A-Board Sizes: Which Pavement Sign Size Should You Choose?
Updated ·4 min read
Our aluminium pavement A-boards come in five sizes, named after the poster each frame holds: 20 × 30 inch (508 × 762mm), A2 (420 × 594mm), A1 (594 × 841mm), B1 (707 × 1000mm) and A0 (841 × 1189mm). Prices start from £66.00 including VAT for a single-sided board. A2 suits narrow pavements and doorways, A1 is a good all-rounder for most shopfronts, and B1 or A0 suit wide pavements and forecourts where the board has to be seen from further away.
A-board sizes and prices
These are today's starting prices for a single-sided aluminium pavement A-board at each size, including VAT, at standard production:
- 20 × 30 inch (508 × 762mm): from £66.00
- A2 (420 × 594mm): from £99.00
- A1 (594 × 841mm): from £130.00
- B1 (707 × 1000mm): from £138.00
- A0 (841 × 1189mm): from £217.00
Double-sided boards cost a little more. The calculator on the product page shows your exact price as you choose the size, sides and production speed, and these figures come from the same calculator, so they update whenever our prices do.
What the size refers to
Each size is the printed poster that slots into the board's snap frame. The frame around the poster makes the board itself a little bigger, so allow some extra room when you check the space outside your door.
Because the poster sits in a snap frame, you can change your message whenever you like, and the board folds flat for storage at the end of the day.
Which size should you choose?
- A2: the most compact board. It suits narrow pavements, doorways and spots where space is tight, and works best for short messages read up close, such as opening hours or a daily offer.
- 20 × 30 inch: a standard poster size, a little smaller than A1, for a board that fits most shopfronts without taking over the pavement.
- A1: a balanced size for cafés, salons and shops, with room for a headline, an offer and your logo.
- B1: a step up from A1 for busier streets, where people often see the board from further away.
- A0: the largest board, for wide pavements, forecourts, car parks and events where it needs to be read from across the way.
As a rule of thumb, the further away people are when they first see your board, the bigger it needs to be and the fewer words it should carry. A menu can work on a smaller board because people stop to read it. A promotion aimed at passing traffic needs a large board and a short headline.
Single or double-sided
A single-sided board shows your poster on one face. A double-sided board carries a poster on both, so people walking from either direction see your message. You can use the same artwork on both sides or a different design on each, for example your menu on one side and an offer on the other.
Check the space and the rules first
Most pavement A-boards stand on highway land, so you normally need your council's permission to put one out, and many councils set limits on the size and number of boards and how much pavement must be left clear. Measure the space outside your door and check your council's rules before you choose a size.
Our guide to putting an A-board on the pavement explains what to check.
Artwork and production
Supply your poster artwork at the size you choose, with 3mm of bleed on every edge and text kept at least 5mm in from the edge. Big lettering, a short headline and strong contrast make a pavement board readable at a glance. Our guide to preparing artwork for print covers file types and setup, and every file is checked by a real person before printing.
A-boards take 3 working days to make once you approve your proof, with express production (1 to 2 working days) available for an extra charge. We make them at our Manchester production HQ and deliver UK-wide.
Common questions
What size A-board is best for a café?
For a menu or daily specials that people stop to read, A1 gives plenty of room. If the pavement outside is narrow, A2 takes up less space. See our café signage page for more ideas.
Can I change the poster on my A-board?
Yes. The poster slots into a snap frame, so you can open the frame and swap it whenever your message changes.
Do I need permission to put an A-board outside my shop?
Usually, if it stands on the pavement. The pavement is normally highway land, so most councils need you to apply for permission first. Read our guide to A-boards and pavement permission before you order.
How long does an A-board take to make?
3 working days from proof approval at standard speed, or 1 to 2 working days with express production, then delivery. Next day delivery is available at checkout.
