Foam Board

Foam board is made of a polystyrene foam core. It is sandwiched between two clay-coated papers. Their thickness typically ranges from 3/16″ to 1/2″. However, you can get even thicker.

It is one of the most common types of signage, and you may have seen it several times in schools or at the store. Two different names are used, foam boards and foam core boards; however, they are sometimes used interchangeably. 

foamboard office signs
foamboard office signs
It is a lightweight and rigid material. However, it can be easily cut into different shapes using a mat cutter or a sharp craft knife. They are used for a variety of purposes, but most notably by architecture students in the creation of interiors and the construction of buildings. Apart from that, they are used as directional signage, welcome signs, and at other events.
foamboard tradeshow signs

Physical Features

Foam board is made of a polystyrene foam core sandwiched between two clay-coated papers. Its thickness ranges from 3/16″ to 1/2″ and weighs 0.15 lbs/sq ft for 3/16″ and 1.07 lbs/sq ft for 1/2″. You can get it in various sizes; however, the common sizes are 12″ x 12″, 12″ x 24″, 18″ x 36″, 24″ x 24″, and 24″ x 36″.

Benefits of Foam Board

There are many advantages of foam board as they are strong and completely stiff if we compare it with other poster board forms.
  • Very resistant to curling and bending
  • Extremely light
  • You can easily transport them, put on the wall, and store
  • Easy to print and cut due of their small weight

Weaknesses of Foam Board

There are some downsides of foam boards that may lessen its worth to some people. However, some people may ignore them.
  • Not the ideal choice for outdoor usage.
  • It is vulnerable to the elements, including the sun and water
  • Long exposure to UV radiation can discolor or distort them