On this page 6 sections
Pavement A-boards in the UK are sized by the poster they hold: an A1 A-board shows a 594 × 841 mm poster on each side, an A2 board a 420 × 594 mm poster. A1 is the usual choice on a busy high street or forecourt, where people read it from across the pavement or the car park. A2 suits narrow pavements, shop doorways and indoor spaces like receptions and food halls. The frame itself is a little bigger than the poster, and that matters when you check the space and any council rules.
A-board sizes compared #
| Board | Poster on each side | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| A2 A-board | 420 × 594 mm | Narrow pavements, doorways, indoor events, receptions |
| A1 A-board | 594 × 841 mm | High streets, cafe fronts, salons, garden centres |
| Forecourt sign | A1 or A0 (841 × 1189 mm) | Car parks, garage forecourts and roadside sites, read from vehicles |
The poster is held inside a frame, so the overall board is wider and taller than the poster. Check the frame dimensions on the product page before you measure your doorway or pavement.
How big does it need to be? #
Stand where your customers will first see the board and ask how far away that is. Someone walking past on the same pavement reads an A2 board comfortably. Someone across the road or in a slow-moving car needs an A1 board with a few big words. Our guide to sign letter height and viewing distance has the numbers. As a rule, an A-board should say one thing: a headline offer, today’s special or simply “Open” with an arrow, plus your name.
Changing the message #
The big advantage of a poster A-board is that the message changes without buying a new board. Keep a few posters ready for seasons, offers and events, and swap them in minutes. A-frame replacement posters come in A2 and A1 to fit the frames, and you can design them online. If you already own a frame, check its poster size before you order; the poster sizes guide lists every A size.
Putting it on the pavement #
An A-board on a public pavement is on the highway, and many councils have rules about them: some need a licence or permission, some limit the size or where it can go, and some ban them on certain streets. Most expect the board to:
- stand right against your shop front, not in the middle of the pavement;
- leave a clear walkway wide enough for wheelchairs and buggies;
- be taken in when you close;
- be stable enough not to blow over onto someone.
Check with your local council before you put one out. On your own forecourt or car park the highway rules do not apply, but the same common sense about trip hazards and wind does.
A-boards we print #
- A-frame pavement signs in A2 and A1, with printed posters.
- A1 A-frame pavement signs and A2 A-frame pavement signs.
- A-frame pavement sign, frame only, if you print your own posters.
- Forecourt pavement signs in A1 and A0 for car parks and roadsides.
Browse the full pavement signs range, or read cafe and restaurant signage for ideas on what to put on the board.
Questions people ask #
What size is an A1 A-board?
An A1 A-board holds a 594 × 841 mm poster on each side. The frame is a little larger than the poster; check the product page for the overall size.
Should I get an A1 or A2 A-board?
A1 for high streets and anywhere people read it from a distance, A2 for narrow pavements, doorways and indoor use where space is tight.
Do I need permission for an A-board on the pavement?
Often, yes. Pavements are part of the highway and many councils require a licence or set rules on size and position, and some ban A-boards on certain streets. Check with your local council first.
Can I change the poster in an A-board?
Yes. The poster is held in the frame, so you can swap it for a new one whenever the offer or season changes. Replacement posters are sold separately in A2 and A1.