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A-Frame Signs
WHAT IS AN A-FRAME?
A-Frames — also known as sidewalk or “sandwich” boards — are portable outdoor signs that stand up like an easel to form a two-sided A shape.
They are very popular with small businesses because they attract foot traffic, are conveniently collapsible, and easy to update with new messaging and promotions.
A-Frames are commonly made of plastic or chalkboard, are lightweight, and reasonably priced — you can buy quality signs at places like Hobby Lobby or Amazon for around $100.
Avg. Price Range: $50 ~ $130
- Popularity
Details
| Category | Business, Restaurant & Bars, Milestones |
| Sign Material | Chalkboard, Plastic |
| Price (avg) | ~ $50 - $130 |
| Dimensions (avg) | ~ 24" x 36" |
| Weight (avg) | ~ 10 pounds |
| Frame | Wrought Iron, Wood, Plastic + |
| Popular Colors | Black, Gray, White + |
| Outdoor Use | Yes |
| Two-Sided | Yes |
| Best Feature | Collapsible |
Extras
| Market Uses | Promotion, Events, Meetings, Garage Sales + |
| Placements | Sidewalk, Window, Parking Lot, Lobby |
| Portability | Easy |
| Where to Buy | Hobby Lobby, Amazon + |
| When to Buy | Late Winter — before heavy foot traffic season |
| Inventor | Unknown |
| Video | Watch |
A-Frame FAQ
What can A-Frame signs be used for?
A-Frames are versatile, portable, and easily revisable — so it’s no surprise to see these signs used across various industries and environments.
Here are 14 common A-Frame uses:
- Restaurant Menus — preview your menu, showcase your specials, and entice new customers.
- Weddings & Bridal Showers — welcome your guests, navigate them to specific wedding events, display seating charts and reception menus.
- Real Estate — sell your home faster with For Sale signs or welcome them with Open House signs.
- Milestone Events — fun signs for first birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers.
- Festivals & Events — point out registration desks, concession tents, music stages, parking lots.
- Bars — list drink specials, beer lists, live music dates.
- Stores & Strip Malls — draw foot traffic and sell new products and advertising sales.
- Hotels & Resorts — create on-site navigational signs for the pool, restaurants, and shops.
- Outdoor Renovations — inform your neighbors of any street-facing construction to your home or business.
- Traffic & Warning signs — warn traffic of crosswalks, kids playing, and reduced speed zones. Think “drive slow” signs.
- School Signs — indicate drop-off and pick-up lanes, practice field areas, staff and teacher parking.
- Garage Sales — place street side to attract visitors and entice them to shop.
- Farmers & Flea Markets — showcase your homemade products and get the attention you deserve.
- Campground & Parks— use A-Frames to navigate the grounds and mark campsites and monuments.
- Church — preach service times, parking spots, sermon topics.
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How do I keep my A-Frame from blowing over in the wind?
Sand.
Many A-Frames come with holes that you can pour sand into — you’ll see this with a lot of plastic frames.
If you have a heavier metal or wooden A-Frame and need extra stabilization, place sandbags over the top hinges.
How much sand do you need? Around 10 pounds.
TIP: If your sign is just having trouble staying upright in normal conditions, try placing small weights/dumbbells at the base of the four corners. This should keep it from sliding or collapsing unexpectedly.
Are A-Frames resistant to rain and weather?
Usually no.
A common misconception when buying A-Frames is that they come with some sort of protective covering, like plastic, to protect your custom signs — they usually don’t.
TIP: If your signs are black or other heat-absorbent colors, keep them out of direct sunlight if possible since your board can warp or bubble. Definitely keep this mind if you live in the South or warmer regions.
How can I make A-Frame signs portable?
Wheels.
When you’re shopping for A-Frames, look for ones with wheels (or rounded feet).
They can be harder to find, but well worth it, especially if the frame is made out of heavier material like metal.
TIP: Some signs come with holes to add stabilizing sand for windy conditions. So pour out the sand during calmer months or if you plan on just keeping your A-Frame inside. 👍
Why are A-Frames usually 2 to 3 feet tall?
Have you ever heard the phrase, “Eye level is buy level”?
It’s why your grocery store puts products they want to sell on shelves at eye level height (~4 feet).
Below eye level, is an area called “Touch Level” (~3 feet), that is reserved for products that stores want you to grab, take a closer look at, and read the label.
This is the zone of consideration and why A-Frames with readable text fit within this touch level.
TIP: If you have a business that caters to kids — like a candy store — A-Frames are the perfect height to get their attention, and convince their parents to buy.
Can I write directly on plastic A-Frames?
Yes — just make sure to use wet erase, liquid chalk markers.
TIP: When buying chalk markers, make sure they are resistant to rain and moisture (you don’t want your markers to run).
Can I tape a poster to an A-Frame?
You sure can.
If your A-Frame is a common plastic frame (not chalkboard), you have two choices:
- You can tape a poster or paper printout directly on the main sign area.
- You can tape your poster to a piece of cardboard, and tape that to the A-Frame, so you can easily remove your poster without it getting damaged.
Go with option #2.
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How big should my A-Frame signs be?
24″ to 36″ inches on average.
Make sure your A-frames are big enough to get your customer’s attention, especially if they are just walking past your storefront.
TIP: If you have a business that caters to kids — like a candy store — A-Frames are the perfect height to get their attention, and convince their parents to buy.
What material is best for my A-Frame sign?
Your A-Frame has two parts:
- The frame
- The sign
You’ll find the frames in all sorts of materials: wood, plastic, aluminum, metal, wrought iron, etc.
As for the sign, most are just cheap plastic.
So what’s the best sign material?
Chalkboard.
It’s super easy to edit and much more authentic — you want to show your customers fresh content and that you care. 😉
What markers do I use for an A-Frame?
Wet erase markers — specifically, liquid chalk markers.
Even if your A-Frame is not a chalkboard, you can use wet erase markers directly on the plastic sign area.
TIP: Make sure to use your wet erase markers on non-porous surfaces, so you can easily erase any markings with a damp cloth.
Do A-Frames come with inserts or pre-made signs?
Usually no.
You need to print out posters (and laminate them) or buy plastic inserts — so make sure you check with the seller before you buy.
This is why most businesses prefer non-porous chalkboard as the A-Frame canvas material so they can customize their signs at will.
Where should I place my A-Frame signs?
You want to place your A-Frames away from walls, in open spaces, and in high-traffic areas (like sidewalks) to get the most exposure to both sides of your sign.
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