Common Materials Used for Exhibition Booths in China

In China’s exhibition industry, the choice of booth construction materials depends on budget, design complexity, sustainability requirements, and booth type. Here is an overview of the most common material types and their applications.

I. Main Types of Booth Construction Materials

1. Custom Wooden Booths

   • Characteristics: The most common and versatile option. Enables highly customized and complex multi-level structures. Surfaces can be painted, laminated, or fabric-clad.

   • Best For: Medium to large-sized custom (“special design”) booths seeking a unique brand image.

   • Note: Must comply with venue fire ratings (typically Chinese Class B1). Often single-use, which can lead to waste and higher disposal fees.

2. Modular System Booths

   • Octanorm Systems: Globally recognized, often used for group/collective pavilions or upgraded standard booths. Fast assembly, reusable aluminum profiles, and eco-friendly.

   • Bematrix Systems: Similar aluminum framing systems known for versatile connection methods and flexibility.

   • Standard System Booths: The basic “shell scheme” upgrade systems provided by local venues, typically using aluminum frames and composite panels.

   • Advantages: Fast setup/dismantling, reusable, easy to transport/store. Ideal for roadshows or multi-city exhibitions.

3. Truss & Fabric Booths

   • Characteristics: Constructed from metal (usually aluminum) trusses, paired with printed fabric graphics, tension fabric, or lightboxes.

   • Best For: Booths with a limited budget requiring large-scale visual impact or simple structures. A highly cost-effective choice.

   • Advantages: Low cost, simple installation, and easily replaceable graphics.

4. Lightweight & Modern Materials

   • Pull-up Banners / X-Stands: For small displays or supplementing standard booths.

   • PVC / Foam Board: Used for light walls and signages, inexpensive and lightweight.

   • Acrylic, Tempered Glass: Used for display cases and decorative elements to enhance premium feel.

   • LED Walls / Interactive Multimedia: Now a standard feature in modern booths to enhance technological appeal and engagement.

II. Key Factors for Material Selection

1. Cost & Value: Custom Wood < Truss+Fabric < Modular Systems (though modular can be more economical long-term due to reusability).

2. Design Freedom: Custom Wood > Modular Systems > Truss Structures.

3. Eco-Friendliness & Sustainability: Modular Systems (reusable) > Truss (partially reusable) > Single-use Wood. Major cities have stricter green exhibition policies.

4. Approval & Compliance:

   • Custom wood structures require detailed construction drawings and fire test certificates for approval.

   • Modular systems often have a faster approval process.

   • All materials must provide fire rating certificates that meet Chinese standards.

III. Trends & Recommendations

• Green Construction is Trending: More organizers and venues encourage reusable modular materials or recyclable wood.

• “Hybrid Build” Strategy: Combine a custom wood façade with modular internal areas to balance visual impact with practicality and cost.

• Define Your Needs: For a one-off, short-term event, consider wood or truss. For multiple events or roadshows, investing in a modular system is more cost-effective.

• Partner with a Local stand Builder: China has a mature supply chain for materials. A reliable local contractor (like Panda Expo) can source compliant materials and provide a full solution.

Summary: In the Chinese market, custom wooden booths remain the mainstream choice for their unparalleled customization. Modular systems like Octanorm are favored for group exhibits and shell scheme upgrades due to their efficiency and eco-credentials. Truss structures hold a solid niche as a budget-friendly option. The key to success is making the right hybrid choice based on your project goals, budget, and sustainability requirements.

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