Planning a community notice board can be challenging. With weighty considerations such as security, location, and cost to balance, making the right decisions at the planning stage can feel like a lot of pressure.
Whether you’re purchasing on behalf of a parish council, trust, school, or church, community notice boards need to deliver practicality, durability and long-term value.
Below, we guide you through some of the most common (and expensive) mistakes when planning a community notice board, and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Choosing a community notice board based on price alone
Cost is understandably a primary consideration when selecting an outdoor notice board, since most organisations work within fixed budgets. However, focusing solely on a lower upfront price can lead to higher long-term replacement and maintenance costs.
When assessing noticeboard purchasing options, think beyond the price and consider:
- Lifespan and durability. Will the noticeboard withstand years of outdoor exposure?
- Maintenance requirements. Will repairs or replacements be needed frequently?
- Material quality. Are frames, glazing and fittings designed for heavy use?
- Future capacity. Will the noticeboard still meet its needs in several years?
- Warranty and support. Does the noticeboard offer long-term manufacturer backing?
Choosing on price alone can be a false economy and result in premature replacement or reparation. Prioritising value ensures the notice board remains cost-effective over its full lifespan.
Stat support: A recent study of Out Of Home campaign effectiveness analysed more than 500 campaigns and found an average 8-point increase across key performance metrics. This showcases the enduring value of investing in high-quality public messaging.
Mistake #2: Underestimating the importance of weather protection for outdoor notice boards
Exposure to the elements places ongoing stress on outdoor public notice boards. Not all products are equally well-suited to withstand long-term exposure. Let’s examine some key weather-related considerations when choosing a community notice board.
Condensation and internal moisture build-up
Internal condensation and moisture can accumulate inside the display area of an outdoor noticeboard. The result is fogging and damage to notices.
UV exposure and fading
Low-quality glazing materials degrade easily and don’t protect printed notices effectively from UV rays, which can cause fading. This impacts the clarity of the message on a noticeboard.
Frame and material durability
Noticeboards made from low-grade materials, such as PVC or MDF, are susceptible to corrosion and warping, particularly in exposed outdoor locations.
Noticeboard tip: don’t treat weather protection as an optional extra
Don’t treat weather resistance as an upgrade for outdoor notice boards; it should be a core requirement, not an added feature. Proper sealing, ventilation, high-quality glazing and frame materials all ensure your noticeboard stays presentable over time.
Mistake #3: Choosing the wrong level of security for community noticeboards
Community notice boards require different levels of security depending on their location. A notice board outside a village hall may face very different demands from one installed in a busy town centre or exposed public space. Why?
- Footfall. Boards in busier areas are typically exposed to more passers-by, increasing the potential for damage (accidental or intentional) and general wear and tear.
- Exposure. Installations in unsupervised or isolated locations may benefit from more robust locking systems to deter interference.
- Update frequency. Boards that are refreshed regularly should have security features that remain easy for authorised users to operate.
When comparing outdoor notice boards, consider how the security features support everyday use. For example:
- Noticeboards with secure Allen key doors, lightweight construction, and multiple hinge options are well-suited to locations where notices are updated regularly.
- For busier environments, community noticeboards with tamper-proof safety locks, impact-resistant glazing and wear-resistant hinges are ideal.
Matching the specification to the environment can help avoid paying for features you don’t need or regretting those you overlooked.
Mistake #4: Treating outdoor public notice boards as an afterthought
Don’t treat your community noticeboard as a final detail. Instead, see it as a considered part of the site. The design, positioning and specification of your outdoor noticeboard all influence its effectiveness over its lifespan. Review these important elements to help you make product decisions:
Consider the visual and environmental context of your noticeboard
A community notice board should feel appropriate to its surroundings. For example, a church notice board may need a more sympathetic design to complement a historic building, while remaining practical for regular updates. Personalised noticeboards also add impact to churches.
Understand long-term visibility and use
Outdoor notice boards can be in place for many years, so consider both current requirements and how those needs may evolve over the board’s lifespan. For example, a church notice board may start with service times but later need to accommodate community events, seasonal messages, and local announcements.
Take time to plan these factors early and ensure the notice board becomes a useful communication tool, not a missed opportunity.
Choose the right community notice board with Noticeboard Company
A well-planned community notice board should serve its purpose over time without unnecessary compromise. If you take a considered approach at the specification stage, you’re a step closer to ensuring the final installation does just this.
Noticeboards Online offers a range of outdoor notice boards designed to suit different environments, from simple community installations through to more robust, long-term public display solutions. Take a look at our full range of outdoor noticeboards and request a quote for a quick response.