A-Frame Signs

A-Frame signs are foldable signs typically used for sidewalk advertising by retail businesses and others that rely on foot traffic. One or both sides of the “A-frame” can have a graphic or advertisement. The signs can be used indoors and outdoors. When used for the latter, the frame can be filled with sand or water to provide extra weight for stability.

A-Frame signs, sandwich signs or sandwich board signs are, for all intents and purposes, the same thing. All three terms can be used interchangeably. These terms refer to a foldable sign most used on sidewalks outside retail stores. While the terms are interchangeable, the frames of these signs can be plastic (like ours), wood or even metal. Further, graphics/signs can be adhered via Velcro or very rarely slid into the frame itself. Our signs are of the plastic variety and the graphic, with a changeable corrugated plastic graphic held in place by Velcro (standard) or tabs (premium).

Yes! Our A-frame signs can be used outside year-round. The frame is made of heavy-duty plastic that is 1.5” thick on each side, for a total of 3” thick. Additionally, the frame can be filled with sand or water to provide the sign with more stability. Each side of the frame can hold an additional 5 lbs. of sand or water. We would recommend not using the sign during serious precipitation or severe weather. Lastly, the corrugated plastic graphic can be easily removed and replaced with another graphic if needed. We offer graphics-only printing that fits perfectly with the A-frame.

With no water or sand inside the frame, it weighs only 18 lbs. This weight ensures the sign is durable yet light enough to be easily repositioned and/or stored as needed.

All of our sandwich board signs are double-sided. If you want the same graphic on both sides, simply add one design and checkout, and we’ll automatically put the graphic on both sides of the A-frame. If you want a different graphic on one side, select the option for "Two Sides Different" and then click the “Back Side” button on the design tool and design it as you wish. We’ll then make sure each side displays your respective designs.

We offer two different graphic options for your custom A-frame signs. 

If you choose the Standard Frame, your graphics will be made of 4 mm corrugated plastic that will be attached to the frame using adhesive Velcro strips. This allows you to remove and replace the graphics on your A-frame as needed. 

If you go with one of our Premium Frames, they will come with 4 mm corrugated plastic “inserts” that slide into the indented area of the A-frame. Tabs on either side of this area slide over the top of your graphics to hold them firmly in place. The obvious advantage of using this type of A-frame sign is the ability to regularly swap out graphics as sales, seasons, or marketing messages change. 

Our replacement graphics work well for both standard and premium options, though they’re only available for 24” x 36” A-frames for now. 

The removable corrugated plastic graphic is printed with outdoor-friendly UV ink, making it resistant to moisture and fading.

The actual sign area for your custom graphics is 24” (width) x 36” (height). This area and the sandwich board sign (25” x 45”) is not customizable.

We currently only offer the standard 25”x45” sandwich board sign size. 

The graphic area for both types of A-frame signs will always be 24” x 36” high. However, for the Standard white A-Frame sign, the parts of your design that you leave white will end up blending in fairly well with the frame. Therefore, you can make your design whatever shape you’d like within that 24”x36” area and it will give the appearance of being a smaller graphic or cut to shape. The best-looking sign will still be one that uses a full 24”x36” graphic. Please note that this is not possible on the Premium A-Frame Signs. The corrugated plastic graphic needs to be exactly 24” x 36” for the graphic to work properly with the frames.

No. We currently do not offer either chalk or dry-erase based options for your custom A-frame sign. If you are interested in these products, please contact us so we can offer these in the future! 

Currently we only offer the heavy-duty plastic A-frame sign as seen on this page. We’ve found this to be the best A-frame sign all around due to its durability, ease of use, and ability to be a double-sided sign with large graphics. Many of the alternatives are disappointing in terms of performance (cheap/thin metal or wooden frames) or a hassle to use. We do hope to offer similarly durable A-frame signs that feature chalkboard and dry erase functionality in the future.

Currently we offer only the white plastic sandwich board in our Standard A-Frame. However, the Premium A-Frame sign can either be a white or black plastic frame. Though either of the signs allows you to fully customize the color of your image and the messaging for your sign on the graphics themselves.

Our sandwich board signs should last at least 5 years whether used outside or inside if they are cared for properly. In many cases, the A-frame sign’s lifespan is significantly longer but will depend largely on what kind of constant conditions it is used in and the care of the frame/graphics. 

No. As pictured on this page, there are no wheels on the bottom. It does have a molded handle at the top of the frame for easy carrying and positioning. We’ve found that an A-frame sign with no wheels is more likely to remain stable while the handle still provides easy storing and moving. 

No. We print all of our signs in full color. This means no matter how many colors your sign(s) may have, your cost will not go up. Your cost will be determined by the quantity you order, the shipping options you choose as well as any applicable taxes.

No. We have a wide range of design templates available for you to use or start your design with. Alternatively, you can contact us to take advantage of free design services from one of our professional designers or upload your file(s) to our design tool to create your custom A-frame signs.

No. At the current time we only offer sandwich boards on this page as described. The double-sided functionality offsets the need for a rotating or swinging aspect of the sign. Through years of experience, feedback from our customers, and our own use, the sign we offer has proven to be far more durable and just as effective.

We do not currently offer changeable letter signs in either the sandwich board variety or otherwise. We would recommend a chalkboard or dry erase alternative in case the messaging needs to change frequently.

No. With either option, the sign comes ready to use with your graphics already installed on the sign. Simply unfold the sign, decide whether you need to ballast it with sand or water and then set it and forget it.

Yes. With the corrugated plastic graphics, you can switch your signs out as often as you’d like. We offer replacement signs only option so you can order multiple graphics that fit with you’re A-frame. Please note that the standard A-frame requires additional adhesive Velcro strips to reattach to the frame.

Yes. Our A-frame signs are built to withstand both exterior and interior use. In many cases the frame and graphics will do just fine regardless of where you might be located. We do, however, recommend that you avoid using your sign outside during extreme weather, particularly high winds, heavy rain, and sustained cold temperatures.

Our sandwich board signs can be filled with water or sand to provide stability in these situations. Use of either of these options should ensure the sign stays upright and visible to your potential customers. We do not recommend using water when there is danger of sub-freezing temperatures due to potential for the ice to expand and crack the sign frame.

No. While those signs are sometimes also called sandwich signs, our signs are not intended to be put on a person to become a walking advertisement. Whether for an event, on a sidewalk outside a business or a restaurant, our signs are designed to be stable and stationary.

The plastic frame itself does have the potential to have scuffs or scratches if not handled well or from falling over while positioned on rough surfaces such as concrete or pavement. 

Apart from an extremely prolonged period of sun exposure, there shouldn’t be any fading or discoloration of the frame. Similarly, splintering and rusting should not be a problem since it is made from heavy duty plastic. 

Likewise, except for expanded ice causing the sign to warp or crack, the frame should not have problems with warping or cracking. Overall, the frame itself is incredibly durable. We’ve seen these frames last for 5+ years with proper care despite regular use outdoors. 

The most common and intended use for sandwich board signs is sidewalk advertising for retail shops, restaurants and other businesses with a storefront and the potential to push foot traffic into a physical location. The actual graphics themselves can be used for sales and promotions, daily menu changes, and many other purposes when used on the sidewalk. 

Beyond being used for sidewalk advertising, these signs are great for events and conferences for traffic control, check in and registration tables, parking, as well as directing attendees. They can also be used as a point of purchase signage and even to warn or caution for temporarily dangerous or restricted areas. 

Yes! Our A-frame signs are extremely durable and can be used repeatedly. Simply store them as per the instructions below and you should have no problem using these signs with your replaceable graphics again and again.

Installation of our A-frame signs is as simple as carrying it to the desired location and unfolding it. With weather resistant graphics that are printed on corrugated plastic (Standard and Premium version), setting up your sign is as easy as unfolding a folding chair. For windy or other inclement weather, the frame can be filled with sand or water for extra stability.

Storing your custom sandwich sign is as easy as setting it up. Simply fold it up or collapse it and store it in a dry location. We would recommend storing it in the upright position, but they can just as easily be stored lying down. The upright position allows for use of the stacking lugs which are part of the frame’s custom design. These lugs will help interlock multiple frames stored upright to prevent movement that could damage the graphics on the sign frames. If you’re storing them lying down, avoid placing anything on top of the graphic area of the sign to prevent the graphics of the sign form getting damaged. 

Our A-frame signs are incredibly durable and designed to be used outdoors. Nonetheless, storing them indoors before any extreme weather will preserve your sign for repeated use over the course of many years. Regular washing of our Standard and Premium signs using a non-abrasive cloth with very mild dish soap can help keep your sandwich board and graphic looking clean and vibrant. 

The only on-going maintenance that may be needed is to wipe down the plastic frame of the sign with a wet non-abrasive rag to keep it clean. When wiping down the graphics, do not use a soaking wet rag but rather a slightly damp one only. 

Finally, and as noted elsewhere, we recommend taking down and storing your sign if extreme weather conditions are imminent. Extreme weather and any kind of intentional efforts to damage the frame could result in a sandwich board sign that is permanently damaged.