Blog, Outdoor / Indoor, Display systems
Outdoor advertising stands: how to choose a system for outdoor advertising
Outdoor advertising stands work in completely different conditions from walls in an exhibition hall. Wind acts on the graphic like a sail, rain soaks the material, and the stand often sits on an uneven pavement or grass. That's why, when choosing a system for outdoor use, the base, the maximum wind rating and the graphic material matter more than size. Below we compare the outdoor stands in our range and suggest what to look out for.
What to look for in an outdoor stand
- Wind resistance. Manufacturers give it in kilometres per hour or on the Beaufort scale. It's the most important parameter, because it decides whether the stand stays put all day.
- Base and ballast. A water or sand tank, a wide frame or an A shape lower the centre of gravity.
- Graphic area. A larger graphic is more visible but catches more wind.
- Print material. Outdoors, PVC banner is used, and in stronger wind mesh, which lets air through.
- One side or two. A stand by a road or entrance is usually seen from two directions.
Comparison of outdoor stands
| Feature | Blizzard | Monsoon Outdoor | HORIZON |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frame type | Pole with water base | A-shaped frame | Large banner stand with base |
| Size | 600 × 1600 or 800 × 2100 mm | 100 × 250 cm | graphic up to 2500 × 2400 mm |
| Graphic | Single-sided, PVC banner or mesh | Double-sided | Single- or double-sided, also PVC |
| Weight | 3.5 kg or 5.55 kg | 5 kg | 13.5 kg without graphic |
| Stabilisation | 12 l water base | A shape | 800 × 240 mm base that can be weighted with water or sand |
| Wind resistance | do 29 km/h | up to 39 km/h (5 on the Beaufort scale) | up to 3 on the Beaufort scale |
| Mounting | Eyeleted graphic, adjustable pole height and width | Tool-free, snap system and elastic loops | Tool-free, adjustable graphic height |
The warranty on all three systems is 12 months on the structure and 6 months on the print.
Blizzard: a light stand for your entrance
Blizzard is a pole with an eyeleted graphic and a 12-litre base. Filled with water, the stand is stable, and once emptied it's easy to move. Two sizes are available: 600 × 1600 mm (3.5 kg) and 800 × 2100 mm (5.55 kg). In the two-compartment bag the base is kept separate from the pole and graphic.
We print the graphic on PVC banner as standard. If the stand will be in a windy spot, a mesh print is better. The manufacturer states resistance up to 29 km/h, so in stronger wind the stand needs to be put away.
Monsoon Outdoor: a double-sided A-frame banner
Monsoon Outdoor has an A-shaped frame that gives a wide footprint and good stability. The 100 × 250 cm graphic is visible from both sides, so the Monsoon works well by an access road, in a car park and in front of a point of sale. The aluminium and plastic frame assembles without tools, and elastic loops tension the graphic. The set weighs 5 kg and fits in a transport bag. The manufacturer states resistance up to 39 km/h, i.e. 5 on the Beaufort scale.
HORIZON: a large area for outdoor events
HORIZON gives a graphic up to 2500 × 2400 mm, i.e. up to 4.8 m² on one side. It serves as a sponsor zone backdrop, a photo wall at an outdoor event or a banner at the entrance to an event site. Anodised aluminium is weather-resistant, and the structure packs flat.
A large graphic catches a lot of wind, so the base must be weighted with water or sand. The manufacturer states resistance up to 3 on the Beaufort scale, i.e. light wind. On open ground, place the HORIZON somewhere sheltered or be ready to take the graphic down if the weather changes.
Other outdoor systems
- Advertising flags cope well with wind, because the material moves freely. Mistral flag mounted on lamp posts and poles has a declared resistance up to 7 on the Beaufort scale. More on choosing flags in the guide How to choose an advertising flag.
- Outdoor pavement signs work well outside shops and restaurants, where the message is read up close. How to keep them stable is described in the guide Outdoor A-boards and wind.
- Outdoor queue barrier post marks out a queue or entrance zone at an outdoor event. The belt can run in four directions, and its length can be adjusted up to 220 cm.
Graphics for an outdoor stand
Outdoors the message is seen from further away and often on the move. Limit the text to the name, one slogan and a direction or address, and put the logo and key information in the upper part of the graphic so passers-by and cars don't hide them. Contrasting colours work better in full sun than soft shades. Before printing, ask for the template for the chosen system, because eyelet and frame fixing need a different edge allowance.
How to look after an outdoor stand
- Check the wind forecast before the event and compare it with the stand's specifications.
- Weight the bases on site and empty them before transport.
- Lay a wet graphic out to dry before putting it in the bag, so stains and odours don't appear.
- In public places, agree the stand's placement with the site manager or event organiser.
Frequently asked questions
Can an outdoor stand stay outside permanently?
The systems described are designed for display during an event or a working day. In strong wind and overnight it's worth putting them away, as they have a set wind rating.
Can I order the structure only?
Blizzard and HORIZON are also available without a print if you already have a graphic. We offer the Monsoon Outdoor with print.
Which stand should you choose for a windy spot?
Choose a smaller graphic area, a mesh print and a weighted base. On open ground, flags work better than large flat banners.
Summary
Blizzard is a light, water-weighted stand for an entrance, and Monsoon Outdoor is a double-sided A-frame banner. HORIZON gives the largest area but needs weighting and a sheltered spot. See all outdoor systems or tell us where the stand will go, and we'll recommend a system and graphic material.