Summary (TL;DR)
Choosing material for your (or your client’s) project can seem like a massive headache. There are so many factors to consider, including cost, durability, brand cohesiveness, and more. Follow this guide to help simplify that process and inform yourself on the pros and cons of commonplace materials.
Material Overview
It shouldn’t be surprising that people react differently to different materials. Imagine the fluffy high pile rug you had when you were in Kindergarten or grade school. It instantly evokes feelings of comfort and sleepiness. Now imagine running your fingers across chalkboard. Very different tactile experiences. Below are a few common examples of materials used in promotional products including (but not limited to) leather, faux leather, linen, metal, and wood.
Genuine leather
- Premium, heritage feel
- Ages with patina – antique vibes
- Ideal for long-term, high-impact use
Faux leather / leatherette
- Consistent look
- Budget-friendly luxury
- Great cleanability and scalability
Linen / fabric-wrapped
- Warm, boutique texture
- Coastal/heritage vibe
- Best for lighter handling environments
Metal
- Sophisticated, industrial look
- Hardy, long-term usability
- Provides great contrast to fabric/leather
Wood
- Rustic look
- Unique texture and weight
- Suited for controlled environments
Wall covering
- Similar texture to linen; highly textured
- Durable and patterned
- Budget-friendly
Vinyl & poly
- Budget-friendly faux leather option
- Durable, non-porous material
- Great for heavy use and harsher environments
Decision Guide by Use Case
Hotels & Resorts
Hotels and resorts require materials that can withstand high handling, cleaning, and can match brand tone. Best picks include faux leather and wall covering. These materials are commonly used in guest directories, in-room amenities, etc.
These options are both budget-friendly and suited for matching style across locations. Many tropical or resort-style accommodations enlist the use of wall covering for an authentic and tactile experience.
Restaurants / F&B
Restaurants require materials that can handle spills, grease, and high turnover. Best picks include faux leather, metal, and vinyl. Some common products are menu covers, guest check presenters, and coasters.
Both faux leather and metal options are highly durable and cover a wide range of styles. They allow for easy cleaning while maintaining a polished look.
Cruise Lines / Outdoor Hospitality
Outdoor environments include factors such as humidity, salt-air, and UV exposure. For these reasons, best picks are vinyl/poly, and faux leather. Typical products include poolside menus, table mats/ placemats, coasters.
Considering the weather and handling, vinyl and poly are great options for cruise lines and outdoor hospitality such as golf courses. These materials are easy to clean, durable, and very budget friendly.
Corporate Offices / Law / Accounting
Office spaces require products aimed at client-presentation and premium feel. For these reasons, genuine leather, faux leather (urethane), and linen are ideal. Most common products are estate binders, corporate ring binders, memo pads, placemats, and tablet covers.
Corporate offices are controlled environments, allowing some of the more delicate materials to shine. Additionally, genuine leather is great for upscale branding and take-home binders for clients.
Education & Awards Programs
These programs focus on keepsake value and are generally kept in hospitable environments. For these reasons, faux leather (leatherette), and linen really shine. Common products include certificate presenters, diploma covers, and frames.
For awards and other special documents, present them in style with leatherette or linen. These are softer, more delicate materials that hold up well with minimal handling.
Durability Scorecard
Leather score/notes: 9.5 – highly durable. Shows some signs of patina with age which can be a good thing.
Faux leather score/notes: 8 – depends on the exact blend but is normally quite durable and suitable for most environments. Easy to clean.
Linen score/notes: 6 – quite delicate and textured. Not meant for heavy use or exposure to the elements.
Metal score/notes: 8 – hardy and easily cleaned. A great option if it suits your brand.
Wood score/notes: 7 – normally quite hardy however exposure to the elements is not advised.
Wall covering score/notes: 7 – comparatively more delicate, but great for indoor hospitality settings and to match a textured look for memorable branding.
Vinyl/poly score/notes: 8 – durable and great for most any environment. Easy to clean.
What material suits your brand?
Leather = timeless / executive / premium / heritage
Faux leather = polished / consistent / scalable luxury
Linen = boutique / coastal / artisanal / modern-classic
Metal = industrial / sleek / polished
Wood = rustic / coastal / minimalist
Wall covering = textured / luxury / elegant
Vinyl/poly = outdoors / sunny / colorful
Contrast works best with materials that really pop together. These include leather/ faux leather with a wood or metal tip-in. See below for an example:
Construction Matters as Much as Material
- Hinges
- Edge finishing
- Corner reinforcement
- Inserts & liners
- Deco options
We know construction choices can seem overwhelming. Feel free to browse our construction gallery for inspiration and to brush up on vocabulary. If you have an idea or need some help, feel free to contact us! We have many materials and colors available.
Cost-Per-Use Perspective
Some covers are designed to be replaced on a regular cycle, while others are built to stay in service for years with only the paper/menu inserts swapped. Let’s consider some options:
Yearly replacement logic (lower upfront cost, shorter life):
Best for concepts with frequent brand refreshes, seasonal aesthetics, or high wear environments. Materials that are cost-effective to replace are basic vinyl, economy leatherette, and lighter boards.
Insert-refresh logic (higher upfront cost, longer life):
Best for brands that want a consistent premium look year after year. Materials that justify longevity are genuine leather, premium leatherette, reinforced linen, heavy-duty stitched edges, metal corners.
Hybrid scenario:
Durable outer shell + replaceable internal panels. These are great for high-end venues that update menus often but want the cover to remain pristine. Some features that support hybrid are screw posts, corner pockets, clear sleeves, inner rails, and modular pages.
Choose Your Material in 60 Seconds
- Where will it live?
- How often handled?
- What must it survive?
- What should it feel like?
- What’s the replacement schedule?
The decision can be daunting for yourself and your clients. Help us help you! Reach out with your project requirements and let our 30+ years of expertise guide you to the best possible outcome. You can also request a swatch card here.