Materials most used in trade fair stands and their advantages

The material your stand is made of determines its appearance, weight, durability and cost. Choosing the right materials is as important as graphic design: a stand with inappropriate materials can ruin the best of ideas. At Unical we work daily with all the materials available on the market and in this guide we explain what they are, what advantages each one has and when to use each one. If you are still not sure what type of stand you need, we recommend that you first read our guide on types of stands for fairs and our post on how to choose the perfect stand. And for more information about our fair services, visit our fairs and events page.

Aluminum Aluminum is the most used material in modular stand structures. Its combination of lightness, strength and versatility makes it ideal for removable constructions that are frequently transported and assembled. Advantages: • Very light: easy transportation and assembly • Great structural resistance • Modern and professional look • Reusable indefinitely • Compatible with a wide variety of finishes and panels Disadvantages: • More industrial appearance than wood • Fewer customization options on complex shapes Ideal for: reusable modular stands, exhibition structures, profile systems. Wood and derivatives Wood and derived boards such as DM, plywood or melamine are the most used materials in custom-made stands. They allow you to create any shape and finish, from the most rustic to the most sophisticated. Most used types: • DM (MDF): medium density board, easy to work and paint • Plywood: stronger than DM, ideal for loaded structures • Melamine: board with a laminated finish, widely used in counters and furniture Advantages: • Infinite possibilities of shape and finish • Warm and premium look • Easy to work with and customize • Accepts paint, vinyl, laminates and any finish Disadvantages: • Heavier than aluminum • Higher transportation cost • Less reusable than aluminum • Sensitive to humidity Ideal for: personalized custom stands, counters, stand furniture, decorative elements. Steel and stainless steel Steel is used in applications where great structural strength is needed, such as double-deck stands or elements that must support a lot of weight. Stainless steel provides a very premium and modern finish. Advantages: • Maximum structural resistance • Very premium look • Very durable • Ideal for loaded items Disadvantages: • Very heavy • Higher cost • Requires welding for complex shapes Ideal for: double-deck structures, premium decorative elements, high-end counters.

Textile canvas Textile canvas is the most commonly used material for modern stand graphics. It is printed by sublimation and offers very vivid colors, a soft touch and a very premium look. Advantages: • Very bright and uniform colors • Modern and elegant look • Very light and easy to transport • Washes and reuses • No reflections: ideal for photography Disadvantages: • Requires specific structure to tension it • Wrinkles if not installed correctly Ideal for: graphic walls of stands, photocall backgrounds, decorative fabric elements. PVC tarpaulin PVC tarpaulin is the most economical option for large graphic surfaces. Resistant and with good printing quality, it is widely used in fairs with a tight budget. For more information on types of banners, consult our guide types of advertising banners. Advantages: • Very competitive price • Great resistance • Good print quality • Available in large format Disadvantages: • Heavier than textile canvas • Less premium look • May have reflections in photography Ideal for: large graphic surfaces, stand backgrounds, exterior elements. Methacrylate Methacrylate is a transparent or translucent plastic that provides a very modern and sophisticated appearance. It is used for decorative elements, signage and in combination with LED lighting. Advantages: • Very modern and premium look • Available in transparent, translucent and colored • Perfect for LED backlighting • Easy to cut and work Disadvantages: • Fragile if hit • Scratches easily • Higher cost than other panels Ideal for: illuminated decorative elements, stand signage, light boxes, backlit logos. Forex (expanded PVC) Forex is a rigid expanded PVC panel that is very light and easy to work with. It is one of the most versatile materials in the manufacture of stands and signage. Advantages: • Very light • Easy to cut, route and customize • Accepts direct printing • Economical price • Available in multiple thicknesses and colors Disadvantages: • Less resistant than other rigid materials • Not suitable for permanent exteriors • Less premium appearance than methacrylate or aluminum Ideal for: stand signage, information panels, cut-out letters, light decorative elements. Glass and crystal Glass is used in premium stands for display cases, dividers and decorative elements. It provides a very elegant appearance but requires greater care in transportation and assembly. Advantages: • Very premium and elegant look • Perfect for showcases and displays • Transmits transparency and sophistication Disadvantages: • Fragile and heavy • Greater cost and logistical complexity • Requires specialized installation Ideal for: product showcases, space dividers, decorative elements in luxury stands.

Fair carpet Carpet is the most used floor in trade fair stands. Available in a wide variety of colors, it is economical, easy to install and comfortable for visitors. Advantages: • Economical price • Great variety of colors • Comfortable to stand on for hours • Easy installation Disadvantages: • Little differentiating appearance • Deteriorates with intensive use Wooden platform The platform raises the stand above the level of the aisle, which makes it more visible and clearly delimits the space. It provides a more premium look than carpet. Advantages: • Visually elevates the stand • More premium look • Allows installation of electrical installations under the floor Disadvantages: • Higher cost • Greater weight and transport volume Vinyl for floors Printed floor vinyl allows you to create custom designs on your stand floor. It is a creative and differentiating solution. For more information about vinyl, consult our guide to types of vinyl. Advantages: • Fully customizable with any design • Reasonable price • Easy installation and removal Disadvantages: • May peel off at edges in heavy traffic • Requires a smooth base surface

There is no universally best material for trade fair stands: the key is to combine the right materials depending on the type of stand, budget and objectives. At Unical we work with all these materials and advise you to find the perfect combination that maximizes the impact of your stand without breaking your budget. Do you have a fair coming soon? Request your quote without obligation and we will prepare a proposal with the best materials for your project.