Home›Exterior Signs›A-Frame Signs
A-Frame Signs Edmonton
A-Frame Signs in Edmonton for Sidewalks, Entrances, and Promotions
An A-frame sign placed at the right moment in the right location converts passing foot traffic into customers. For restaurants promoting daily specials, retailers running a sale, service businesses directing people to their entrance, and any business on a pedestrian-heavy street, an A-frame is one of the simplest and most cost-effective tools available.
What Is an A-Frame Sign?
Portable. Double-Sided. No Mounting Required.
An A-frame sign, also called a sandwich board, is a folding two-sided sign that stands independently on the ground without requiring any mounting or structural work. The name comes from the A-shape the frame forms when opened. Signs are placed at entrances, on sidewalks, in parking areas, and anywhere a message needs to reach people who are on foot or moving slowly.
A-frame signs are almost always double-sided, portable, foldable for storage, and can be moved to different locations as needed. For businesses that use seasonal or rotating messaging, A-frame signs with changeable printed inserts allow the frame to be reused while the graphic is updated. Inserts can typically be produced in 1 to 3 business days after approved artwork.
A-Frame Sign Options
Four Frame Types. Replacement Inserts on Request.
We supply A-frame hardware and produce all insert formats in-house. The frame is a long-term asset; the graphic is what we help you update.
01
Printed Vinyl Insert A-Frames
A sturdy aluminum or steel frame holds a printed vinyl or coroplast insert that can be swapped out when the message changes. The frame is a long-term investment. New inserts are produced quickly and at low cost. Used for promotional messaging, seasonal offers, daily specials, and event announcements.
02
Chalkboard A-Frames
A-frames with a chalkboard or chalk marker surface on each panel. Popular in food service, cafes, and retail where daily or hourly messaging changes and a hand-lettered aesthetic fits the brand. Available with steel frames for outdoor durability.
03
Snap Frame A-Frames
A-frames with a snap-open border frame on each panel, allowing poster-size graphics to be inserted and changed without tools. The snap frame holds the graphic flat and presents a clean, finished appearance. Suitable for higher-traffic locations where appearance matters.
04
Heavy-Duty Outdoor A-Frames
Weighted or anchored A-frame options for outdoor locations exposed to wind. Heavy-duty frames use water-fillable bases or steel construction to resist tipping. Recommended for Edmonton locations where the sign will be outdoors in variable weather conditions.
05
Replacement Inserts Only
We produce replacement inserts for existing A-frame hardware without selling a new frame. Provide the insert dimensions and frame format and we produce a replacement graphic to fit. An ongoing service for businesses that update their messaging frequently.
Need Inserts Fast?
1 to 3 Business Days After Artwork Approval
A-frame inserts are one of the faster print jobs we produce. Contact us at 780-540-9540 to confirm the turnaround for your specific size and format.
Placement and Production
Placed Where the Audience Is Moving Slowly Enough to Read.
The right placement and the right substrate make the difference between an A-frame that works and one that goes unnoticed.
A-frame signs work when they are placed where the intended audience is moving slowly enough to read them. A sign on a pedestrian sidewalk outside a restaurant works well. The same sign placed near a 60 km/h road does not. The most effective placements are at the entrance to a business, at a decision point where pedestrians choose which direction to go, and in areas with high foot traffic at the relevant time of day.
For businesses in Edmonton shopping centres, indoor malls, or market spaces, A-frame signs are often the only portable sign option available. For street-facing businesses, they supplement the main exterior sign with messaging that changes more frequently than the permanent sign allows.
We produce printed inserts in any size using water-based latex inks on durable substrates: rigid coroplast, foam board, or flexible vinyl depending on the insert format. Graphics can be printed on rigid coroplast, foam board, or flexible vinyl.
Best Placements
Entrance to the business, pedestrian decision points, and high foot traffic areas at the relevant time of day. Not effective near high-speed roads.
Indoor and Outdoor Use
A-frames work indoors at retail entrances, malls, trade shows, and event spaces. Indoor use eliminates weather concerns and allows lighter frame options.
Print Substrates
Rigid coroplast for durability, foam board for lightweight indoor use, flexible vinyl for snap frame inserts. All printed with water-based latex inks.
Outdoor Durability
For extended outdoor use in Edmonton weather, we recommend vinyl laminate over the print surface and waterproof substrates. Bring inserts indoors when not in use.
Permits and Ongoing Service
Permits Vary by Location. Inserts Ready in Days.
Temporary portable signs including A-frames are subject to the City of Edmonton sign bylaw, which regulates where and when they can be placed. Requirements vary by zone and in some cases a temporary sign permit is required. We advise on the applicable requirements for your specific location.
For businesses that update their A-frame messaging frequently, we produce replacement inserts as part of an ongoing service. The most common sizes are 18 x 24 inch and 24 x 36 inch inserts, though we produce inserts in any size to fit your specific hardware. A-frame inserts are typically ready in 1 to 3 business days after approved artwork.
For project inquiries, call us at 780-540-9540 or use the quote request form. We serve Edmonton, Spruce Grove, St. Albert, Stony Plain, Sherwood Park, and Leduc. Our shop is at 18118 107th Avenue, Edmonton.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about A-frame signs from Edmonton businesses.
Do A-frame signs require a permit in Edmonton?
Temporary portable signs including A-frames are generally subject to the City of Edmonton sign bylaw, which regulates where and when they can be placed. Requirements vary by zone. In some cases, a temporary sign permit is required. We advise on the applicable requirements for your specific location. See our Sign Permits page for more general information on Edmonton sign permits.
How durable are printed A-frame inserts outdoors in Edmonton?
Printed inserts produced on rigid coroplast or foam board with laminated graphics hold up well in dry outdoor conditions. For extended outdoor use in Edmonton’s variable weather, we recommend vinyl laminate over the print surface and waterproof substrate options. Inserts should be brought indoors when not in use and stored flat to maximize lifespan.