Choosing the right materials ensures stable construction, good visuals, and budget savings. Here's guidance based on material characteristics, cost ranges, and compliance requirements.

01 Woodwork (Plywood/Blockboard)
- Pros: Design freedom, premium texture, strong load-bearing capacity.
- Cons: High labor and time costs, low reusability.
- Use Cases: Custom cabinets, curved shapes, stable countertops.
02 System Profiles (Aluminum + Panels)
- Pros: Modular, quick assembly, reusable, easy transport.
- Cons: Requires quality edge finishing/corner pieces, or appears overly standardized.
- Use Cases: Small-to-medium booths, frequent exhibitions, budget-conscious projects.
03 Lightbox Fabric/Tension Fabric
- Pros: Excellent cost-performance for large graphics, lightweight, even light diffusion.
- Cons: Requires frame and power management; prevent creases during transport.
- Use Cases: Key visual backdrops, ceiling fabric systems.
04 Acrylic/PC Panels, PVC, Foam Board
- Acrylic/PC: High transparency/gloss; ideal for illuminated letters/decorative facades.
- PVC/Foam Board: Lightweight, affordable, easy to process; suitable for signage, price tags.
- Note: Thickness and fire rating must comply with venue standards.
05 Flooring (Carpet/Vinyl/Raised Platform)
- Carpet: Affordable, easy to replace; check fire rating and anti-static properties.
- Vinyl: Durable, easy to clean; better color consistency.
- Raised Platform: Allows level changes and cable hiding, but requires more complex load and safety reviews.
Material Selection Guide (Examples)
| Requirement | Recommended Material | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Build/Reusable | Aluminum system + Panels | Short cycle, frequent exhibitions |
| Large Graphics + Lightweight | Lightbox/Tension fabric | With aluminum frame/stretch ceiling |
| Premium Feel | Woodwork + Acrylic accents | Balance edging and lighting |
| Budget-Conscious | PVC/Foam board signage | Control quantity, avoid cheap look |
| Load-Bearing | Wood countertop/Steel structure | Submit load calculations first |
Compliance Essentials (Summary)
- China: B1 grade (flame-retardant) or higher; International: check DIN 4102, NFPA 701, ASTM E84 standards.
- Document Preparation: Material list, test reports, drawings, electrical specifications.
- Communicate with organizers/venue early to avoid on-site material changes and delays.
FAQ
Q: What's the difference between lightbox fabric and printed graphics?
A: Lightbox fabric is translucent for backlit displays; printed graphics are for non-illuminated large visuals.
Q: How to achieve "premium feel on a budget"?
A: Use aluminum system for main structure, woodwork for key facade/cabinets + selective acrylic accents, plus comprehensive lighting to elevate overall quality.
Q: How far in advance should fire safety reports be prepared?
A: At least 2–4 weeks in advance for domestic shows, 8–12 weeks for international exhibitions.
This article is published by StarRise Global. Copyright belongs to the original author.