixings — hold the plaque off the wall for a raised, premium, three-dimensional look — ideal for acrylic and aluminium.
Self-adhesive tape — a no-drill fix for smooth indoor surfaces such as doors and glass.
For businesses, clubs, and organisations
Ordering more than one? We produce matching plaques in a consistent material, size, and style — a set of office name plates, a run of award plaques, or a series of memorial plaques. Save your design to your account to reorder, mix names and text in the same format, and take advantage of discounts on larger quantities. Send us your list and we'll come back with a quote.
