Bulletin Boards

It's so confusing sorting through all the features and manufacture's jargon about buying bulletin boards. Sometimes you surf a web site and become more confused because you went down the wrong information path. Here is a list of bulletin board features and their benefits (compiled from my 20+ years of selling bulletin boards) to help you weigh the option and find the right sign for you.

Indoor or Outdoor

First decide where you are using the sign. An outdoor bulletin board needs to weather the elements so it needs stronger material and construction methods which cost more. An indoor bulletin board does not need to be sealed with rubber gaskets and look bulky. Plus an indoor bulletin board costs less.

Lighted or Non-lighted

An lighted bulletin board is used so your messages can be easily viewed at night or dimly lit environments. A lighted bulletin board needs a wider case frame to hold the electrical elements and cost more.

Letter Board or Bulletin Board

Many people say bulletin board but mean letter board, there is a difference. The directory letter board holds the standard plastic directory letters with molded tabs to spell out changeable messages. A letter board is a panel that has grooves cut on every 1/4 inch increment and covered with pleated felt. A bulletin board is a push pin surface, typically cork, that you can tack posters, pictures, pages or notices with pins or staples.

Enclosed or Open Faced

An enclosed bulletin board has a case frame with a lockable door. An enclosed bulletin board protects against vandalism while controlling access to posting surface. You need an enclosed bulletin board for any outdoor or lighted sign. An open face bulletin or letter board has no case frame and is less expensive.

Header or No Header

What's a header? A header is the top area of an enclosed bulletin board that is used to display an organization's name. A header gives the bulletin board an identity. It reduces the visible area of the bulletin board.

Fabric Covered or No Fabric

I've heard this term used many times and find it difficult to understand its intent. Most bulletin boards now come with fabric covering because it protects the mounting surface from moisture, UV light and over use. Sometimes customers use it to describe the felt on directory letter boards. Sometimes they are looking for a bulletin board with flock like material glued to its surface.

Aluminum Frame or Wood Frame

Aluminum frames can be used indoor or outdoor; a wood framed bulletin board can only be used indoors. The aluminum frame has strength, hardness and corrosion resistance. The aluminum enclosed bulletin board case frame is typically natural satin finish but can be powder coated different colors. Black, bronze and gold are the most popular colors. A wood frame cabinet is hand crafted and provides a warm feel and rich upscale image. It can be stained natural oak, walnut or cherry colors.

Wall Mounted or Post Mounted

Most bulletin boards are wall mounted which limits them to being single sided. A post mounted sign is typically used on an outdoor notice board that is installed away from the building. A pedestal letter board used for interior lobbies could also be considered a post mount.

Hybrid Choices

There is a list of hybrid options that don't fit easily in any mutually exclusive category. The lobby pedestal signs are an example. Some bulletin boards can come with a sliding glass enclosed cabinet instead of the doors which swing out. Sliding glass enclosed bulletin boards are great for narrow or high traffic corridors. Some letter boards can have a magnetic surface but are expensive and are difficult to find a good letter assortment.

Too many bulletin board features? Not really, decide where you are using the bulletin board and weather its lighted or non-lighted. Then choose the options that are most important to you. And call us if you need to discuss the bulletin board features.