Yard signs: sizes, materials, stakes and designs that get read

Yard signs are everywhere for good reason: they are cheap, light, waterproof, quick to install and easy to move. Real estate agents, campaigns, contractors, schools, churches, graduates and small businesses all use them. Getting them right comes down to a few specifics: the size, the substrate, the stake, and above all the design.

The standard: 18 x 24 inches, 4 mm corrugated plastic

The most common yard sign is 18 x 24 inches printed on 4 mm corrugated plastic, often called by the brand-style name coroplast. It is big enough to carry a short message to passing traffic, small enough to ship flat in bulk, and fits standard wire stakes.

Corrugated plastic: how it is built

Corrugated plastic is two flat polypropylene sheets joined by thin vertical ribs, like plastic cardboard. The channels between ribs are called flutes. It is waterproof, light and resilient, though it can bend in strong wind and become brittle after a long time in strong sun.

Thickness options include 4 mm (standard), 6 mm and 10 mm. Thicker boards are stiffer and resist wind better, at higher cost and weight.

Stakes: H-stakes and flute direction

The standard stake is a galvanized H-stake (also called a step stake): a wire frame shaped like an H. The two upper legs slide into the flutes at the bottom edge of the sign; you push the lower legs into the ground, often with a foot on the crossbar.

This only works if the flutes run vertically (top to bottom) in the finished sign. On a landscape 24 x 18 sign, that means the flutes must run along the 18-inch height. Tell your printer whether you want portrait or landscape and that you will use H-stakes; good printers orient flutes correctly by default, but it is the most common yard-sign ordering error.

Other options:

• Heavy-duty or tall stakes for higher placement or softer ground.
• Wire frames that the sign slides into from the top, for bigger signs or windier spots.
• Zip ties or grommets for attaching signs to fences and railings instead of the ground.

Single- or double-sided?

Double-sided yard signs are read by traffic in both directions. If a sign stands perpendicular to the road, double-sided printing nearly doubles its exposure for a small cost increase. If it lies flat against a fence or wall, single-sided is enough.

Designing for drivers

A yard sign is read by people moving past, often in a car, for a second or two. The banner design rules apply even more strongly here:

• Five to seven words maximum for the main message. "VOTE JONES" beats a slogan; "OPEN HOUSE SUN 1–4" beats a description.
• Huge letters. On an 18 x 24 sign, the main line should usually be 3 to 5 inches tall. A driver passing at moderate speed reads big, bold letters only.
• High contrast: black on yellow, white on navy or red, black on white.
• One color plus black or white often reads better than full color.
• One piece of contact info, the shortest you have: a short web address or phone number in letters at least 1.5 to 2 inches tall.
• Bold sans-serif fonts; no scripts or thin weights.

Placement and rules

Before planting signs anywhere other than your own yard, check the rules. Many cities restrict signs in public rights-of-way (often the strip between sidewalk and street), near intersections and on utility poles. Some limit the size and duration of temporary signs or set periods around elections. HOAs often have their own rules. Real estate and campaign signs have particular regulations in many places.

For visibility and safety:

• Place signs where drivers can see them early, without blocking sight lines at driveways and intersections.
• Angle double-sided signs perpendicular to traffic.
• Keep the bottom edge above grass height so mowing and growth don't hide it.
• For a route (an open house, a garage sale, an event), place directional arrows at every turn, before the turn.

Durability

A corrugated plastic sign with outdoor inks can look good for months outdoors and much longer in mild climates. What wears them out: strong sun (fading and brittleness), strong wind (bending and stake failure) and mowers. To get more life:

• Choose 6 mm or 10 mm board, or aluminum composite, for long installations. See outdoor sign materials.
• Use two stakes on wider signs.
• Pull signs before storms and store them flat, out of sun.

Yard signs for celebrations

Graduation, birthday, new baby and welcome-home yard signs are increasingly popular. The same rules apply: a big name, a short message, bold colors. School colors and the class year are classics for graduations; see our graduation banner guide. Consider privacy: a sign with a child's full name, school and age on a public street is visible to everyone.

Ordering checklist

• Size and orientation (portrait or landscape) stated.
• Material: 4 mm corrugated plastic (or thicker for long use).
• Flutes vertical for H-stakes.
• Single- or double-sided.
• Stakes included, and how many per sign.
• Main message under seven words; letters 3–5 in on 18 x 24.
• Local and HOA rules checked for placement.

Yard signs for real estate and open houses

Real estate signs often use a post-and-arm frame with a hanging panel and small "riders" (add-on strips such as "Open Sun 1–4" or "Sold"). For open houses:

• Place directional signs at every turn from the nearest main road, positioned before the turn so drivers have time to react.
• Use one consistent design and color for all arrows so visitors can follow the trail.
• Keep arrows big and simple: "OPEN HOUSE" with a bold arrow beats an address.
• Collect every sign afterward; many areas restrict how long temporary signs can remain.

Questions people ask

What is the standard yard sign size?

18 x 24 inches on 4 mm corrugated plastic, used in either portrait or landscape orientation with a wire H-stake.

Which way should the flutes run on a yard sign?

Vertically, top to bottom, so the H-stake legs can slide into the flutes at the bottom edge. Tell the printer the orientation and that you will use H-stakes.

How long do corrugated plastic signs last outside?

Typically several months to a year or more depending on sun and wind. Thicker board, UV-resistant inks and pulling signs before storms all extend life.

How big should letters be on a yard sign?

On an 18 x 24 inch sign, the main line should be about 3 to 5 inches tall in a bold sans-serif. Smaller text is unreadable from a passing car.

Can I put yard signs on the side of the road?

It depends on local rules. Many cities restrict signs in public rights-of-way, near intersections and on utility poles. Check with your city before placing signs off your own property.

Sources and further reading

• 811: call before you dig (US)
• Corrugated plastic

Written and checked by K.R. for UnlimitedBanners.com. Product specs and prices change; confirm details with the printer or seller before you order. Spot an error? Tell us.