Engraved Plaques for Buildings, Openings and Offices

Uses for engraved plaques

• Opening and foundation plaques for new buildings, extensions and refurbishments.
• Memorial and dedication plaques for benches, trees, rooms and gardens.
• Company and entrance plaques beside the front door.
• Donor and sponsor plaques for community buildings and facilities.
• Room, office and equipment plates inside buildings.

Choosing the material

Brass is the traditional choice, warm in colour and often polished and lacquered, with engraved lettering filled with black or another colour. Stainless steel gives a cleaner, modern look and suits contemporary buildings. Acrylic can be engraved from the reverse for a glass-like finish that suits receptions. Engraving laminate is a two-layer plastic where the engraving cuts through the top colour to reveal a contrasting core; it is economical and ideal for indoor plates and labels.

For outdoor plaques, we choose materials and fills that cope with weather and recommend fixings that make the plaque difficult to remove.

Getting the wording right

Plaques usually carry formal wording, and once engraved it cannot be changed, so checking it carefully matters. Names, titles, dates and spellings should all be confirmed by whoever is responsible for the occasion. We send a proof showing the layout, typeface and line breaks at actual size for your approval before engraving starts.

Logos and crests can be engraved alongside text. Fine detail engraves best when the plaque is large enough for it to be seen, so we may suggest simplifying a very detailed crest for a small plaque.

Fixing options

• Visible screw fixings with decorative caps for a traditional look.
• Hidden fixings or studs for a clean face with no screws showing.
• Stand-off fixings that lift the plaque from the wall.
• Mounting on timber, stone or a post for memorials and gardens.

Unveiling plaques

For an opening ceremony, a plaque can be fitted in advance and covered with curtains or a cloth for the unveiling. Tell us the date of the event when you order so the plaque is ready and fitted in good time.

Plaques and nameplates

If you need a business nameplate rather than a commemorative plaque, see our nameplate signs page and business nameplates guide. For premium cast or polished finishes, our bronze, gold and stainless steel signs cover heavier, more decorative options.

Planning a plaque for an occasion

Commemorative plaques are often needed for a fixed date, such as an opening, an anniversary or a memorial service, so it helps to start early. Agree who will approve the wording, gather names and titles exactly as they should appear, and decide where the plaque will be fixed before ordering. The location affects the size: a plaque beside a busy entrance needs larger lettering than one in a quiet garden. Think too about whether more names may be added later, as with donor boards or honours lists, because space can be left for future engraving and additional plates can be made to match.

Engraved Plaques: Questions and Answers

Related Pages