Hoarding Boards Explained: What They Are and How Businesses Use Them

When you hear the term hoarding boards, you might think of plain timber panels blocking off a building site. But in reality, they’re so much more than just barriers. Modern site hoarding boards offer an opportunity to promote your brand, deliver important messages, and meet safety regulations, all while shielding works in progress.

Whether you're a developer, contractor, or retailer, professionally printed hoarding boards help turn a construction zone into a valuable advertising space. We explain what hoarding boards are, who uses them, and how they can benefit your business.

Hoarding boards are temporary panels used to enclose construction or development sites, shielding the area from public view. They’re typically made from durable materials like aluminium composite (ACM), timber ply, or PVC, and fixed to a secure timber or metal frame.

Commonly referred to as construction hoarding or site hoarding, they’re a legal and safety requirement in many scenarios, but they also offer an opportunity to add branding, display key messages, or promote upcoming developments.

That’s where printed hoarding boards come into their own, delivering both a practical function and a marketing boost.

Not all hoarding boards are created equal. The right choice for your site depends on what you need to achieve, whether that’s securing the space, promoting your business, or meeting safety and compliance standards. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types to help you decide:

🧱 Plain Hoarding Boards

If your main priority is site security and privacy, plain hoarding boards are a cost-effective solution. Typically used for construction hoarding, made from plywood or ACM, these boards create a solid perimeter to protect the public, restrict access and reduce visual disruption.

✔ Best for short-term projects or sites where branding isn’t a priority

✔ Can be painted or upgraded later with vinyl or printed panels

✔ A good starting point for construction contractors who need fast site protection

🎨 Printed Hoarding Boards / Branded Hoarding

Printed hoarding boards are ideal when you want your site hoarding to look professional, promote your project, or build early interest. These panels feature full-colour graphics, logos, and messaging, turning a blank hoarding wall into a high-impact promotional space.

✔ Great for property developers and housing schemes to show what's coming

✔ Can include QR codes, contact details, or sales messaging

✔ Ideal for making a positive impression in residential or retail areas

📢 Advertising Hoardings

These are used for pure promotion, think of them as temporary billboards. You might be advertising a new commercial unit, an opening date, or simply generating awareness for your brand.

✔ Perfect for marketing agencies, commercial developers, or retail groups

✔ Often used alongside printed hoarding or in place of traditional signage

✔ Can be sold as ad space to third parties for extra revenue

⚠️ Health & Safety & DDA-Compliant Hoarding

If your site is public-facing or near walkways, compliance isn't optional, it’s essential. A professional signage company will ensure your hoarding includes everything you need to meet planning and health & safety regulations.

✔ Health & safety signs
✔ Directional signage
✔ Access notices
✔ DDA-compliant markings (for visibility and accessibility)

If you’re working on a project that involves restricted access, whether for safety, privacy, or development reasons, and you need to protect the public, meet regulations, or promote your brand in the process, then hoarding boards are the solution.

🏗️ Construction Companies & Contractors

For building contractors, construction hoarding boards are a must-have. They create a secure perimeter, prevent unauthorised access, and protect the public from hazards.

✔ Display your company branding or other ongoing projects

✔ Add safety messaging, accreditations, and contractor details

🏘️ Property Developers

If you're launching a new housing scheme or commercial development, branded hoarding is your first sales tool.

✔ Display CGI visuals of the finished build

✔ Include pricing, availability, and agent details

✔ Build excitement long before the project is complete

🛍️ Retailers & High-Street Brands

Opening a new store or refurbishing an existing one? Hoarding boards are the perfect way to let people know something new is coming, without exposing the mess behind the scenes.

✔ Promote opening dates, teaser campaigns, or seasonal launches

✔ Protect stock and staff while maintaining brand presence

✔ Essential for malls, shopping centres, or busy high streets

🏢 Offices, Schools & Medical Practices

Even temporary works in public-facing environments can benefit from smart hoarding. Whether it’s a new wing of a school, a clinic upgrade, or external maintenance, hoarding:

✔ Ensures safety for students, staff, and visitors

✔ Gives reassurance with clear signage and timelines

✔ Maintains a professional image throughout the work

🎪 Events & Councils

Local authorities and event organisers use hoarding to manage crowd flow, hide temporary structures, and display wayfinding or sponsorships.

✔ Can be used around staging areas or installations

✔ Printed hoarding adds colour, branding, or directional messaging

✔ Often used for festivals, markets, and community projects

✅ 1. Brand Visibility & Advertising

Why waste a blank wall when you can turn it into a billboard? Hoarding graphics give your brand high-impact visibility in key public spaces—especially useful for new housing schemes, retail units, or commercial spaces coming soon.

✅ 2. Site Safety & Security

Hoarding boards keep the public out and your site secure. You can also display essential safety information, wayfinding, or emergency contacts clearly and professionally.

✅ 3. Planning Permission Compliance

In many cases, printed or branded hoarding is a requirement under planning conditions. Installing well-maintained, informative hoarding helps ensure regulatory compliance.

✅ 4. Professional Appearance

Even in the middle of a messy build, branded hoarding gives the site a clean, professional look—reassuring neighbours, investors, and potential buyers that quality matters.