Hyperbole and other superlatives are very common forms of lying, because “everyone” knows that it isn’t literally true, so if you call it out you look like a pedant, but it still has a greater emotional impact than an honest representation of the situation, so it’s a lie that gives the desired outcome of painting your picture without the risk of reputational damage if you are caught in the lie
Both are insulation foam painted to look like wood. That worked great for the sign, but the post was actually not quite sturdy enough, and broke not long after this photo. Fortunately I was able to set aside the broken bit and just be somewhat more careful with the shorter post, and then I remade the post with a metal core to give it some extra strength and rigidity