Bronze plaques are timeless and strong. They look great, making them a popular choice for memorials, garden markers, and building signs. With many options for customisation, sizes, and finishes, how do you pick the right one for your needs?

In this guide, we will explain everything you need to know. This will help you make the right choice and get a plaque that reflects its purpose well.

1. Define the Purpose of Your Plaque

Is your bronze plaque for a memorial headstone, a commemorative bench, a historical marker, or a business entrance? Each use has specific requirements for size, wording, and mounting.

  • Memorial Plaques: Often include a name, dates, and a heartfelt message. These may be mounted on granite bases or headstones.

  • Garden or Bench Plaques: Usually smaller and weather-resistant, often featuring floral motifs or inspirational quotes.

  • Building Signage: Typically include business names, founding dates, or dedication information, often mounted on walls or posts.

2. Select the Right Size and Shape

Standard sizes range from small 150 mm × 100 mm plaques for benches to large 600 mm × 400 mm wall-mounted signs. Custom sizes are also available for special installations.

Popular shapes include:

  • Rectangles (most versatile)

  • Ovals (often used in gardens)

  • Custom contours (for logos or sculptures)

3. Choose the Mounting Method

Mounting options vary depending on where the plaque will be installed:

  • Wall Mounts: Hidden stud fixings or screw holes

  • Ground Mounts: Stake mountings or fixed to concrete bases

  • Freestanding: Attached to posts for garden paths or signage

4. Pick the Right Finish

Bronze naturally patinas over time, but there are ways to influence its look:

  • Polished Bronze: A classic golden finish, best for indoor or covered areas.

  • Oxidised/Antique Bronze: A darker, aged look with more contrast in lettering.

  • Clear-Coated: Protected from weathering with a long-lasting gloss or satin seal.

5. Custom Design Options

Many suppliers, including www.canadabronzeplaque.ca, offer online design tools, allowing you to preview and edit your own plaque from your phone or computer. Popular customisations include:

  • Raised or recessed text

  • Border styles (single line, rope, beveled)

  • Photos or logos in laser etching

  • Multilingual inscriptions

6. Check for Cemetery or Council Regulations

If you’re installing in a cemetery or public space, always verify their plaque size, material, and mounting requirements before purchasing. Bronze-Plaque.com can often liaise with councils or cemeteries on your behalf.

7. Durability and Weather Resistance

Bronze is ideal for outdoor use thanks to its:

  • Corrosion resistance

  • Long lifespan (decades with minimal maintenance)

  • High legibility even after aging

To extend the plaque’s life, consider:

  • Cleaning it with mild soap and water once a year

  • Avoiding abrasive chemicals or polishing pastes

8. Where to Order

When ordering a plaque, choose a company that offers:

  • Free design previews

  • Fixed-price quotes with no hidden fees

  • Fast delivery Canada-wide

  • Experience in cemetery and council compliance

Bronze-Plaque.com offers all of this, plus the ability to design your plaque online using their world-first design system.

Conclusion

Choosing the right bronze plaque involves more than just picking a material. With the right size, finish, and mounting, you can create a meaningful tribute, sign, or marker that lasts for generations. Bronze plaques combine beauty and strength, making them suitable for memorials, garden markers, or building signs.