Wood signs can be used for all different kinds of purposes. It is the most popular type of homemade sign because wood is easy to obtain and shape. Although metal can last longer in outdoor conditions, it is much more expensive and difficult to shape without specialized tools. Making a wooden sign is simple and can be done with minimal tools and experience.
Choosing Wood for Your Sign
The type of wood you choose is one of the most important steps when building wood signs. Cheap woods will rot easily so they should be avoided completely. Ply board and other thin woods should also not be used because they will quickly disintegrate when exposed to harsh conditions. When making outdoor wood signs, the wood will need to be as sturdy and weatherproof as possible. Teak wood is a good choice because it is weather resistant and will last a long time even if it is exposed to bad weather. Although it may be more expensive, in the end it will be a much better investment.
The post can be made from either wood or metal. This wood should also be highly weather resistant and strong enough to support the sign. For large signs, use multiple posts to add increased support. Once you purchase strong wood, you should still add a weatherproof coating to insure that it is completely resistant to rain and snow. If there are termites in the area, be sure to regularly spray to protect your sign and the post.
If you are not sure what materials to use, then try walking around your neighborhood and find out what materials the wooden house signs nearby are made from. Wood stores can also provide helpful recommendations on what materials to use for your sign.
Cutting and Shaping your Wood Sign
Strong woods are usually quite thick so they can be difficult to cut into complex shapes. The most common shapes for wooden signs are square, but they can also be circles, diamond, or any other shape you choose. Some people prefer to not shape the wood to give the sign a rustic appearance.
When buying wood for your sign you should make sure that is wider and longer than the required shape to provide room for cutting and sanding. If you want to shape the wood, you should have a sharp saw on hand for cutting. After the sign has been cut you will need to sand the both the sides and the surface to get rid of any loose chips and splinters.
Sign Creation and Design
Before putting your design on the wood, you should first draw it out on a sheet of paper to give an idea of what it will look like. Although a custom wood sign can be painted any color, many people prefer to leave them unpainted to display the wooden texture. After you are sure about your design, you can transfer it to the wood itself.
Carved wood signs are very popular, but they require expertise in woodcarving in order for them to come out properly. If you have done woodcarving before, you can carve your sign using a basic set of caving tools. However, carving is not convenient for large signs unless you want to work on the project all day.
When painting wood surfaces, make sure the wood is in a horizontal position. Never paint your custom wood sign once it is on its post or the paint may drip down leaving marks. Some woods tend to soak in paint so they may need multiple coats.
Building a Post
The post is an important part of building a sign because it will be holding it up all the time. A post should be planted deep inside the ground to ensure that it will not tip over in heavy winds. The ground should also not be muddy or it may fall out of its foundation. One tip is to create an additional foundation using cement or gravel to provide extra support. Once the cement has hardened, the pole will be unmovable so make sure it is at a straight angle.
Add a Protective Coating
Even if your wood is resistant to water, you should still add a protective layer to help it last longer. Varnish is often used to coat wood and can be purchased at most hardware stores. To add varnish, sand down the entire sheet of wood first and wipe of any sawdust and dirt. Usually the varnish container will have a list of instructions you can follow while applying it. Using a paintbrush, lightly brush the wood with the varnish until the entire area is coated. Leave for about 6 hours to dry, then lightly sand it again and apply another coat. Repeat this process a few more times as specified by the manufacturer.