The Best Poster Boards

Tessa Mccall
15 min readApr 19, 2024

--

Poster-Board-1

Get ready to liven up your workspace or make your schoolwork stand out with our roundup of the best poster boards on the market. In this article, we’ve gathered a collection of top-quality options, perfect for creating eye-catching displays and presentations. From sturdy materials to versatile design options, we’ve got you covered with our Poster Board roundup.

The Top 10 Best Poster Boards

  1. Heavy Coated, Fade-Resistant 22-inch x 28-inch Pacon Colored Poster Board — Heavy and colorful, Pacon’s 22" x 28" orange poster board is ideal for large-scale projects, with a smooth, fade-resistant finish and recyclable, acid-free construction.
  2. Pen + Gear Metallic Mini Poster Boards — Shine brighter with the Pen+Gear Assorted Metallic Mini Poster Board, the perfect 12x14-inch addition to your next project. Rated 4.8 stars, this exceptional product boasts 10 boards for any occasion.
  3. Melissa & Doug Colorful Poster Boards Collection — Brighten up your next artistic project with this versatile six-sheet Melissa & Doug Poster Board Pack, perfect for arts and crafts, and suitable for origami and paper construction!
  4. Office Depot 20" x 30" Foam Board for Displays and Mounting — Create stunning displays and craft projects with the Office Depot Brand Foam Board, perfect for mounting posters, making architectural models, and more!
  5. Pacon Foam Board: 20" x 30" 2.1" Thick Matte Finish Acid-Free Material for Crafts & Display Signs — Pacon Foam Boards: Durable, versatile, and boasting a matte finish for smudge-free crafting adventures.
  6. Budget-Friendly Foam Boards for Multiple Uses — Experience superior durability and versatility with Elmer’s 3-Pack Black Foam Boards, designed for all your mounting, framing, and crafting needs.
  7. Creatology Yellow 25-pack Poster Boards — Bring your project to life with Creatology’s 24 pack of 22"x28" Yellow poster boards, perfect for mixed media and ideal for use in photography and art displays.
  8. Emraw Trifold Corrugated Presentation Board for School and Business Presentations | Science Fair Project Display — The Emraw 36" x 48" White Tri-Fold Corrugated Presentation Board is a versatile, lightweight, and high-quality solution for school projects, business presentations, and fun events — perfect for any multipurpose need.
  9. White Poster Board with 30% Post-Consumer Recycled Content — 22" x 28" Loose Sheets — Roaring Spring White Posterboard: Versatile 22"x28" 50-Sheets for Signs, Kraft Projects & Post-Consumer Recycled 30%!
  10. 24 in. x 36 in. White Foam Project Poster Board — The Moisture-resistant Komatex Foam PVC Project Board offers a versatile, closed-cell, rigid foam PVC sheet suitable for various applications, featuring a matte finish, easy fabrication, and low water absorption.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Reviews

Heavy Coated, Fade-Resistant 22-inch x 28-inch Pacon Colored Poster Board

pacon-the-heavy-poster-board-orange-1

Pacon’s Heavy Poster Board, available in an attractive orange hue, is a versatile and budget-friendly choice for project enthusiasts. Measuring 22 inches by 28 inches, this poster board boasts a thick 18-point construction that ensures durability and stability during presentations. The vibrant color is not only visible on both sides but also boasts a smooth, durable finish that is resistant to fading when exposed to moisture.

Users have shared mixed reviews, with some praising the product’s quality for projects like the Stars for Veterans Tree. Others, however, have expressed disappointment that the board is not as thick as advertised, falling short of expectations in its 6-ply claim. Despite these minor drawbacks, Pacon’s Heavy Poster Board remains a reliable option for those seeking a sturdy and visually appealing board for their projects.

Pen + Gear Metallic Mini Poster Boards

pen-gear-assorted-metallic-mini-poster-board-12-inch-x-14-inch-10-count-24455-1

Introducing the Pen + Gear Assorted Metallic Mini Poster Board, an innovative addition to your creative arsenal. Measuring 12 inches by 14 inches, these mini poster boards pack a punch with their bold metallic finishes. The assorted colors offer versatility for various projects, and their compact size makes them perfect for smaller designs or announcements.

One of the key benefits is their durability against smudging, ensuring your designs remain crisp and vibrant. However, it’s essential to take note of the package warning and use only permanent markers on the metallic side to avoid smudging.

Despite the need for caution in the marking process, customers generally find these poster boards easy to work with and visually appealing. They add a professional touch to event signage, crafts, or even classroom displays. The metallic finish is particularly popular, creating an iridescent effect that captures attention.

A convenient standout feature is that the packaging is resealable, enabling you to keep unused boards fresh and ready to use when needed.

In conclusion, the Pen + Gear Assorted Metallic Mini Poster Board offers unique metallic finishes, durability, and an easily managed size, making it an excellent choice for diverse projects. Just remember to stick to permanent markers on that shiny surface!

Melissa & Doug Colorful Poster Boards Collection

melissa-doug-poster-board-pack-assorted-colors-6-sheets-1

I recently tried the Melissa & Doug Assorted Colors Poster Board Pack and I must say, it’s been a game-changer for my arts and crafts sessions. This pack includes 6 sheets, each in different colors — orange, pink, green, and white — making it perfect for creating all sorts of vibrant designs and constructions.

One thing I particularly appreciate about the Melissa & Doug Poster Board Pack is the fact that it’s acid-free. This means that it can be safely used for a wide range of projects without any risk of damaging the posters I create. The sizes are quite versatile too, with dimensions of 11" x 14", making it suitable for a variety of applications.

However, I did notice one minor drawback. The 6 sheets are all the same dimension, which might not be ideal for users who need specific sizes. Nevertheless, the benefits of using this vibrant and acid-free poster board outweigh this one downside. If you’re looking for a reliable and diverse set of colors to bring your arts and crafts projects to life, this Melissa & Doug poster board pack is definitely worth considering.

Office Depot 20" x 30" Foam Board for Displays and Mounting

office-depot-brand-foam-board-20in-x-30in-white-1

I was recently in search of a versatile and sturdy board to create a detailed and eye-catching display for my business. That’s when I came across the Office Depot Brand Foam Board. This sleek and modern piece of equipment was perfect for the job, offering a bright white surface that was both easy to draw on and write with.

One of the standout features of this foam board was its sturdiness, which was vital for my project. The double-sided design also allowed for more flexibility, as I could use one side for a sketch and the other for text. The thickness of the board was just right, as it wasn’t too delicate that it would bend or crack under pressure, but also not too thick to make it difficult to handle.

However, I did come across a minor downside, which was the price. Foam boards are known to be a bit pricier compared to traditional poster boards, and this specific product was no exception. But despite that, I found the Office Depot Brand Foam Board to be an excellent investment for my project. It not only delivered visually stunning results, but also was easy to transport and set up wherever needed.

In conclusion, the Office Depot Brand Foam Board is a top-notch product, ideal for creating professional displays, mounting posters, and even crafting projects. Despite the slightly high price tag, its impressive features and durability make it a worthwhile investment.

Pacon Foam Board: 20" x 30" 2.1" Thick Matte Finish Acid-Free Material for Crafts & Display Signs

pacon-foam-board-1

I’ve found the Pacon Foam Board to be a versatile and budget-friendly option for various projects. The 2.1-inch width and 30-inch depth make it suitable for mounting, crafting, and displaying art, especially with its acid-free feature. The matte finish also makes it less prone to smearing when I used markers.

However, there were some minor downsides that I encountered. The boards I received had minor waviness, almost like the corrugated pattern showing through the outer layer. While it doesn’t affect my current project, I’ll need to see if the glues I use will hold up with this surface.

Additionally, the shipping issue with my order required the supplier to replace the box they sent me, which took slightly longer than expected. Nevertheless, it didn’t impact my overall satisfaction with the product and the value it provides.

Overall, I believe the Pacon Foam Board is a solid choice for users seeking a cost-effective and reliable product for their projects.

Budget-Friendly Foam Boards for Multiple Uses

elmers-3-pack-black-foam-boards-1

I recently used the 16" x 20" Black Foam Boards for a class project presentation, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the results. The boards provide a sturdy base for my display while adding a professional touch with their rich dark black color and crisp edges.

One of the features that truly impresses me is how well the boards showcase my pictures. I appreciate that the surface allows for vibrant and accurate image reproduction, enhancing the overall visual appeal of my project.

It’s evident that these foam boards are designed with attention to detail and quality, making them the perfect solution for my various needs, including mounting, framing, school projects, and crafts.

Creatology Yellow 25-pack Poster Boards

24-pack-22-x-28-poster-board-by-creatology-in-yellow-michaels-1

I recently tried the 24-pack 22" x 28" Yellow Poster Boards from Creatology at Michaels. With such a vibrant color, they instantly caught my attention, and I couldn’t wait to get them for my upcoming art projects.

Upon opening the pack, I immediately noticed that the cardboard texture felt smooth. The poster boards were slightly thinner than I had expected but still felt sturdy enough to support my artworks. The dimensions of the poster board were accurate, making it ideal for both small and large-scale projects.

One of the most exciting features was that these poster boards were available in multiple colors. This allowed me to make different creations with contrasting backgrounds. The bright, bold colors were perfect for mixed media artwork and even simple, yet beautiful school projects.

The versatility of these poster boards amazed me, as I found them perfect for creating display boards for photographs and other artwork. The sturdy cardboard held up well against any medium I used, including colored pencils and watercolors.

The only thing I wished for, however, was a slightly thicker version. A little extra durability would have made them perfect for any project, especially if they were to stand on their own without any additional support.

Overall, I highly recommend this 24-pack 22" x 28" Yellow Poster Board by Creatology. The bright colors, vibrant textures, and sturdy construction make them a great addition to any art supply kit.

Emraw Trifold Corrugated Presentation Board for School and Business Presentations | Science Fair Project Display

trifold-poster-board-36-x-48-white-presentation-board-science-fair-display-boards-for-school-fun-pro-1

I recently needed a presentation board for a science fair project at school and came across this 36" x 48" white tri-fold corrugated poster board by Emraw. I initially hesitated due to its size, but it turned out to be perfect for my needs.

What stood out to me was its smooth surface which made the board look really professional and helped in presenting the project in a clean manner. However, I did face a few minor issues. It was a bit heavy to carry around, especially for students like me, and it wasn’t as portable as I would have liked.

The set-up was a breeze, thanks to the pre-scored panels which allowed for an instant set-up. It also had a lightweight and rigid quality to it, making it durable for frequent use. The tri-fold corrugated presentation board comes in a white color that adds an elegant touch to the overall presentation.

In terms of versatility, the board wasn’t just limited to school projects. It can also be used for other purposes like business presentations in offices, making it a multipurpose tool.

Overall, this Emraw tri-fold corrugated poster board proved to be a reliable and functional option for my science fair project. Despite a few downsides, its positives certainly outweigh them.

White Poster Board with 30% Post-Consumer Recycled Content — 22" x 28" Loose Sheets

roaring-spring-white-posterboard-22x28-50-cs-1

Roaring Spring White Posterboard is a versatile and eco-friendly option for all your sign and project needs. Standing at 22 inches by 28 inches, this poster board packs a punch with 50 sheets per carton. My personal experience with this product was amazing.

The white color on both sides of the paper provides enough coverage for your creations, and the one side being coated gives it a sleek finish. With a 14-point thickness, it promises durability and holds up well for long-lasting projects.

However, it’s worth mentioning that the construction of loose sheets may not be the best option for those who prefer a more structured support during projects.

24 in. x 36 in. White Foam Project Poster Board

24-in-x-36-in-x-0-118-in-white-foam-project-board-1

I’ve been using the 24-inch x 36-inch x 0.118-inch White Foam Project Board for some time now, and I must say it lived up to my expectations. Its moisture-resistant material ensures that it keeps its durability, even in humid environments. The matte finish adds a unique touch to the board, making it perfect for arts and craft projects, as well as industrial applications.

One thing I noticed right away was how lightweight it was; I could easily fabricate it using common household tools. It bonds easily to similar materials and various substrates, making it an all-rounder in the signage world. Despite its thinness, it has a scratch-resistant surface that helps it maintain its shape. The only downside is that it’s not suitable for outdoor use, but overall, it’s a high-quality product that has exceeded my expectations.

Buyer’s Guide

A poster board is a versatile and essential tool for various educational, professional, and creative purposes. It helps in displaying and organizing information, providing a visually appealing way to present ideas. When choosing a poster board, you should consider several factors to ensure its quality and suitability for your needs. Here is a comprehensive buyer’s guide to help you make an informed decision.

Poster-Board-2

Size and Frame

One of the most crucial factors when selecting a poster board is its size and frame. Consider the space where you will display the board and choose a size that best fits the area. Generally, poster boards are available in various standard sizes such as 12x18 inches, 22x30 inches, and 36x48 inches. It is also important to ensure that the frame is sturdy and reliable to secure the board in place.

Material

The material used in construction plays a significant role in determining the durability and longevity of the poster board. Poster boards are typically made of either paper or plastic. Paper boards are lighter and more budget-friendly, making them ideal for indoor usage and temporary displays. Plastic boards, on the other hand, are more durable and resistant to water and moisture, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor displays. They are also easier to clean and maintain.

Poster-Board-3

Quality and Finish

Quality and finish of the poster board can significantly impact its overall visual appeal and effectiveness in conveying your message. Look for boards with smooth, high-quality surfaces that provide sharp and clear images. The edges should be clean and even to enhance the overall presentation. Additionally, consider the printing technology used, as it can impact the colors, vibrancy, and life of the printed content.

Additional Features and Considerations

Apart from the above-mentioned factors, there are a few more elements to consider when purchasing a poster board. You might want to look for boards with built-in locking mechanisms to prevent slipping or falling. Ease of assembly and disassembly is also an important factor to take into account, especially if you plan on frequently changing the content. Lastly, consider the cost and budget when making your decision, as there are various options available at different price points.

Poster-Board-4

FAQ

What is a Poster Board and What are Its Typical Uses?

A poster board is a large, smooth canvas crafted from cardboard or foam, designed to showcase information, images, or illustrations. It is commonly used in education, marketing, and events such as conferences, trade shows, and sports competitions. In these scenarios, poster boards offer a functional surface for attaching materials such as posters, charts, or other displays, resulting in a clear and striking presentation.

Available in different sizes and finishes, poster boards cater to various needs and preferences. Utilized in displaying school projects, creating art or science fairs, or showcasing company exhibits at trade shows or corporate events, poster boards offer versatility in presentation styles. They can be printed upon or written on, providing a range of creative possibilities.

Poster-Board-5

Different Finishes of Poster Boards?

Poster boards boast a variety of finishes, primarily dependent on the materials they are formed from — paper, foam, or cork fabric-coated. Cork-coated boards are highly durable and effortlessly pinned or tacked on when presenting documents or posters. These boards can accommodate both indoor and outdoor use.

Foam boards, also referred to as expanded polystyrene (EPS) boards, are light and highly resistant to moisture and humidity, ideal for indoor settings. They provide consistent firmness and a smooth surface for attaching materials, and can also have self-adhesive backing, making them versatile for use in various applications, such as temporary signage or poster displays. Conversely, paper-based poster boards are more affordable and readily accessible, although they may not be as durable as foam or cork-coated boards.

Sizes of Poster Boards Available?

Poster boards span a range of sizes, from smaller tabletop boards to larger boards suitable for public or display settings. Common sizes include 22x28 inches, 36x48 inches, and 4x6 feet. While these are the most prevalent sizes, some companies can create custom sizes to fulfil specific requirements.

Custom sizes may be designed based on demand. It is crucial to consider the intended use, space availability, and content of the posters when selecting an appropriate size of the poster board. For instance, educational purposes often warrant smaller boards, whereas marketing or branding events typically require larger poster boards for more prominent displays.

Poster-Board-6

Can Poster Boards be Reused?

Whether or not a poster board can be reused depends on its type and condition. Generally, poster boards possess a strong structure, yet they are lightweight enough to be replaced if the surface becomes damaged. Some reusable poster boards are designed to be wiped clean, offering a lasting solution. Those that cannot be reused are often recyclable, provided they are clean.

Reusable or recyclable poster boards are an economical choice, offering an excellent environmental option, particularly for larger organizations that require numerous poster boards. For companies striving for environmental friendliness, poster boards made from recyclable or environmentally friendly materials may be preferred.

How Should Poster Boards be Transported?

Poster boards are generally portable and lightweight, making transportation a straightforward process. They can be transported in a carrying case or a protective cover, or even larger volumes in transport carts to prevent damage.

To ensure the safe transportation of poster boards, always use a sturdy case, securely fasten the boards to it, and position them upright. Additionally, protecting the posters from potential damage such as scratches, tears or moisture can include the use of protective sheets, which can be removed when displaying or setting up posters.

Poster boards require careful handling during transportation, particularly when using fragile materials. Secure the boards within their carrying cases and store them vertically when transporting to avoid any possible damage. For instances where boards are shipped, it is crucial to use reputable and experienced handlers to ensure their safe arrival at their destination.

What is the Optimal Way of Storing Unused Poster Boards?

To maintain the condition of unused poster boards and prevent damage, proper storage is essential. A recommended method is storing unused poster boards flat — either stacked or in individual storage compartments. This practice helps prevent creases and warping that can occur due to mishandling, humidity or environmental factors.

Some poster board manufacturers provide specialized storage solutions, which often include individual card compartments or protective sleeves. These protect poster boards from dust and mildew, thus ensuring optimal preservation until they are needed again.

Alternatively, if storage space is limited, horizontal stacking of poster boards can be considered. However, always make sure to store them in a flat, horizontal position to avoid curling. For optimal storage, it is advisable to maintain the boards in dry and cool conditions, ideally in an environmentally-controlled storage area to protect against humidity and temperature fluctuations that can result in potential damage.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

--

--