A-Frames, Easel Signs & Sandwich Boards

Setting up signs can be as easy as unfolding both sides.

Although roadside signage has become popular over the last hundred years, pedestrian traffic still requires a separate, easy-to-read signage solution. Enter A-frame signs. These foldable, free-standing displays are an ideal choice for retail and restaurant advertising, as well as any business that receives consistent foot traffic.

A-frame signs, also referred to as sandwich signs, sandwich boards signs, and easel signs, are defined by their triangular shape. Both sides of the sign can showcase sign graphics, custom branding, or even a dynamic messaging board for changing daily specials. When it comes to outdoor advertising in heavily frequented areas, few alternatives are more successful at enticing hungry patrons or impulsive wanderers.

Ready to take the next step with A-frames, easel signs, and sandwich boards?

Contact us today and set up a consultation. We’ll discuss your needs and find the solution best-suited to your business. You can count on Image360 Cincinnati-Blue Ash for measurement, design, and permitting (when required) as well as mounting or installation. Every location is a local source for custom graphics, signage and displays. Second-to-none in delivery time and quality signs, at Image360, we take sidewalk signage seriously.

What are the perks to using an A-frame sign?

• There’s no comparison: sandwich board signs are one of the most affordable sign solutions next to yard signs. Pricing will vary, depending upon which material is chosen in the customization process with an Image360 sign specialist. But because of their relatively simple construction, a-frame signs are easier on the wallet than illuminated or digital signs.
• The foldability of easel signs makes setup and collapse a breeze. Rarely above thirty pounds, they can be carried and stored flat during closing hours, increasing longevity and saving space altogether.
• Whether you’re using slide-in or reversible panels, dry erase or chalkboard siding, the effect is the same – dynamic messaging that’ll adapt to your business’s needs. A-frame signs are so versatile that sales and specials can be switched out on the fly. With regular, printed signage, you can expect to wait at least a few days for a design to come to fruition. These signs are best for those who model their business on trends and rotating inventory.
• Placed at ground level, a-frame signs are almost impossible to ignore. The space they take up on sidewalks and street-sides means they are a partial obstruction to pedestrians, which obligates them to look downward. Of course, we don’t advocate blocking off entire walkways! Use them with your potential customer’s experience in mind.

What are a-frame signs made of?

Image 360 hosts a wide variety of a-frame signs consisting of few select materials. Contact us today, and we can help you find the perfect type of material for your restaurant, pub, bistro, or other retail storefront.

The three most popular types of a-frame signs are wooden frames, metal frames with interchangeable placards, and heavy-duty plastic. Read on to discover the pros and cons of each one.

• Metal – Metal sandwich board signs give off a sleek, modern look that is sure to impress in both indoor and outdoor applications. Although lighter than plastic and wooden sign frames, they are more prone to sliding around as result. Still, their portability is unmatched, and their set-up time is unrivaled.

Because the material has the potential to rust or blow away in inclement weather, we recommend taking these signs in at the slightest hint of rain, sleet, or snow.

• Wood – If you own a business that prides itself on a rustic or professional look, wooden frames may be exactly what you’re looking for. Out of the three materials listed here, wood is probably the least durable, unless it is cut from a higher quality source (such as mahogany or oak). But with the right wood and regular maintenance, you can expect a wooden a-frame sign to last for years.

We’d suggest using them only for indoor applications unless your business resides in a temperate, mild climate. Precipitation and snow can cause wood rot and corrode metal hinges. 

• Plastic – Perhaps the most durable and least expensive type of sandwich board frame, plastic sidewalk signs can last five years or more, if stored properly. Corrosion and wear-and-tear are a non-issue, and graphics can be swapped out as needed.

Plastic a-frame signs may not have the heft of wooden signs, but they can be filled with water or sand to provide further stability in the wind. And weighing down the sign after placing it on the sidewalk can save you the heartache of having to lug out a thirty-pound sign each morning.

What are some common uses for a-frame signs?

• Restaurant specials and promotions
• Welcome messaging for churches and organizations
• Yard sale advertising
• Wayfinding and directional signage
• Children safety signage
• Retail seasonal sales or discounts
• Event management
• Café menus
• Parking lot signage

Other Resources:

• What are the Different Types of Traffic Signs??
• How to Attract New Customers with Outdoor Signs

Serving Cincinnati, Blue Ash, Fairfield, Hamilton and surrounding areas