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How do I Choose the Best Outdoor Plaques?

Norma Jean Howland
Norma Jean Howland

When you are shopping for outdoor plaques, you will probably first want to decide where you want the plaque to be hung and what purpose it will serve. If you want an outdoor plaque for an address marker, it can be mounted on the house, a post, or a tree. To dress up your landscaping, there are many outdoor plaques meant for the garden, which can blend in with plants or call attention to certain areas with a poem, prayer or saying. You may want to show support for your favorite sports team or maybe you just want a welcome sign for visitors on your porch. Whatever use you have in mind, there are plaques made from slate, bronze, tin or ceramic that can bring attention to your home or add a quiet elegance in an outdoor area.

Outdoor plaques can put the finishing touches on your space, giving it a homey, welcoming feel for visitors and family members alike. If you want to add some warmth to your porch/front door area, you may want a welcome plaque, with any number of greetings to make guests feel at home. There are outdoor plaques that feature red tricycles, colorful pooches, and family photos serving as a welcome home sign. Maybe you have a favorite piece of prose that brightens your spirits after a long day that can be engraved on a plaque, adding a personalized touch to your front yard.

A welcome plaque near the front door can help guests feel more at home.
A welcome plaque near the front door can help guests feel more at home.

Since outdoor plaques come in different materials, where you put the plaque may play a part in your decision. If you are mounting the plaque on a post, you may want to choose something durable and heavy enough to stand up to harsh weather conditions. Of course, if you choose something that is fairly fragile, such as one of the ceramic plaques, you will probably want to make sure the piece has protection from the elements.

Family photos can be used to create outdoor plaques.
Family photos can be used to create outdoor plaques.

If you want to add something unusual, there are exotic outdoor plaques, too. You may even decide to change the outdoor environment with matching elephant plaques that evoke images of a safari on your deck. In a garden area you can surprise guests with large spider, frog or salamander plaques mounted in vibrant colors and sizes. For night owls, there are even glow in the dark plaques featuring artistic creations that come alive at dusk, serving as a night light when you forget to leave the lights on.

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    • A welcome plaque near the front door can help guests feel more at home.
      By: Joy Fera
      A welcome plaque near the front door can help guests feel more at home.
    • Family photos can be used to create outdoor plaques.
      By: imtmphoto
      Family photos can be used to create outdoor plaques.