Open Closed Sign Formats at a Glance: Oak vs Bamboo

If you just need the quick version: most businesses want a double-sided, personalised sign in oak veneered MDF, and the choice really comes down to format and material. Here's each option at a glance.

For a full room-by-room breakdown of every type of sign — including opening hours signs, dog-friendly signs and Welsh bilingual signs — read our complete open and closed signs guide.

What makes a good open closed sign?

A good sign should be clearly readable from outside, easy to flip, and suited to the style of your business. Laser-engraved wooden signs do all three — the engraving is permanent, the material is warm and natural, and they hang well on most standard doors.

Main formats

• Double-sided hanging sign — Open on one face, Closed on the other. The standard format for most retail and hospitality businesses.
• Personalised with your business name — the same double-sided sign engraved with your name above the Open/Closed text. The most popular choice.
• Opening hours sign — permanent display of your trading hours for each day of the week. Best used alongside an open/closed sign.
• Dog friendly open/closed sign — combines the standard function with a dog welcome message. Popular with pet-welcoming cafés and shops.

Oak or bamboo?

Both work well. Oak veneered MDF engraves with consistent, high-contrast results and is the most popular choice. FSC-certified bamboo (certificate RINA-COC-001256) suits businesses with sustainability commitments and gives each piece a natural, slightly varied finish.

Browse the range

See the full range of open closed and opening hours signs — including personalised, rustic, dog-friendly and Welsh bilingual options in oak and bamboo.