Guida all'acquisto bacheche arredo urbano

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Notice Boards for Street Furniture, Parks, and Historic Centers

In historic centers, squares, along pedestrian avenues, parks, green spaces, and nature trails, notice boards for street furniture are a practical solution for displaying notices, institutional communications, maps, tourist information, service schedules, and promotional material. Outdoor notice boards allow you to organize information in a dedicated, easily identifiable space, while also contributing to the order and decorum of public spaces. Depending on their intended use, they can be made of galvanized steel, aluminum, or wood and installed on walls, on posts to be buried, or using bases designed for fixing to the ground. Single-sided, double-sided, three-sided, and four-sided configurations are also available, as well as models with a door and lock to protect the documents on display. The Holity.co.uk catalogue includes information boards for municipalities, parks, paths, historic centres and other public spaces, with different sizes and construction characteristics. This purchasing guide analyses materials, display configurations, fastening systems, document protection, regulatory aspects and price ranges to help technical offices, designers and managers of public spaces choose the most suitable solution.

1. Comparison of materials: Galvanised Steel, Aluminium and Wood for Natural Parks

The material of the board influences its resistance to atmospheric agents, the weight of the structure, maintenance requirements and aesthetic integration with the surrounding environment:

Galvanised and Painted Steel: It is one of the most used materials for notice boards intended for squares, historic centres, public areas and high-traffic spaces. Galvanizing helps protect steel from corrosion, while subsequent painting can further enhance protection and allow the noticeboard to coordinate with other street furniture. The catalog offers numerous models in galvanized steel, both wall-mounted and pole-mounted, with different finishes and characteristics. Actual durability depends on the protective cycle applied, environmental conditions, and maintenance and cannot be defined with a single value that applies to all products.
Anodized and Extruded Aluminum: Aluminum is appreciated for its relatively low weight and good corrosion resistance. The Holity catalog includes noticeboards and information panels with aluminum frames or uprights, also available in double-sided configurations. This solution can be useful when looking for a lightweight structure suitable for outdoor use. In particularly aggressive environments, such as coastal areas, it is still advisable to check the type of alloy, surface treatment, and maintenance instructions for each individual product.
Treated Wood for Outdoors: It is particularly suitable for parks, paths, nature areas, hiking trails and green spaces where a more natural integration with the landscape is desired. The catalog includes models in impregnated Nordic pine, fir and chestnut, with different protective treatments. Some display cases are equipped with a single or double-pitched roof, waterproof sheathing or other protective elements, while others include planters or specific paneling. The type of treatment and maintenance interventions must be verified for each product, avoiding attributing a standard lifespan to all wood species.

2. Configurations and Display Faces: Single-Sided, Double-Sided, Three-Sided and Totem

The number of surfaces available for posting must be chosen considering the available space, the position of the noticeboard and the directions from which users can consult the information:

Single-Sided Noticeboards (1 Side): They have only one surface intended for posting. They are suitable for installation on walls, along fences, near the entrances of public buildings or in places where the information is mainly consulted from one direction only. The catalogue includes both compact models and large single-sided billboards for public posting.
Double-Sided Noticeboards (2 Opposite Sides): They allow both sides of the structure to be used to display information and are particularly useful in squares, avenues, pedestrian areas and open spaces where people can approach from opposite directions. For the same occupied position, they increase the surface area available for communication compared to a single-sided model. Dimensions, methods of access to the panels and any doors must be verified on the individual reference.
Three- and four-sided totems and noticeboards (3 or 4 360° faces): They are designed to make information visible from multiple directions and can be used in squares, pedestrian junctions, tourist areas and other open spaces. The catalogue includes both three-panel structures arranged around a central upright and four-sided totems with four display surfaces. This configuration also allows for the contents to be divided by topic, for example by dedicating different faces to tourist information, events, services or institutional communications.

3. Fixing and Installation Systems: On Pole vs Wall

The stability of the noticeboard depends on the correct choice of installation system, the size of the structure, the characteristics of the support and the environmental conditions of the installation site:

Installation On Pole / Upright (Self-supporting)

Self-supporting noticeboards are particularly widespread in open spaces, parks, historic centres and along pedestrian paths. The anchoring system must be chosen based on the configuration envisaged by the manufacturer and the characteristics of the installation area:

Posts with extension to be buried (Foundation plinths): The uprights are inserted into the ground and fixed according to the methods envisaged for the specific noticeboard. Some models indicate the minimum burial depth directly in the technical data sheet, while for large structures the sizing of the foundation must also take into account the characteristics of the ground, the height of the noticeboard and the action of the wind. It is therefore not correct to apply a standard excavation depth to all models.
Posts with flanged base plates (Doweled): Some structures use uprights or bases designed for fixing to an existing load-bearing surface. The system can avoid direct burial of the posts, but requires suitable support and correctly sized anchoring systems. The type and number of fixings must be chosen based on the structure, the flooring material and the manufacturer's instructions.

Wall / Wall Installation

Wall-mounted noticeboards allow you to exploit existing vertical surfaces without taking up additional space on the ground. They are suitable for town halls, schools, libraries, museums, public facilities and other buildings in which a wall suitable for installation is available. The anchoring system must be compatible with the material and load-bearing capacity of the wall; brackets, anchors and mounting methods must therefore be chosen following the technical instructions relating to the specific noticeboard.

4. Vandal-Proof Security, Lockable Closures and Weatherproofing

When notices need to be protected from unauthorized removal and atmospheric agents, it is advisable to choose a closed notice board with a door. However, not all the street furniture notice boards in the catalogue have glass, a lock or a protected compartment: many models are simple panels for open posting.

Closure with Key-Operated Security Lock: Some professional notice boards are equipped with an opening door and a key lock to limit access to the documents displayed. This configuration is useful for institutional communications, notices that need to remain protected and installations in unattended public areas. The number of locks, type of opening and key characteristics vary depending on the model and must be verified in the technical data sheet.
Transparent Door in Polycarbonate, Plexiglass or Glass: The transparent material of the door is not the same for all notice boards. Depending on the reference, glass, plexiglass, polycarbonate, or other transparent materials may be used. The choice must take into account impact resistance, transparency, exposure to atmospheric agents, and any need for greater protection against vandalism. Any specific UV protection, thickness, or performance characteristics must be confirmed in the product documentation.
Protection against Rain and Humidity: Closed display cases intended for outdoor use are designed to protect documents from normal atmospheric conditions, but it is incorrect to automatically define them as airtight or waterproof in the absence of a specific classification. Seals, drainage systems, ventilation, and closing methods may vary from one model to another. In installations particularly exposed to driving rain, it is advisable to check the construction characteristics declared by the manufacturer.
Internal Backing for Posters (Magnetic vs. Cork):
- Magnetic sheet metal backing: Present on some models, it allows you to attach sheets, notices and posters using magnets, facilitating the frequent replacement of documents without the need for pins or adhesives.
- Cork, wood or panel backing for posters: Other models use surfaces designed for pins, mechanical fixings, adhesives or other display systems. Before purchasing, it is therefore important to check the type of backing planned and choose the one most suited to the frequency with which the notices need to be updated.

5. Regulatory Framework: Structural Eurocodes (EN 1991), Accessibility and Urban Decor

The installation of a permanent noticeboard in a public space must be assessed taking into account structural safety, accessibility, local regulations and, where necessary, any urban planning, landscape or historical-cultural constraints:

Structural Standards and Wind Action (EN 1991-1-4 - Eurocode 1): Wind action is one of the aspects to be considered when designing structures exposed to the outside, especially when the noticeboard has a large surface area. Eurocode 1 provides criteria for determining wind actions on structures, but its application to the individual project depends on the size of the noticeboard, the installation location, the anchoring system and the applicable structural requirements. It is therefore incorrect to assume that all products in the category are automatically certified according to this standard.
Accessibility and Universal Use: The position of the noticeboard and its contents should allow for easy consultation by the greatest possible number of users, including people with reduced mobility or who use a wheelchair. The height of the contents, distance from the pedestrian path, and the presence of obstacles and protrusions must be assessed based on the project and the accessibility regulations applicable to the installation site. There is no single universal height valid for every type of noticeboard and context.
Municipal Regulations for Advertising and Urban Decor: Installation on public land may be subject to municipal authorisations, the Single Property Fee and local regulations relating to land occupation, advertising and street furniture. In historic centres or in buildings and areas subject to protection, further authorisations regarding landscape or cultural matters may also be required. Before installation, it is therefore advisable to check the requirements of the Municipality and any competent bodies.

6. Dimensions and Economic Planning

The range on Holity.co.uk includes noticeboards and billboards of very different sizes, from small information panels with a posting space of approximately 40 x 27 cm up to large public billboards with a usable surface area of 600 x 300 cm. Also available are compact wall-mounted models, pole-mounted noticeboards, wooden structures for parks, double-sided panels, totems and three- or four-sided configurations. To identify the correct format, it is preferable to compare the usable posting space rather than relying exclusively on the external dimensions of the structure.

At the time of checking, the economic investment for the products in the category is divided into a price range between approximately €72.11 and €5,989.50 + VAT. Prices, promotions and availability may vary over time and it is therefore advisable to always check the individual product sheet:

Entry level range (approximately €72.11 - €350.00 + VAT): This mainly includes small information boards and signs, decorative notice boards for historic centres and some wall-mounted or pole-mounted models in galvanised steel. The size of the posting space and the type of structure also vary significantly within this range.
Mid-range (approximately €350.00 - €1,500.00 + VAT): Includes numerous steel, aluminum, and wood noticeboards, single- or double-sided models, park and trail noticeboards, lockable structures, and larger panels. The price depends mainly on the material, size, supporting structure, and the presence of protective elements or accessories.
Top-of-the-range (approximately €1,500.00 - €5,989.50 + VAT): Includes large-scale noticeboards and billboards, multi-sided structures, and systems designed for large public display surfaces. The top end of the category also includes single- and double-sided billboards with usable space of up to 600 x 300 cm. The high price is mainly related to the size, quantity of material and complexity of the structure and does not automatically imply the presence of locks, lighting or other accessories.

Request a personalized quote on Holity.co.uk

Organize institutional, tourist and informational communication in public spaces with the street furniture noticeboards available on Holity.co.uk. In the catalog you can compare steel, aluminum and wood models, wall-mounted or pole-mounted noticeboards, single-sided, double-sided and multi-sided configurations and solutions with or without protective doors. Before purchasing, evaluate the useful dimensions for posting, the material, the installation system, the number of display surfaces and the possible need for a lock.

Are you a municipal technical office official, a public administrator, a designer, a park manager or do you need to organize a supply for a Public Administration? Request a personalized quote: the Holity team can support you in choosing the most suitable size and configuration and provide you with technical data sheets, information on fixing systems and the documentation available for individual products. For tenders, specifications or public purchasing procedures it is advisable to check the technical requirements for each product in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the fundamental difference between a single-sided and a double-sided street furniture notice board?
The single-sided notice board has a single surface intended for posting and is particularly suitable for wall installations, along fences or in places that can be consulted mainly from one direction. The double-sided notice board, on the other hand, has two opposing surfaces and allows information to be displayed on both sides of the structure. It is therefore particularly useful in squares, avenues and pedestrian areas where users may approach from different directions.

When is it better to choose a wooden noticeboard over a galvanized steel one?
The choice depends on the installation context, aesthetic requirements and expected maintenance. Wooden noticeboards integrate particularly well into parks, paths, nature areas and rural environments, while galvanized steel ones are widely used in urban centers, squares and public spaces thanks to the sturdiness of the structure and the protection offered by the galvanization. Wood generally requires periodic checks and treatments, while galvanized steel must also be maintained according to the environmental conditions and the state of the protective coating.

How do you calculate the excavation depth for noticeboards on poles to be buried in the ground?
There is no universal burial depth valid for all noticeboards. Some models indicate a minimum depth directly in the technical data sheet, while for larger structures the sizing must take into account the height and surface area exposed to the wind, the number and cross-section of the uprights, the characteristics of the terrain and the climatic conditions of the location. It is therefore necessary to follow the manufacturer's instructions and, when required by the type of installation, adequately size plinths and foundations.

Is the compact polycarbonate of the doors resistant to impacts and UV rays?
Compact polycarbonate is generally chosen for its good impact resistance, but actual performance depends on the thickness, quality of the material and any surface treatments. Furthermore, not all noticeboards in the category use polycarbonate: some may be equipped with glass, plexiglass or other transparent materials. If resistance to UV rays or vandalism is a fundamental requirement, it is necessary to verify that these characteristics are expressly declared in the technical data sheet of the chosen model.

How does the protection system against rain and condensation inside the noticeboard work?
Closed outdoor noticeboards can use overlapping profiles, gaskets, locking systems and other construction measures to limit the ingress of water and protect documents. However, the configuration varies from one model to another and not all noticeboards can be considered airtight or completely waterproof. For particularly exposed installations, it is therefore important to check the presence of gaskets, any drainage or ventilation systems and the performance declared by the manufacturer.

How does the price range in the category (€72.11 - €5,989.50 + VAT) correlate with the construction characteristics?
The price depends mainly on the size of the structure and the useful posting space, the material, the number of display sides, the support system and the presence of doors, locks or other components. In the entry-level range, small billboards, posts and compact noticeboards are available; in the intermediate range, numerous professional structures in steel, aluminium or wood and models with protective doors are found; the highest prices mainly concern large billboards for public billboards and multi-sided structures. The largest models can reach a useful posting surface of 600 x 300 cm.