Investing in lecterns: How to get the best value for money?

Imagine this: you’re exploring a scenic trail, soaking in the beauty of nature, when a moment of uncertainty strikes—where to next? Then, you spot a thoughtfully designed lectern sign, clearly pointing you in the right direction. This simple yet impactful addition transforms your experience, guiding your way and adding value to the journey.

For landscape architects, trusts, and councils, lecterns serve as more than just wayfinding tools—they enhance public spaces, improve accessibility, and create meaningful interactions with visitors. From providing historical insights to showcasing local biodiversity, lecterns make outdoor environments more engaging and educational. Investing in durable, well-crafted signage ensures long-term impact without compromising on budget.

But how do you balance quality and affordability? Understanding lectern cost is key to making informed choices that deliver maximum value for your projects. Let’s break it down.

Understanding lectern cost

The cost of a lectern can vary significantly depending on the materials, size, and level of customisation. Basic lecterns made of durable timber or powder-coated steel often start at around £200 to £300. Larger or bespoke models with added features such as engraved panels, branded elements, or tactile designs can range from £800 to over £1,000.

When choosing between timber and metal, timber lecterns tend to offer a classic aesthetic but may require more maintenance to withstand weathering. Powder-coated metal lecterns, while sometimes pricier, offer excellent durability and resistance to corrosion, making them ideal for outdoor use. Customisations like engraving, braille panels, or interchangeable content displays increase the initial investment but can reduce long-term costs by simplifying updates and prolonging functionality.

Opting for lecterns with modular designs, such as updatable panels, is a smart way to save on future expenses. While these models may carry a higher upfront price, they allow for easy content changes without replacing the entire unit. This makes them a cost-effective solution for councils, trusts, and landscape architects planning long-term projects in public spaces.

Choosing the right materials for value

Selecting the right materials for lecterns is essential for ensuring durability, functionality, and cost-effectiveness, especially in the ever-changing UK climate. Timber, powder-coated metal, and recycled plastic are popular choices, each offering unique benefits. Wood lectern provides a natural aesthetic that blends seamlessly into outdoor landscapes, while powder-coated metal offers superior strength and rust resistance. Recycled plastic, on the other hand, is an eco-friendly and low-maintenance option that can withstand years of use.

Given the UK’s increasingly variable weather conditions, including record-breaking warm months like June and September 2023, weather resistance is more critical than ever. With rising temperatures and occasional heatwaves exceeding 30°C, materials that can resist warping, cracking, or fading are vital for longevity. Powder-coated metal and high-quality recycled plastic excel in withstanding these extremes, while timber requires proper treatments to handle moisture and UV exposure.

Placement also plays a key role in maximising the impact of lecterns. To enhance engagement, place them at locations with scenic views, historical landmarks, or points of interest where visitors naturally pause. This not only ensures that the lecterns serve a clear purpose but also increases their overall value by creating memorable experiences for users.

Maximising functionality through design

It’s easy to overlook design when focusing on costs, but thoughtful lectern design can significantly improve usability and engagement. Here are some helpful tips to help you make a wise decision before you buy a lectern for your public space project.

• Incorporate adjustable heights and angles to accommodate users of varying abilities and perspectives.
• Keep the text length to 300-400 characters to maintain interest.
• Include braille and tactile elements for visually impaired visitors, adhering to UK disability inclusion standards.
• Design lecterns with integrated shelves or holders for maps, brochures, and other informational materials.
• Incorporate QR codes or NFC tags that link to supplementary digital content, enhancing the user experience.
• Utilise durable, weather-resistant materials and finishes to ensure longevity and low maintenance.
• Consider integrating solar panels or kinetic energy harvesters for self-powered lighting or charging stations.
• Incorporate customisable panels or digital displays for easy content updates and personalisation.
• Maintain interest by incorporating visually appealing elements like maps, diagrams, and high-quality images or illustrations.

The purpose of a lectern extends beyond wayfinding—it’s a tool to educate, engage, and include all visitors, making thoughtful design crucial. A custom lectern design tailored to meet UK disability inclusion standards ensures accessibility and enhances usability for diverse audiences. Features like adjustable heights and angles allow users of varying abilities to comfortably interact with the lectern, fulfilling both functional and inclusive objectives.

Save without compromising quality

While the upfront cost of outdoor lectern signs may seem high, investing in quality materials and thoughtful design will pay dividends in the long run.

• Opt for versatility: Investing in lecterns with updatable panels allows you to save on costs associated with content changes. Rather than replacing entire lecterns, you can simply update the panels, extending their lifespan and reducing waste. This versatility ensures that your investment remains relevant and adaptable to evolving needs.
• Bulk discounts: For community or corporate projects requiring multiple lecterns, consider taking advantage of bulk discounts offered by manufacturers. Ordering in larger quantities can often lead to significant cost savings, making it a financially prudent choice. This approach not only maximises your budget but also ensures consistency in design and branding across multiple locations.

Conclusion

When choosing the right lectern for your public space, it’s essential to balance materials, design, and functionality. The lectern cost will vary depending on the materials used—timber and powder-coated metal being the most common options. Opting for weather-resistant, accessible designs ensures long-lasting value, while features like modular panels can save money in the long run. Take the time to assess your specific needs, budget, and desired functionality to ensure you make an informed decision. At the end of the day, investing in high-quality lecterns is an investment in your community or organisation’s ability to effectively communicate and engage with your audience.

Looking to enhance your public space with durable and versatile lecterns? At Made By Landmark, we craft lecterns that balance practicality and design, ensuring your investment delivers value. Explore our range of lecterns here, and don’t forget to sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates and insights!