They're Not Interchangeable — Here's Why
13oz and 18oz vinyl banners look nearly identical in a product photo, but they're built for different jobs. The number refers to the weight of the material per square yard — heavier vinyl is thicker, more opaque, and more durable, but it also costs more and behaves differently once it's up.
Picking the wrong one usually shows up later: a 13oz banner left up all summer starts to sag and crack at the grommets, or an 18oz banner gets ordered for a one-day trade show when 13oz would've done the job for less.
13oz Standard Vinyl
13oz is the workhorse material — single-sided, full-color, and priced by the square foot: $3.75 per sq ft plus a $10 base fee, starting at $17.50 for our smallest size. It's the right call for:
- Events, trade shows, and promotions that run days or weeks, not years
- Indoor signage where wind and UV exposure aren't a factor
- Short-term outdoor use — grand openings, sales, seasonal banners
- Any job where budget matters more than a multi-year lifespan
18oz Heavy-Duty Vinyl
18oz is thicker, more opaque, and holds up to wind and repeated handling much better. It's priced differently — $8 per sq ft single-sided or $14.50 per sq ft double-sided, starting at $16.00 — and it's the right call for:
- Permanent or semi-permanent outdoor installations
- Construction site fencing and building wraps
- High-wind areas where a lighter banner would flap and tear
- Double-sided banners that need to read clearly from both directions (fence lines, hanging displays)
Price Comparison at a Glance
| Size | 13oz (Single) | 18oz (Single) | 18oz (Double) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2′ × 4′ (8 sq ft) | $40.00 | $64.00 | $116.00 |
| 4′ × 8′ (32 sq ft) | $130.00 | $256.00 | $464.00 |
| 5′ × 10′ (50 sq ft) | $197.50 | $400.00 | $725.00 |
Custom sizes are billed by the square foot, rounded up to the nearest foot, for either material.
A Simple Way to Decide
Ask one question: will this banner come down within a few weeks, or is it staying up for months in the weather? If it's coming down soon, 13oz saves you money with no real downside. If it's staying up through wind, rain, and sun for the long haul — or it needs to be readable from both sides — 18oz is worth the extra cost.
See full vinyl banner pricing and order now →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I print double-sided on 13oz vinyl?
No — double-sided printing is only available on 18oz vinyl, since the heavier material prevents bleed-through from one side to the other. If you need a double-sided banner, order 18oz.
Will 13oz vinyl work outdoors at all?
Yes, for short-to-medium term outdoor use — typically 1–3 years depending on sun and weather exposure. It's not built for permanent installation, but it's completely fine for seasonal signage, events, and promotions.
Do both materials include grommets and hemming?
Yes, both 13oz and 18oz include grommets at no extra charge with your choice of spacing — standard, corners only, top only, or none — plus hemmed edges.
How is custom size priced?
Both materials are billed by the square foot, rounded up to the nearest foot. Enter your exact dimensions at checkout and the price calculates automatically.