The story Local Business Owner Channels Coffee Shop Trauma Into Signage Empire

You waited in line five people deep for your morning cappuccino, finally reached the barista, only to be told "sorry we're closed" as they walked away to take their lunch break. The social contract of coffee shop hours? Dead. Your faith in humanity? Questionable. Your need for caffeine? CRITICAL.

Which is why you're here, designing a sign that says "OPEN MEANS OPEN" in 72-point Helvetica. Not for them—they're beyond saving. For you. For your home office. For the principle of the thing.

The thing about betrayal is it makes you want to build something permanent. Something that won't walk away at 11:47am claiming "lunch break" while you stand there, wallet out, dignity evaporating.

Falconboard® is an environmentally friendly, fully recyclable rigid graphics media board. Made primarily from renewable forest resources and post-consumer recycled fibers. Trees died for this, but ethically.

This board stands out from other traditional foam board options like Gatorboard and Sintra PVC board due to its superior performance and excellent print quality. Falconboard's unique structurally engineered "sandwich-like" construction provides additional strength, high rigidity, and dimensional stability.

Quick answer

Direct answer: Falconboard signs are recyclable, rigid sign boards made with a honeycomb paper core. They offer premium print quality for indoor retail displays, trade show graphics, and POP applications—lightweight, flat, and eco-friendly.

Key takeaways

  • Indoor use only—paper-based material is not water-resistant.
  • Lasts several months to 2+ years indoors with proper care.
  • More rigid than foam board, fully recyclable, excellent print quality.

Specs & options

Specs

Material
Paper honeycomb core with coated paper face
Thickness
1/2" (about 7 stacked quarters)
Weight
.21 lbs per square foot (about 19 quarters)
Core Options
Honeycomb kraft or white color core
Print Method
Full-color HP latex printing at 1000 dpi, direct to substrate
Durability
100% recyclable, rigid, extremely flat, dimensionally stable
Lifespan
2+ years with proper indoor care
Environment
Indoor use only—not water-resistant

Options

  • Custom sizes and shapes: standard, circle, oval, die-cut (halo).
  • Rounded corners: 1", 3/4", 1/2", 1/4", or 3/8".
  • Double-sided printing: same or different images per side.
  • Optional drilled holes with custom placement for hanging.
  • Optional laminate finish for added durability.

Need help preparing files? See Artwork Setup.

Good fit for

  • Trade show graphics and exhibition displays.
  • Retail signage, POP displays, and promotional cutouts.
  • Event signage, directional signage, and hanging signs.
  • Lightweight freestanding 3D structures like kiosk displays and multi-panel setups.

How it works

  1. 1) Upload Your File

    For print-ready files: PNG, JPG, Adobe PDF, or AI. Vector graphics must have all fonts outlined. 1.3GB file size limit.

  2. 2) Or Work With Our Designers

    Collaborate with a skilled graphics designer for an additional cost. Provide your logo, theme, and desired colors or fonts—we bring your vision to reality.

  3. 3) Proof & Print

    Full-color HP Latex UV-resistant inks at 1000 dpi. Fade-resistant vibrancy and unmatched color accuracy.

  4. 4) Ship or Pick Up

    Your lightweight, rigid falconboard sign ships flat and arrives ready to install with command strips, tape, Velcro, easels, or hanging hardware.

FAQ

What is Falconboard?

Falconboard is a recyclable, rigid sign material made with a honeycomb paper core and paper liners. Designed for custom displays and high-quality printed signage, typically used indoors.

Is Falconboard sturdy or paper-based?

Both. Made entirely from paper materials but constructed to be impressively strong. The honeycomb core distributes stress effectively.

What holds the material together?

The internal honeycomb structure is sandwiched between two smooth, coated paper liners, bonded securely with adhesive. This design distributes weight and prevents sagging. Lightweight but incredibly durable.

How is this different from printing on cardboard?

Falconboard is stronger and flatter than cardboard. Doesn't warp as easily, supports higher-quality printing, stays structurally intact for longer-lasting displays.

Can I print on both sides of a Falconboard display?

Yes. Falconboard can be printed double-sided. Many customers use it for hanging signs and freestanding displays that need visibility from multiple angles.

What's the difference between Falconboard and corrugated plastic or foam board?

Corrugated plastic is waterproof but not eco-friendly. Foam board is lightweight but dents easily. Falconboard is more rigid than foam board and fully recyclable.

Are Falconboard signs fine for outdoor use?

No. Don't use these outdoors—paper-based material isn't water-resistant. Indoor environments only. Contact our team for outdoor sign recommendations.

How long do Falconboard displays last?

Falconboard lasts several months to a year or more indoors, depending on handling and installation location. Somewhere between temporary and semi-permanent.

Is Falconboard an environmentally friendly material?

Yes. Made from renewable, recyclable paper materials and 100% recyclable itself.

How many colors can I use on Falconboard displays?

Print full-color, high-resolution graphics. CMYK printing allows photos, logos, gradients, and more with crisp detail.

What if I don't want to use one of SF Bay Signs' templates?

Upload your own design or use our design tool to create from scratch. We support complete customization. Get help from our design experts.

Are these signs heat resistant?

Falconboard tolerates normal indoor temperatures but isn't built for high heat or direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure may cause warping or fading.

Is there a laminate finish covering the printed part of these signs?

No default laminate applied, but lamination can be requested for added durability or protection if needed.

Can I customize the drill holes in Falconboard displays?

Yes. We offer optional drilled holes with custom placement to suit hanging or mounting preferences.

Can I build 3D displays using Falconboard?

Falconboard works great for lightweight, freestanding 3D structures like kiosk displays, shelves, and multi-panel setups. Avoid excessive weight though.

Are Falconboard signs strong enough to hold heavy objects?

No. Really durable, but not meant for weight-bearing objects. Use for signage and light display elements only.

Where can I mount Falconboard displays?

Mount on easels, hang from ceilings, attach to walls with adhesive or Velcro, slot into display stands—whatever your space requires.

Do I need to worry about denting, fading, warping, or scratching?

Falconboard resists warping better than foam board but can dent or scratch if handled roughly. Keep indoors, avoid moisture to extend life.

What are the best uses for custom Falconboard signs?

Perfect for retail signage, POP displays, event signage, promotional cutouts, hanging signs, directional signage, and tradeshows.

Are Falconboard displays reusable?

Yes, to some extent. Store flat and handle with care.

How should I store my displays when not in use?

Lay flat in a clean, dry space. Avoid stacking heavy items on top to prevent warping or crushing the core.

How do I install Falconboard signs?

Use command strips, double-sided tape, Velcro, easels, or hang with grommets or drilled holes. Installation is simple and tool-free in most cases.

Will I need someone to help me with installation?

Not necessarily. Falconboard is lightweight and easy to manage solo, but for large or elevated installations, an extra hand may help.