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Foam board signs are a lightweight, high-density, and affordable medium. They are a long-lasting investment for business signage and come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and thicknesses. We have created a comprehensive informational guide to help you make a wise decision while choosing your foam board sign dimensions.
Key Takeaways
- The most common shapes for foam board signs are square and rectangular, which can also feature rounded corners for a smoother feel;
- Picking the right size depends on the distance from which you want people to see your signage;
- Square Signs offers two thickness options for foam boards: 3/16" and 1/2".
Most Popular Shapes of Foam Board Signs
The shape of your foam board sign mainly depends on your design and the purpose your sign will serve.
Rectangular foam boards are the most in-demand. You can use this standard variant for retail promotions, office displays, or corporate applications.
Square is a popular shape, perfect for photo prints, event signage, and party backdrops.
Rounded corners on both rectangle and square cuts will make your design feel modern. They’re a little softer, but don’t stray too far from the standard designs. This shape looks especially beautiful on boutique retail signage, restaurant promotions, or beauty brands.
Circle and oval cuts work well for logos, brand activations, or photo booth backdrops.
A semi-circle cut works well as a sign, positioned above a booth, a counter, or serves as an architectural piece.
Foam Board Sizes
Your ideal foam board sign may range from as small as 4” x 4” or as large as 96” x 48”. As for the standard sizes businesses prefer, a handful of dimensions do most of the heavy lifting. Here is a breakdown of the most relied-on sizes by shape:
Rectangle
- 12" x 18": small table event signs, directional items;
- 18" x 24": show booths, retail announcements;
- 24" x 36": promotional floor stands, event backdrops.
Square
- 10" x 10": menus, service listings;
- 18" x 18": seasonal sale displays, informational signs;
- 24" x 24": branded corporate boards, property highlights.
Circle/Oval
- 12" x 12" / 12" x 16": event tables designs, countertop products;
- 18" x 18" / 18" x 24": personalized prints, retail displays;
- 24" x 24" / 24" x 36": feature walls, lobby wayfinding markers.
Semi-Circle
- 8" x 10": small decorative setups;
- 18" x 24": wedding welcome signs, restaurant displays
- 24" x 36": directional installations, bold promotional setups.
Common Foam Core Thickness
Square Signs also offers a 1/2" (13mm) thickness for foam board signs. 3/16" (5mm) foam board signs are lightweight and feature a sturdy surface. They’re a good fit for indoor signage or temporary displays. 1/2" thickness offers more durability and, therefore, is better for larger sign applications.
How to Display Foam Boards
If you want to display your foam board sign properly, prioritize the purpose it will serve.
For instance, if you want to feature it in a lobby area as a directional sign, rather than featuring it as a seasonal sale, it will demand a more secure mount. The other just needs to show up, do its job for a few hours or days, and be taken down. It needs to be displayed the way it stands for the given hours straight, and then be put away.
Businesses should place foam board signs in areas where people are already paying attention, such as reception areas or hallways. Retail promotions, on the other hand, prioritize flexibility. This means that business owners should put foam boards on a stand, quickly move them around if need be, or swap them out after the season ends.
Foam boards truly shine at events and grand ceremonies. You can use them as a welcoming decoration, wayfinding signage, or welcome signs at weddings, trade shows, and corporate gatherings.
When it comes to the installation, Square Signs offers a few setup options, such as command strops, zip ties, easel backs, or suction cups and hooks.
Use command strips as the safest option, which won’t damage any surface. They adhere to the back of your sign and stick to any smooth wall surface.
Choose zip ties if you want something practical to go with. They’re especially good for hanging signs, and are widely used at trade shows, retail stores, or events.
Easel backs are a particularly good fit for personal events and business meetings as they’re highly flexible and can welcome and direct guests, or simply feature crucial information.
Select a suction cup and hook for surfaces like glass windows or storefront displays with a firm grip.
