Foam Shadow Boards
Initially developed for toolboxes, shadow boards are made from high-density polyethylene foam that's easily customised to fit tools, gadgets and other items. A perfect way to keep things in order within a larger storage box or tray, they also maximise storage space. The name says it all: it's a foam sheet with cut-in "shadows" of the items it holds.
Who uses shadow boards?
Shadow boards are popular with engineers and others in manual jobs involving a lot of equipment. With many hand tools such as screwdrivers and wrenches, it's tricky to tell different sizes apart visually, and keeping track of so many identical items is easier said than done. As well as keeping things ordered, shadow boards offer protection – useful for tools that risk damage in transit – and they're shallow enough to maximise space within a toolbox while keeping items safe. For tradespeople, they're vital for ensuring tools are never misplaced; specialist equipment is expensive to replace, and a missing tool can disrupt a job.
Shadow boards vs die-cut inserts
For items needing more secure storage to avoid damage, bespoke die-cut foam inserts are typically deeper and best for transit packaging and flight cases. Unlike shadow boards, die-cut storage can be made from a range of grades – closed-cell polyethylene, laminated and bonded foam, and specialist foams such as Plastazote superior closed-cell and Pyrosorb-S.
Which foam for shadow boards?
Most shadow boards from eFoam are made from EFP30 closed-cell or LD33 Plastazote closed-cell foam in various colours. Both come as a flat sheet and can be cut into shape with a Stanley or scalpel knife, or with internal cut-outs via a die-cut process – as simple as tracing around the tool before slicing to the required depth. Alternatively, our cut to size service can do it for you: send your dimensions and a hand-drawn, true-to-size trace, and we'll do the rest.
Shadow boards in the home
Shadow board inserts aren't just for tradespeople – they're helpful at home too. For fine cutlery that risks being scratched in a drawer, a very thin shadow board sheet is a non-intrusive, minimal solution. They're also popular for storing specialist kitchen knives such as Japanese chef knives and other professional utensils that need care, as well as delicate or expensive collectables. For more on home storage, see our guide to foam for home storage.
For help ordering foam shadow board inserts, please contact one of our friendly, knowledgeable colleagues.
Frequently asked questions
What is a foam shadow board?
A shadow board is a foam sheet with cut-out "shadows" of the items it holds. Originally developed for toolboxes, it keeps tools and gadgets in order, maximises storage space, and protects items from damage in transit.
What foam is used for shadow boards?
Most are made from EFP30 closed-cell or LD33 Plastazote closed-cell foam, available in various colours. Supplied as a flat sheet, they can be cut with a Stanley or scalpel knife, or shaped with a die-cut process.
Can shadow boards be used at home?
Yes. A thin foam shadow board protects fine cutlery in a drawer, stores specialist kitchen knives such as Japanese chef knives, and keeps delicate or expensive collectables safe.
