Accoya – a new timber for signage?

Timber has long been a popular choice for signage in the UK, valued for its natural aesthetics and sustainable qualities. From entrance signs to waymarkers, timber signage enhances outdoor spaces with a timeless appeal. Traditional timber species such as oak and chestnut have been widely used due to their durability and rich visual character.

However, as the demand for high-performance and eco-friendly materials continues to rise, Accoya timber is emerging as an innovative alternative. This modified timber offers exceptional longevity, stability, and resistance to decay—making it an ideal solution for signage that needs to withstand the elements.

The timber industry has also seen promising growth, with timber import volumes in October 2024 showing a 15% increase compared to the previous year. This upward trend highlights the growing interest in sustainable timber solutions, reinforcing the relevance of advanced materials like Accoya.

What is Accoya timber?

Accoya is a modified wood designed to outperform traditional timber in durability and stability. It undergoes a process called acetylation, which alters the wood at a molecular level to reduce moisture absorption. This significantly improves its resistance to decay, swelling, and shrinking—key concerns for timber signage, especially in outdoor settings.

Despite these enhancements, Accoya retains the natural appearance and workability of traditional timber. It looks and feels like hardwood but offers far greater longevity, making it an excellent choice for external timber signage that needs to withstand varying weather conditions.

Durability you can count on

Accoya is made to endure. Due to its acetylation process, it provides 25 years of resistance at ground level and 50 years above ground, making it a superb option for durable outdoor timber signage. In contrast to conventional hardwoods, Accoya withstands rot, fungi, and insect harm, guaranteeing that signs remain structurally intact for many years.

Its plywood equivalent, Tricoya, possesses the same resilience, offering a robust choice for more complex signage projects. Both substances also exhibit outstanding dimensional stability, indicating they will not warp, crack, or expand with temperature fluctuations. This establishes Accoya as a very dependable material for companies and organisations requiring signage that endures over time.

Perfect for outdoor use

Signage exposed to the weather must endure moisture, temperature changes, and deterioration. Accoya features minimal water absorption and exceptional durability against severe weather, making it ideal for outdoor timber signage in any setting. Regardless of enduring persistent rain, coastal moisture, or arid environments, Accoya maintains its form and durability.

Beyond signage, Accoya’s durability extends to other outdoor applications, such as timber cladding, doors, and decking. Its versatility makes it a practical choice for businesses looking to invest in materials that perform well in all conditions. If you’re considering Accoya timber, how you use it will depend on your specific project needs, but its benefits remain consistent—long-lasting, stable, and sustainable.

Accoya at Pollok Park

Pollok Country Park, a 361-acre area of greenery close to Glasgow, draws approximately 2 million visitors each year. In a significant signage overhaul, Glasgow City Council collaborated with Made by Landmark to develop long-lasting, eco-friendly signs that could accommodate the changing layout of the park.

To accomplish this, Accoya was selected for its remarkable durability and decay resistance. The signs were created to be movable, featuring stainless steel bases for adaptability as the park evolves. Crafted by Landmark, it also featured HardRok panels and premium CNC engraving, leading to signage that is not only eye-catching but also durable.

This project stands out not only for its scale—being the largest Accoya signage project globally—but also for its sustainability. The use of Accoya aligns with the park’s long-term environmental commitment, making it a model for future public space projects.

See more details and images of the project here: Pollok Park Signage Project.

Accoya’s versatility in signage and more

Although Accoya is a great option for wooden signage, its uses extend well beyond this. Its strength and reliability make it a favoured choice for cladding, doors, windows, and even decking. Architects and designers prefer Accoya due to its capacity to preserve its form and look over time, even in challenging conditions.

For outside projects, Accoya’s moisture resistance guarantees that doors and windows stay secure and operational without bending or expanding. In cladding uses, it delivers a stylish, contemporary appearance while ensuring enduring defence against weather conditions. Accoya’s adaptability makes it a perfect choice for various design requirements, whether utilised for detailed signage or extensive building projects.

The environmental benefits of Accoya signage

Accoya is not only a high-performance material but also a sustainable choice for timber signage. Its production process prioritises environmental responsibility, making it an ideal option for eco-conscious projects. Here’s why Accoya supports green building practices:

• Eco-friendly acetylation process – Unlike traditional treatments, Accoya’s modification process does not use harmful chemicals, making it a safer, more sustainable option.
• Low carbon footprint – Accoya is sourced from fast-growing, responsibly managed forests, reducing its environmental impact compared to other timber products.
• Durability reduces waste – With a lifespan of up to 50 years above ground, Accoya outlasts conventional wood, minimising the need for replacements and reducing material waste.
• Supports net zero goals – As the timber industry shifts towards sustainable engineering solutions, Accoya aligns with the UK’s commitment to achieving a net zero economy.
• Alternatives to scarce timber supplies – With supply chain challenges affecting materials like Russian birch plywood, Accoya offers a stable and widely available alternative for outdoor projects.

As the demand for sustainable building materials grows, Accoya continues to lead the way in providing long-lasting, environmentally responsible external signage.

Conclusion

Accoya stands out as a premium choice for timber signage, offering unmatched durability, dimensional stability, and resistance to decay. Its eco-friendly production process and extended lifespan make it a sustainable investment for businesses and public spaces alike.

At Made by Landmark, we have extensive experience working with Accoya. Whether you need wayfinding signs, entrance monoliths, or custom external signage, we can help you incorporate Accoya for a long-lasting, high-quality solution. Ready to upgrade your signage? Contact Made by Landmark today for expert advice and top-tier Accoya timber signage solutions.