Professionally Displaying Your Banner Outdoors

Installing your banner outdoors can be a challenge.  This post contains information about five methods of outdoor banner installation. I offer suggestions to improve several of the installation examples.  I'll also discuss the pros & cons of each installation method.

Common installation methods include the following:

1. Stretch between two fence posts

This photo shows a banner nicely installed between two fence posts.  The post spacing allowed room for the bungees to stretch, keeping the banner tight between the posts.  This is a good short term solution.

The majority of banners that I see installed using this method do not look as nice as this one.  The posts typically pull inward especially in windy conditions, causing slack in the banner.  Once the banner begins to sag, it is just a matter of time before the grommets tear from the corners and the banner becomes tattered.  I'll show an example of this in a future post.

Pros
1. Easy to install.
2. Inexpensive hardware (fence posts, bungees).

Cons
1. Only uses four grommets which puts stress on banner corners.
2. Possible damage to sprinkler lines, etc. when driving posts into ground.
3. Will not hold up in windy conditions.

2. Install on a fence

Installing your banner on a fence is often a good solution.  The photo shows the Farmers Market banner secured to the fence using a light weight rope.  My suggestions for improving this banner install include:

1. Use UV zip ties instead of rope.  Zip ties can be clipped making them less visible than rope.  Zip ties also allow the banner to be easily tensioned.  We recommend using two Zip ties in the banner corners for extra strength in windy areas.

2. Secure the banner using all grommets provided.  Installing on a fence makes it very easy to use all grommets.

Pros
1. Easy to use all grommets, thus extending the life of your banner.
2. Easy to install.
3. The fence helps support the banner in windy conditions.
4. Inexpensive hardware (zip ties).

Cons
1. Sign code or facility restrictions may not allow this type of installation in some areas.

3. Hang from overhang

This Blizzard Sale banner was installed very nicely.  It was fastened into the wood structure using wood screws and flat washers.  To keep the bottom of the banner from curling inward, a 1"x 2" strip of wood was attached to the back side of the banner using wood screws and flat washers.

My only suggestion to improve this installation is to add one more screw / flat washer in the top center grommet to keep the top edge from sagging.

Pros
1. Looks professional and attractive to consumers.

Cons
1. May take more time to install but the clean appearance is worth the time.
2. Each location will have different limitations for fastening the banner.  The installer will have to be creative with what hardware to use.
3. In windy conditions the banner shown in the example is likely to be damaged because the bottom could blow even though it is weighted.  This particular location is well protected from the wind however

Banner A-Frame

Banner A-frames offer a great solution for displaying banners outdoors.  This A-frame was left in place for the entire summer season.  1/2" dia.(#4) x 18" long rebar stakes were driven into the ground near all four corners of the A-frame.  The A-frame was then secured to the stakes using steel wire (available in hardware stores).  The ground stakes allowed the banner / A-frame to withstand heavy spring winds.

Banner A-frames are shipped with light weight ground stakes which are perfect for short term use when light breezes are blowing.

Pros
1. Banner A-frames look professional.
2. Easy to install.
3. Works well for short and long term use.
4. Easy to change banners with a new message.
5. Portable.
6. Banner installs with bungees or zip ties.
7. Holds banners well in windy conditions (frame must be staked properly).

Cons
1. Frame will need to be moved for mowing when placed in grass area.
2. Higher cost compared with fence posts.
3. Low overall height.

5. Banner stretch frame

Banner stretch frames offer a permanent solution for businesses who change their message on a regular basis.  These frames allow your banner to look like a permanent sign rather than a temporary banner.

Pros
1. Look professional.
2. Increase life of banner.
3. Banner does not require a hem or grommets, thus less expensive banner cost.
4. Works well in high wind conditions.
5. Frame installs easily.
6. Banners are easy to install.

Cons
1. Higher initial cost compared with typical banner install solutions.
2. Make sure your local sign code will consider this a temporary sign solution.
3. No real cons, this system is fantastic!

Feel free to call or e-mail us with questions regarding your banner installations.  Be sure to check with your local sign code to make sure you are in compliance before installing.