Roller Banners: A Complete Guide to Sizes, Prices & Design Tips
A-Boards: The Complete Guide to Pavement Signs for Your Business
An A-board is one of the hardest-working pieces of marketing a local business can own. Placed on the pavement outside your shop, café or venue, it catches people as they walk past and gives them a reason to step inside. In this guide we explain the different types of A-board, how to choose the right pavement sign for your location and how to design one that brings in customers. When you are ready, request a quote from the PrintingX signage team.
Quick answer: An A-board, or pavement sign, is a portable freestanding sign that usually shows your message on both sides. PrintingX supplies six A-board styles, from budget folding boards to spring-mounted poster signs, with artwork help from our team in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
What is an A-board?
An A-board is a freestanding sign shaped like the letter A when you look at it from the side. Two panels are hinged at the top, so the sign opens to stand on the pavement and folds flat for storage. Because both sides face outwards, people walking in either direction see your message. A-boards are also called pavement signs, sandwich boards and sidewalk signs.
Why A-boards work for local businesses
- They catch passing trade. Your message sits at street level, right where people are deciding where to go.
- They are easy to update. Swap posters for daily specials, events or seasonal offers.
- They point the way. Perfect for first-floor businesses, courtyards and units inside shopping centres.
- They keep working. One sign can advertise outside your premises every day you are open.
- They are portable. Take them to markets, fairs and events, then fold them away.
Types of A-board: choose the right pavement sign
PrintingX offers six A-board and pavement sign styles. Each one links to its product page, where you can check the latest sizes, options and prices.
A-Board
A classic double-sided pavement sign for displaying printed promotions outside your premises. A dependable all-rounder for shops, cafés and salons.
A-Master Lite
A fold-flat poster display with front-opening snapframes, so you can change posters in seconds without tools. Ideal if your offers change often.
Swinger 2
A versatile pavement sign available with an aluminium panel or an A2 poster pocket. A smart choice if you want the option of permanent branding or changeable posters.
Budget A-Board
A lightweight folding pavement board designed for custom self-adhesive graphics. A cost-effective way to get your first pavement sign out on the street.
Spring Sign
A spring-mounted A1 poster sign with front-opening snapframes and a stable water-fill base. The spring mount lets the sign flex rather than topple, making it a popular choice for exposed spots.
Ecoflexlite
A compact panel sign with a recycled PVC base and straightforward tool-free assembly. A neat option where pavement space is limited.
| Pavement sign | Display type | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| A-Board | Printed panels, double-sided | Everyday shop and café promotions |
| A-Master Lite | Poster snapframes, fold-flat | Offers and menus that change often |
| Swinger 2 | Aluminium panel or A2 poster pocket | Flexible branding or changeable posters |
| Budget A-Board | Self-adhesive graphics | Getting started on a budget |
| Spring Sign | A1 poster snapframes, water-fill base | Exposed and busy locations |
| Ecoflexlite | Compact printed panel, recycled base | Narrower pavements and entrances |
Not sure which suits your street? Tell our team where your sign will go and we will recommend the right option for your space and budget.
Poster frames or printed panels?
If your message changes regularly, such as menus, events or seasonal offers, choose a sign with snapframes or a poster pocket, such as the A-Master Lite, Swinger 2 poster pocket or Spring Sign. If your branding stays the same, a printed panel or self-adhesive graphic on an A-Board, Budget A-Board or Ecoflexlite gives a cleaner, more permanent finish.
How to design an A-board that brings people in
- Say one thing per side. A single clear message works better than a list of everything you sell.
- Make it readable in three seconds. Use a short headline that passers-by can take in at walking pace.
- Use big type and strong contrast. Bold lettering in contrasting colours is easier to read from across the street.
- Show your brand. Include your logo and brand colours so people recognise your business.
- Add a call to action. Try messages like “Coffee and cake inside”, “Walk-ins welcome” or “Open today until 5pm”.
- Keep it fresh. Change your offer regularly so regular passers-by keep noticing it.
Need help with artwork? Our in-house designers can create a pavement sign design from your logo and message, or prepare your existing artwork for print. Request your A-board quote and let us know what artwork you already have.
Where to place your A-board
Position your A-board close to your entrance, facing the main flow of people, and make sure it does not block the pavement. Leave plenty of room for wheelchair users, pushchairs and people with visual impairments to pass safely. Many UK councils have rules about advertising boards on the public highway, and some require permission or a licence, so check with your local council before placing a sign on the pavement.
Keeping your A-board looking its best
- Bring your sign inside at closing time and in very strong winds.
- Fill water-fill bases fully for stability.
- Wipe frames and panels regularly to keep them clean.
- Replace faded or tired posters so your business always looks cared for.
A-boards in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stoke-on-Trent and across the UK
PrintingX is based at the Roebuck Shopping Centre in Newcastle-under-Lyme and supplies pavement signs to shops, cafés, salons and venues across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, with delivery throughout the UK. Many businesses pair an A-board with an outdoor banner or roller banner for even more visibility, so take a look at our custom banner printing range too. You can also read about our sign printing in Newcastle-under-Lyme and sign printing in Stoke-on-Trent.
A-board FAQs
What size A-board do I need?
It depends on your pavement width, how far away people will see the sign and how much you want to say. A1 poster signs are a popular all-round choice. Check each product page for the latest sizes, or ask our team for advice.
Are A-boards double-sided?
Most A-boards display a message on both sides, so people walking in either direction can see it.
Can PrintingX design my A-board artwork?
Yes. Our in-house design team can create your artwork from scratch or prepare your existing files for print.
Do I need permission to put an A-board on the pavement?
Rules vary between councils. Some allow A-boards with conditions, while others require a licence. Check with your local council before placing a sign on the public highway.
Do you deliver A-boards across the UK?
Yes. PrintingX is based in Newcastle-under-Lyme and delivers pavement signs to businesses throughout the UK.
Ready to get noticed on your street?
Choose from six A-board and pavement sign styles, with artwork help from our local team and delivery across the UK.
