Tension Fabric Backdrop vs Step and Repeat Banner
A tension fabric backdrop is stretch fabric pulled over an aluminum frame, so it stands as a solid wall on its own. A step and repeat banner is a printed fabric banner hung on telescoping poles, and it costs less: $342.99 for the 10 x 8 ft banner stand against $649.99 for a 10 ft tension fabric backdrop. Choose the frame for a deeper, sturdier wall and the banner stand for the lowest price.
Tension fabric backdrop vs step and repeat banner
| Pop up tension fabric | Pillowcase tension fabric | Step and repeat banner stand | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Aluminum frame with nylon hubs, graphic attached across the front and end caps | Lightweight aluminum frame, graphic slips over it like a pillowcase | Fabric banner on a telescoping stand with 1.625 in poles |
| How the graphic attaches | Hook-and-loop fasteners | Slips over the frame and contours to it | Pole pockets, top and bottom, slide onto the poles |
| Sizes | 8 ft (89 x 89 x 12 in) and 10 ft (118 x 89 x 12 in) | 8 ft (about 90 x 90 in), 10 ft (112 x 89 in) and 20 ft (about 236 x 90 in) | 8 x 8 ft (prints 92 x 92 in) and 10 x 8 ft (prints 116 x 92 in) |
| Printed sides | Single sided | Single or double sided | Single sided |
| Stands on | Self standing frame, 12 in deep | Slim swivel feet | Telescoping poles on a stand |
| Ships at | 10 ft: about 14 x 12 x 32.75 in, 29 lbs | 10 ft: about 34 lbs with its soft bag, packed about 32 x 11 x 11 in | Packs into its travel bag |
| Complete, 8 ft class | $549.99 | $549.99 | $322.99 |
| Complete, 10 ft class | $649.99 | $649.99 | $342.99 |
| Graphic only, 10 ft class | $299.99 | $299.99 | $219.99 |
What a tension fabric backdrop is
A tension fabric display is a printed stretch fabric graphic pulled over a lightweight frame, so the print sits smooth and taut instead of hanging. Ours are stretch polyester knit, printed in full color by dye sublimation, on aluminum frames. The graphic comes off, so a new design means a new graphic, not a new frame. The pop up and the pillowcase backdrops are both tension fabric walls.
What a step and repeat banner is
A step and repeat is the logo wall behind red carpets, press lines and photo spots, printed with your logo repeated so it lands in every photo. As a banner stand, it is a fabric banner with pole pockets along the top and bottom, printed at 720 x 720 resolution with a scratch resistant, washable, curl-free edge. The stitching of the pole pockets shows on the banner, which is worth knowing when you place your logos.
When a tension fabric backdrop wins
- You want a solid wall. The pop up is 12 in deep and the frame holds the fabric flat, so the face reads as one smooth surface.
- You need a double sided wall. Only the pillowcase backdrop can be printed on both sides.
- You need more width. The pillowcase backdrop goes to about 236 in, the widest we sell.
When a step and repeat banner stand wins
- You want the lowest price. The banner stand is $322.99 and $342.99 complete, against $549.99 and $649.99 for the pillowcase backdrop.
- You want the tallest graphic. The banner prints 92 in tall, against 89 to 90 in for the tension fabric frames.
- You change the design often. A printed banner alone is a refresh for a stand you already own.
Setup and storage
The pop up frame opens out on its nylon hubs and the graphic attaches with hook-and-loop. The pillowcase frame joins with push-button connectors at labeled joints, and then the fabric slides on. The banner stand extends its telescoping poles through the top and bottom pockets. Each one packs into its own bag. Fold the fabric graphic loosely and keep it with the frame, somewhere cool and dry.
Not sure which is for you? Start with what size step and repeat banner you need, or see our step and repeat backdrop options and the full backdrops category.
How ordering works
- Choose the backdrop or stand, the size and Complete or Printed Graphic Only on the product page.
- Add your artwork on the product page (AI, EPS, PDF, SVG and high resolution PNG at 300 DPI or higher), or send it after you order. No artwork yet? Free basic design assistance on every order. Send a logo, colors and a rough idea and a mockup comes back.
- We send a free digital proof. Nothing prints until you approve it.
- Production starts on approval. Ships within 2 business days after you approve your proof. Most orders arrive within 10 business days (US lower 48). Shipping is included.
Tight on time? Tell us your event date before you order and we will confirm it works. Need it sooner? Faster shipping is available for an extra charge. Tell us your event date and we will quote it. Questions? Email info@promomogul.com.
Products in this guide
- Step and Repeat Pop Up Fabric Backdrop
- Straight Pillowcase Tension Fabric Backdrop
- Step and Repeat Adjustable Banner Stand
- All custom backdrops and step and repeat banners
Every order includes a free digital proof, and nothing prints until you approve it. Ask for a quote if you need a size or quantity that is not listed.
Quick answers
- What is the difference between a tension fabric backdrop and a step and repeat banner?
- A tension fabric backdrop is a printed stretch fabric graphic pulled over an aluminum frame, which stands as a wall on its own. A step and repeat banner is a printed fabric banner with pole pockets that slide onto a telescoping stand. Both are printed in full color with your logo repeated across them.
- Which costs less, a tension fabric backdrop or a step and repeat banner stand?
- The banner stand. A complete 10 x 8 ft step and repeat banner stand is $342.99, a 10 ft pillowcase tension fabric backdrop is $649.99 and a 10 ft pop up is $649.99. Shipping to the US lower 48 is included.
- Which can be printed on both sides?
- The straight pillowcase tension fabric backdrop, in all three sizes. The pop up backdrop and the step and repeat banner stand are single sided.
- Can I replace just the graphic?
- Yes. Choose Printed Graphic Only on the product page, in the same size as your frame or stand, to change the design without replacing the hardware.
- Can I use either one outdoors?
- Both are made for indoor use. We do not recommend a tension fabric backdrop or a step and repeat banner stand for outdoor events.
Questions on any of this? Email info@promomogul.com. We reply Mon to Fri, 8 to 6 Pacific.
