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Custom wood signs come in a variety of shapes and sizes and serve many purposes; they are some of the most versatile signs in the industry. The necessary tools range from hand tools to fully customizable, computerized routers. Sizes can range from a small plaque to the size of a billboard. Wood also lends itself to a wide variety of options that can alter its appearance, such as textures, colors, dimensions and shapes.

Tools of the Trade

The tools required to make customized wood signs vary according to the type of sign being manufactured. Wood signs can range from a painted sheet of plywood to a three dimensional routered sign. Different types of signs require the use of different tools. Some signs may incorporate many different tools to achieve the desired appearance.

For painted signs, the required tools may be as simple as paints and brushes. Saws may be required to alter the size of the sign, and polyurethane or another weatherproofing agent may be needed if the sign is going to be displayed outdoors. Painted signs can be some of the simplest signs to create, if the sign does not require any texture or carving. Painted signs can also be some of the most intricate and detailed signs.

For textured or carved signs, tools that are more technical will be required. For small signs with little detail, hand tools or a small hand router would be appropriate. However, for larger signs or signs with more intricate detail, a computerized router may be the best choice.

Computerized routers come in a multitude of shapes and sizes. They also come up with different levels of programmability. The most basic computerized routers may only be able to produce simple lettering and basic shapes and details, while the top-of-the-line routers will be completely programmable to produce three-dimensional signage with a variety of fonts, textures and graphics. Top-of-the line routers will require specialized software to produce electronic files that will tell the router how to cut and route the sign.

A custom wood sign, fresh off the router will require sanding to smooth out any rough edges before the sign can be painted or stained. Once the sign has been sanded, it will be ready to be painted, stained or otherwise treated. Some treatments may require special tools like word burning tools or special chemicals.

Types of Custom Made Wood Signs

There are many types of custom-made wood signs. From architectural signs to simple painted signs, using wood as a substrate allows for more flexibility in signage that is not cost effective in other materials.

Architectural signs are three-dimensional carved pieces of wood. They can be anything from a 2-inch thick panel of wood with a carved face to massive custom wood signs, carved into custom shapes. They can be painted, veneered, stained or burned to create the desired appearance. Architectural signs are usually cut with large computerized routers.

Billboards are another type of wood sign. They are basically, thin sheets of wood with a sign applied to them or painted onto them. With today’s technology, wooden billboards are becoming outdated as electronic billboards take their place.

Plaques are custom carved wood signs that are usually carved by hand or by smaller routers. These are often sold as novelties such as yard signs or signs for a child’s forts. Many businesses will present employees with small plaques for receiving certain honors or upon retirement. Plaques may be as simple or elaborate as desired, and may be gold or silver-leafed for decoration.

Simple painted signs are usually a piece of wood that has been hand-painted or screen-printed. These signs are not three-dimensional and are usually limited in color and size. Four foot by eight foot is usually as large as they get.

Benefits of Wood Signs

Using wood as a substrate for signs has many benefits. Wood is a renewable resource, biodegradable and weatherproof. Wood is sturdy and durable. It is cost-effective without looking cheap, and is incredibly versatile. Wood can be used to meet the needs for almost any sign.

Wood is one hundred percent natural. More can be grown to replace wood that is used and, if left untreated will eventually disintegrate back into the Earth as soil. Wood can also be treated with various chemicals to acquire varying degrees of weatherproofing. Wood can stand up to almost anything Mother Nature can do. Not only can it stand up to weather, it can be attached to many different types of structures and, in some cases, can even be freestanding.

With the invention of routers and specialty paints and treatments, wood has become incredibly versatile. It can be carved into any shape, made any size, and treated to look like anything. Stained wood has can have a classic, old-world look or a rustic, outdoors look. Painted wood can look modern or antique. With the specialty paints and treatments, wood can even look like metal.

Because of its versatility and renew-ability, wood is cost-effective. While not necessarily inexpensive, wood is not overly expensive, and different types of wood have different costs. Pine and other soft woods are usually inexpensive, while oak, mahogany and cherry tend to be more expensive. Hard woods like oak also tend to have more durability.

Summary

Custom wood signs can be very lucrative. They are cost-effective, durable and versatile. Thanks to technology and nature, wood is an ideal substrate for any signage.