Let us pose a little challenge: design a noticeboard that can survive a downpour, a heatwave, a gale, and a frost – all before lunchtime. In the UK, our weather likes to throw a lot at us.
If you’re shopping for outdoor noticeboards, or looking for weatherproof display boards, this guide is for you. We’ll compare materials (aluminium vs timber vs recycled plastic), debate lockable vs open-access boards, and show you how to protect your precious notices from rain, wind, sunlight – and even hostile squirrels and rogue footballs.
Why Weather Resistance Matters (and a Few Chilly Stats)
We all know our climate can throw us four seasons in one day. According to historic UK climate data from the Met Office, rainfall, sun hours, and wind trends all vary significantly across the country. It’s not uncommon for towns to see heavy drizzle in the morning, unexpected sunshine midday, then a hailstorm in the afternoon.
And in recent years, summers have broken records: 2025 was recorded as one of the hottest summers in the UK’s history. That means UV exposure, heat stress, and warping forces are all risks to outdoor materials, so you need a noticeboard that’ll face down the elements.
Material Showdown: Aluminium vs Timber vs Recycled Plastic
Here’s how the contenders stack up:
| Material | Strengths | Weaknesses | Best Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminium | Lightweight, rust-proof, corrosion-resistant, and holds paint or powder coating well. | May dent easily under very heavy impacts | Urban councils, schools, hotels |
| Timber / Solid Wood | Warm, traditional look; fits rural / church aesthetic | Needs regular treatment (sealant, repainting); vulnerability to rot, insects | Churches, village halls, heritage settings |
| Recycled / Man-made Timber (plastic composite) | Low maintenance, weather resistant, doesn’t rot; looks like wood but tougher. | Slightly more expensive front-end; can expand/contract in extreme heat | Schools, community boards, parks, business settings |
Many manufacturers offer a wide range of durable outside noticeboards in all three options, letting you choose the best materials for your location, style, and maintenance willingness.
At The Noticeboard Company, we recommend aluminium noticeboards to strike a balance between aesthetics and robust performance. In addition, for coastal or high-moisture areas as an example, aluminium noticeboards will resist salt spray and damp weather conditions far better than wooden materials.
Lockable vs Open-Access Boards: Which Style Do You Pick?
You might wonder whether to go with a locked glass-front display case or a free open board (push-in pins, open frame). Of course it depends on where you’ll position your noticeboard and who you want to be able to post notices.
Here’s a quick guide:
Lockable Community Noticeboards (with glazed doors)
- Pros: Protects notices from rain, wind and vandalism. Keeps posters flat.
- Cons: More costly, doors can stick or leak if poorly sealed and glass or polycarbonate may scratch or haze, or in worse cases, smash or shatter.
- Best for: Town councils, churches, high footfall areas, outdoor settings.
- Also consider: Who might need access to the noticeboard and how many keys you require. We supply lockable noticeboards with 2 keys where relevant.
Open-Access Boards (no glazing or doors)
- Pros: Cheaper, simpler and less maintenance.
- Cons: Open noticeboards aren’t going to protect your notices from the elements so aren’t all that practical.
- Best for: Covered areas such as church porches or low-security sites.
- Also consider: outdoor interpretation panels for where notices aren’t needed. Panels are pre-printed on vinyl with relevant information for viewers.
When choosing a lockable noticeboard, it makes sense to check that the seals are weatherproof, the glass/pane is shatter-resistant, and that the door hinges are robust enough to survive buffeting winds and protected against water corrosion.
Protecting Your Notices from the British Weather (and Wildlife)
Even with a great noticeboard, your notices still need to be protected! Here are some practical steps to help notices last longer:
- Laminate notices to protect them from moisture and allow them to last longer in prolonged rainy conditions.
- Use UV-resistant print to protect notices from sun fade. For printed posters we suggest using UV-stable inks to slow fading under the strength of the sun, or you may wish to consider the sun’s position relative to your noticeboard installation site.
- Use backing materials or liners A cork or aluminium backing offers rigidity so notices don’t flap or tear in gusts.
- Look at the cabinet depth so you can set notices further back from the front of the glazing where they’ll be more susceptible to drips.
- Vent holes for condensation Without ventilation, glazed boards can trap moisture inside, damaging paper. Small discreet vents help air circulation without compromising waterproofing and avoid condensation build up.
- Check seals seasonally for damage or tears to maintain waterproofing.
- Protect from wildlife and projectiles which can be considered as you choose where to install your noticeboard. Screws or tamper-proof fixings can deter squirrels or local curious creatures. A polycarbonate screen instead of glass will resist impact from rogue footballs or vandalism. Position boards away from tree branches or swing gates that could cause damage on impact.
Maintenance Tips to Extend Lifespan
Like any outdoor fixture, noticeboards will serve you for many years when well looked after. Here are our recommended maintenance steps:
- Biannual cleaning: Wash frames and glazing with mild soapy water (avoid harsh solvents).
- Inspect hardware: Hinges, locks should be lubricated and tightened.
- Remove redundant notices: Leaving layers of old notices can lead to moisture traps.
- Check for signs of wear: Warping, corrosion, discoloration. Leaving damage to get worse may invalidate your guarantee.
- Winter check: during prolonged colder periods, inspect seals and structural bolts to make sure nothing has loosened.
- Storm readiness: Before big weather and named storms, inspect poles, ensure doors are locked, the glass is clean, and internal notices are secure.
And if you see bird droppings, leaf debris or chewing marks from squirrels, treat them like graffiti – cleaning and removing them quickly to preserve both the aesthetics and integrity of your noticeboard.
Practical Steps for Different Audiences
- For Town Councils/Parish Councils: Use lockable, glazed aluminium or composite boards at public notice points (village greens, civic buildings). Ensure they meet the “four seasons in one day” test but look for stronger, vandal resistant options.
- For Schools & Universities: Place weatherproof display boards in playgrounds, entrance gates, or campus lawns. For schools, make sure external noticeboards are safely installed to avoid accidents in the playground, but equally accessible for people to read.
- For Churches & Community Halls: Look for ornate finishing options to match local architecture or the character of your town or village.
- For Hotels & Visitor Centres: Look for elegant aluminium boards for use near entrances or gardens.
And of course, at noticeboard.company we offer a wide range of weatherproof display boards in guaranteed aluminium materials, many with lockable door options and vandal resistant features.
And while we’re on the subject of making a good choice for your next noticeboard, look out for a long term guarantee. Here at the Noticeboard Company, we include a 5 year guarantee, with some of our premium products featuring a longer 10 year guarantee.
Final Takeaways
- Consider the local climate – coastal, urban, sheltered valley or wooded area and pick a style accordingly.
- For outdoor public postings, go for lockable community noticeboards to preserve your notices against rain, wind, and mischievous hands.
- Choose durable materials: aluminium offers the best combination of reliability and low maintenance.
- Protect your postings with UV-safe prints, good seals, overhangs, and venting.
- Maintain regularly to catch issues early – it’s cheaper than allowing your noticeboard to fall into disrepair and then having to replace it sooner.
- Finally, position wisely and defend from wildlife and rogue footballs.
If your noticeboard can survive a summer heatwave, a winter frost, spring gales, and an autumn deluge – and still make your community proud – then you’ve passed the Big British Weather Test.
Check out our range of popular outdoor noticeboards that are suitable for all exterior locations.