Sidewalk Signs: A Buying Guide

A-Frame Signs

The classic. An iconic style that’s been around forever, and for good reason. Their name comes from the shape they form when they’re fully opened — they look just like the letter A! Sometimes called sandwich board signs, these frames are a common sight in front of retail stores and in outdoor malls where there tends to be a lot of foot traffic. A-frame signs are typically double-sided, fold up quickly for storage and travel, and offer a ton of options for messaging type.

Why Choose an A-Frame Sign?

• Folding design for easy storage at the end of the day and transport for mobile businesses like food trucks and pop ups
• Double sided — attract interest from both directions or double up and display two messages at once
• Easy signage changes so you can quickly get up a new graphic before you open for the day

What Kinds of A-Frame Signs Are Available?

Standard poster frames are the most common and offer the most in terms of flexibility. While they do require some forethought to arrange the printed graphics (or, you could just choose one of our sidewalk signs that come with custom printed graphics), there’s just no topping a well-executed A-frame poster. There are many form factors and styles to choose from. A true workhorse is the plastic pavement sign, which is ubiquitous in industries from retail to events and is built to withstand the weather. Take a look at our bestselling plastic poster board to get your outdoor advertising started. Of course, A-frame signs with snap frames make changing out your graphics a breeze. If you have more of an artistic flair, you might opt for a markerboard or chalkboard to show off your skills and entice shoppers with one-of-a-kind drawings. For an upgrade that can provide dynamic image and video messaging, consider our digital A-frame, which has a beautiful 43” LCD screen for truly eye-catching advertising.

T-Base Signs

The function of these signs is very similar to their cousin, the A-frame, in that they offer double-sided graphics, are great for outdoors, and are typically lightweight and easy to move (though they don’t fold up, so storage and transport aren’t as simple). Where they excel is in their stability. The long feet of T-base signs (when viewed from the side, they make the sign look like an upside-down T, hence the name) keep them upright in high-traffic areas. One feature you’ll find on most of these is a set of springs where the sign frame meets the base, which helps it stay standing in windy conditions. The spring gives a little flexibility so that it sways slightly, instead of just blowing down. T-style signs tend to be heftier than A-frames and most often use a snap frame to hold posters, but some letter boards are also available.

Why Choose a T-Base Sign?

• Sturdy design with springs that holds up well in inclement weather and areas of high traffic
• Double-sided for maximum visibility from either direction
• Most use snap frames for super quick graphic changeouts with no hardware to fuss with

What Kinds of T-Base Signs Are Available?

Generally, you’ll find a T-base sign does not vary too much from a standard form — a snap frame with a spring base — as exemplified by one of our bestselling T-base signs. They come in standard media sizes, not usually smaller than 22 x 28 or larger than 30 x 40. While not as common, you might also opt for a letter board sign that trades the flash and pizazz of fully custom printed signs for super simple updates and straightforward messaging, great for daily specials and quick announcements. Another great option is a swinger sign, where the graphic is attached only at the top and, as the name suggests, swings more or less freely in the breeze. These require special substrates with precisely positioned holes for the hooks at the top, which we offer to print in-house on most models.

Fillable Base Signs

For some seriously heavy duty support, sign frames with fillable bases can’t be beat. If you’ve ever had a basketball hoop in the driveway (that wasn’t set with poured concrete) you’re probably familiar with how these work. You fill the plastic base with water, which provides plenty of counterweight to keep it standing upright in blustery conditions (and even the occasional bump from a passerby), then open the drain hole to empty the liquid once it’s time to store it away. These come in a few different form factors, though most are similar to the T-shaped base style, and some even have springs or a swinger sign for added protection from wind.

Why Choose a Fillable Base Sign?

• Excellent wind and bump protection — the added weight is a tried-and-true method for keeping signage upright in busy outdoor areas
• Heavy weight deters theft
• Wide variety of styles and message types available

What Kinds of Fillable Base Signs Are Available?

Much like with T-base signs, the style you’ll see most often is the fillable base snap frame sign with springs for added wind resistance. These come in a few standard sizes, similarly ranging from 22 x 28 to 30 x 40. Of course, swinger signs with water bases work well for retail and event locations and restaurants as alternatives to snap frames. When it comes to fillable base signs, there is a wider selection of changeable letter signs that come with a whole suite of characters to help you craft the perfect message (with additional packs available to expand your vocabulary). If you’ve got great handwriting or want to go for the small and scrappy, family business look, write-on boards with fillable bases can give you the aesthetic you’re looking for. To really capture some attention, consider an LED illuminated sidewalk sign that will continue to draw in new customers even after the sun goes down.

Changeable Letter Boards

These kinds of sidewalk signs have been around for a long time and they continue to persist for one reason: simplicity. Changeable letter board signs are simple to use and have a simple, stark, and easily recognizable aesthetic. When you see one of these signs, with its white background and bold black and red letters, your eye is immediately drawn to it. Moreover, it cuts out all the fluff. No need for complex graphics or flashy designs — it’s all about what you want to say in the most efficient delivery possible. That’s why everyone uses them. Schools, retail stores, event coordinators, restaurants and bars, parking garages, you name it. Plus, they’re easy to use and alter on the fly. Letter board signs come with a pack of pre-selected characters that you simply rearrange along the integrated slots that make up lines of text on the messaging surface. They’re built to resist the elements and last for years to come.

Why Choose a Changeable Letter Board Sign?

• Easy to use — they come with everything you need to get started and there’s no learning curve or expertise needed, just you and what you want to say
• Highly visible and recognizable style draws customers in with bold simplicity and doesn’t distract from messaging
• Durable and built for outdoor use to be long-lasting

What Kinds of Changeable Letter Board Signs Are Available?

While you won’t find the wide swaths of variety you might see in other types of sidewalk signage, there are a few key types of changeable letter board signs. Combining two classics is the plastic A-frame letter board, which offers both double-sided flexibility and an instantly recognizable silhouette. Swinger signs have the added benefit of wind resistance and are generally double sided to catch passersby in two directions. Letter boards with fillable bases protect your message from being tipped over when foot traffic is heavy or the wind picks up unexpectedly. Speaking of wind resistance, T-base signs with changeable letter boards are another long-trusted choice for businesses to get the word out when it comes to sidewalk advertising.

Get Out There with Sidewalk Signs Today

Now that you have some of the ins and outs of the kinds of sidewalk signs, all that’s left to do is decide which one is right for you! Consider the most important factors for you and your business, your location, and your workflow. Do you want something that easily moves to multiple locations? Consider a folding A-frame sign. Are you swapping out your messages all the time? Changeable letter boards could be a cost saving option in the long run. Are your signs always getting knocked over? Look into weighted base signs. No matter what your needs, Displays2go has you covered. Explore our full selection of sidewalk signs and start bringing more foot traffic to your business today!