04/15/2026
Rising Material Costs in the Sign Industry: What Business Owners Need to Know in 2026
April 14, 2026
If you've gotten a sign quote recently and felt some sticker shock, you're not imagining things. Material costs across the sign industry have risen dramatically over the past 18 months — and they're not coming back down anytime soon.
Here's a breakdown of what's happening, why, and what you can do about it.
Aluminum: The Backbone of Signage
Aluminum is used in nearly every type of commercial sign — channel letters, cabinet signs, monument sign structures, and pole sign frames. It's lightweight, weather-resistant, and easy to fabricate.
The problem: Aluminum prices have climbed 35–50% since early 2024, driven by:
Tariffs — New and expanded tariffs on imported aluminum have hit the U.S. market hard
Energy costs — Aluminum smelting is extremely energy-intensive, and rising electricity and natural gas prices flow directly into material costs
Supply chain disruption — Global shipping delays and reduced refining capacity continue to squeeze supply
For a typical set of channel letters, aluminum cost increases alone can add $500–$1,500 to a project depending on size and complexity.
Plastics, PVC & Acrylic: Faces, Panels, and More
Acrylic (Plexiglas) is the standard material for illuminated sign faces. PVC (Sintra, Komatex) is used in dimensional letters, backer panels, and interior signage. Both are petroleum-based products.
The problem: Petrochemical feedstock prices have risen 20–40%, and resin shortages continue to affect availability:
Acrylic sheets — Lead times that used to be days are now weeks; prices up 25–35%
PVC/Sintra board — Pricing up 20–30%, with periodic allocation limits from distributors
Polycarbonate — Used in vandal-resistant sign faces, prices up 30%+
These materials are in virtually every sign we build. There's no substitute that doesn't carry its own premium.
Coroplast (Corrugated Plastic): The "Cheap" Option Isn't So Cheap Anymore
Coroplast — that lightweight corrugated plastic used for yard signs, temporary event signs, and real estate signs — used to be one of the most affordable sign materials available.
The problem: Even coroplast has seen 15–25% price increases:
Polypropylene resin costs — The base material has tracked oil prices upward
Demand spikes — Political seasons, events, and construction all compete for the same supply
Freight costs — Coroplast is bulky relative to its value, so shipping cost increases hit it disproportionately
A single 18×24" coroplast yard sign that cost $8–10 two years ago now runs $12–15. That adds up fast when you're ordering hundreds.
How This Impacts Your Next Sign Project
Here's what business owners should expect:
Higher Quotes
If you got a quote six months ago and didn't act on it, that price is no longer valid. Material costs have likely increased since then. This isn't your sign company padding margins — it's the raw cost of goods going up.
Longer Lead Times
Some materials are on allocation, meaning distributors limit how much any single customer can purchase. This can add 1–3 weeks to production timelines.
Fewer "Budget" Options
The gap between economy and premium materials has narrowed. When the cheap option costs almost as much as the good option, it makes more sense to invest in quality.
What You Can Do About It
1. Lock In Pricing Early
If you're planning a sign project for later this year, get your quote now and approve it. Most sign companies will honor a quote for 30–60 days. Waiting will almost certainly cost you more.
2. Phase Your Projects
If you need multiple signs, consider phasing the work. Get the most critical signs done now at today's prices, and budget for the rest over the next quarter.
3. Ask About Material Alternatives
A good sign maker (not a broker!) can suggest alternative materials that deliver the same look for less. For example:
Aluminum composite (ACM) instead of solid aluminum for flat panels
HDU (high-density urethane) instead of solid PVC for dimensional letters
LED retrofits instead of full sign replacements
4. Don't Sacrifice Quality to Save a Few Dollars
A cheap sign that fails in two years costs more than a quality sign that lasts ten. This is especially true when replacement materials will likely be even more expensive down the road.
The Bottom Line
Material costs in the sign industry are up 20–50% across the board, and the trend isn't reversing. The best time to invest in signage is before costs climb further.
We're transparent about our pricing and happy to walk you through exactly where your money goes. Get a quote today and let's build something that lasts — at today's prices.
Full-service sign company offering custom signs, banners, vehicle wraps, and installation. Get a free quote today.
