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Buying Guide
How to choose a banner stand: the complete buying guide
Five decisions, five checklists — so you buy the right banner stand first time and don't waste money on the wrong one.
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Trusted by thousands of UK businesses & event professionals
Quick decision guide — find your match
One-off use or simple storage
→ Roller banner stand
Swap graphics regularly
→ Cassette or tension banner
Going outdoors
→ Skip to section 4
Need a tabletop display
→ Miniature banner stand
1Types of banner stand
The type you need depends mainly on how often you'll reuse the graphic and whether you need to swap messages between events.
Most popular
Roller banner stand
The graphic rolls neatly into the base for storage and transport. Simple bungee pole, very few parts.
- Easiest to erect and pack away
- Base protects the graphic in transit
- Most cost-effective option
Most flexible
Cassette roller banner
A clever cassette system lets you swap graphics instantly — each graphic has its own protective cassette.
- Multiple messages, one base unit
- Graphics stored safely in the cassette
- Same easy setup as a standard roller
Lightest option
Tension banner stand
The graphic is completely separate from the base — roll it up and store independently. Uses an X-frame or snap rails.
- Buy extra graphics, keep one base
- Lighter than most roller banners
- Eyelet or snap rail systems available
| Stand type | One-off use | Replace graphic | Interchangeable graphics | Graphic rolls into base |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roller | ✓ | Varies | ✗ | ✓ |
| Cassette | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tension | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
2Base style
The base affects stability, portability, and visual finish — not just the graphic. Ask yourself these questions before choosing.
Where will it be used? High-traffic areas like retail need a heavier, more stable base. Twist-out feet can be a trip hazard — avoid them in busy spaces.
Feet visible or hidden? Budget bases have twist-out feet. Premium bases have a deeper profile with hidden adjustable feet — better on uneven surfaces and a smarter finish overall.
How heavy? Bases range from 1kg to over 12kg. If you're carrying it to events regularly, prioritise a lightweight base.
3Size
Size depends on the venue, the available space, and what job the display needs to do.
Standard
Roller banner
800–850mm wide · 2m tall
Exhibitions, events, retail displays
Large format
Wide banner
1000–3000mm+ wide · 2m tall
Press walls, event backdrops, shell schemes
Compact
Miniature stand
A3 graphic size
Table tops, reception desks, counters
Two-sided
Double-sided stand
Standard or wide
Island stands, retail, high foot-traffic areas
What is it for? Press walls and event backdrops need large or linked banners. A standalone conference display usually only needs a standard roller.
How much space do you have? A slightly wider display makes a bigger impact if you have the floor space for it.
Does it need to be double-sided? If footfall passes from both directions, a double-sided stand gives you double the messaging from a single unit.
4Outdoor use
Wind and rain will damage a standard indoor banner stand quickly. If you need an outdoor display, use a stand that's built for it.
Waterproof PVC graphic — standard polyester graphics will not survive in wet conditions. PVC is the correct substrate for outdoor use.
Weighted or wide-foot base — essential for wind resistance. Many outdoor stands also work indoors without looking out of place.
Check the wind rating — outdoor stands are built for the elements up to a point. Always bring your stand inside during extreme weather.
5Choosing the right supplier
Once you've decided on the type and size, make sure your supplier can back it up with quality and guarantees.
Eco-friendly printing — does the company use latex or UV printing rather than solvent-based inks? Better for the environment and the longevity of your graphic.
Print substrate — PVC for outdoor use, polyester blend for fabric displays. Ask if you're not sure which applies to your order.
Real product reviews with images — look for photos of actual customer displays, not just stock imagery. Do the finished graphics look sharp and consistent?
Guarantee on the base unit — a quality base should be covered. If anything fails within the guarantee period, you should be able to replace it without repurchasing the whole unit.
Guaranteed base units
All Marler Haley bases carry a manufacturer’s guarantee
Fast UK turnaround
Express production & delivery options available
Free expert advice
Call 0800 072 7742, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm
Ready to choose your banner stand?
✓ Type: roller, cassette, or tension
✓ Base: weight, stability, feet style
✓ Size: standard, large, mini or double-sided
✓ Outdoor: PVC graphic & weighted base
✓ Supplier: guarantee, eco printing, reviews
Not sure which to choose? Call us free on 0800 072 7742 — we’re happy to help.