Q: Which wood is best for outdoor business signs?

Western Red Cedar tops redwood as the best wood for businesses to use for exterior signs. The custom-carved appearance of sandblasted redwood often produces unexpected and undesirable results. The hardness of the Western Red Cedar wood, especially when sand-carved by sandblasting, results in a far more predictable and desirable outcome. Sustainability is another overriding benefit of cedar over redwood. The vertical grain, clear heart redwood that has been sought after for decades, is now in extremely short supply. The giant redwood trees take hundreds of years to grow to maturity. Western Red Cedar is a far more sustainable wood product, long term. Cedar bolsters the American economy, its good for the planet and it is an ideal choice for customized wooden business signs intended for the great outdoors!

Question 1

What materials are best for outdoor signs?

Accepted Answer

Dibond Signs Sign panels continue to be a leading choice for weatherproof outdoor signage. For small signs, the 1/8” thick material is most commonly used. For larger business signs, the ¼" thickness provides far greater rigidity and material strength.

Alumalite & AlumaCorr™ Sign materials in the 3/8” thickness, provide even greater panel strength. The structured, engineered core provides similar rigidity to ½” thick MDO wooden signs.

Aluminum Signs remain a top choice amongst buyers and sign manufacturer’s alike. From thin, lightweight custom signs to thick-cut metal letters and logos, aluminum is one of the most versatile materials in the sign industry.

ARMOUR-Wood Signs are made of a high-strength, wind resistant sign material. To produce this unique. ½” thick sign material, aluminum is permanently bonded to both sides of the solid wood core.

Dura-Wood Signs are just like ARMOUR-Wood, but without the aluminum armor plating. The 2 most common thicknesses are ½” and ¾”. This marine grade plywood - also known as MDO – has been a staple in the sign industry for over 50 years!

Western Red Cedar is today’s most popular material for carved, wooden signs. Cedar has the same characteristics and longevity outdoors, as redwood, at a lower price point. Cedar wood is naturally resistant to rot and insects. When cedar is sand-carved or sandblasted, the grain of the wood produces a beautiful, authentic carved appearance.

Sandblasted Redwood used to be the most popular product for sandblasted signs. Authentic, top-grade, vertical grain redwood is now in short supply. Fortunately, Western Red Cedar produces comparable results, and is actually preferred since it is a harder wood.

HDU is an acronym for High Density Urethane. The most notable characteristic of this dense,synthetic sign material is its workability. HDU can be cut, carved and worked like wood, but with the indestructible characteristics of a dense, solid plastic. High dimensional, outdoor signs and 3-D letters are often produced using popular product.

Question 2

How much do outdoor business signs cost?

Accepted Answer

The price for business signage is directly related to the size and material selected. Most outdoor sign materials are purchased in standard 4’ x 8’ sheets. Since there’s zero waste, a 4’ x 8’ size is a good place to start. Our Online Pricing Calculator will show you real prices on numerous types of business and commercial signs.

Question 3

Which wood is best for outdoor business signs?

Accepted Answer

Western Red Cedar tops redwood as the best wood for businesses to use for exterior signs. The custom-carved appearance of sandblasted redwood often produces unexpected and undesirable results.

The hardness of the Western Red Cedar wood, especially when sand-carved by sandblasting, results in a far more predictable and desirable outcome.

Sustainability is another overriding benefit of cedar over redwood. The vertical grain, clear heart redwood that has been sought after for decades, is now in extremely short supply. The giant redwood trees take hundreds of years to grow to maturity.

Western Red Cedar is a far more sustainable wood product, long term. Cedar bolsters the American economy, its good for the planet and it is an ideal choice for customized wooden business signs intended for the great outdoors!

Question 4

Are sign permits required for outdoor signs?

Accepted Answer

Most outdoor signs are legally required to have sign permits, prior to installation. Code enforcement officials have far reaching authority to impose fines of up to $500 per day for violations.

Storefront window signs can also fall under the laws governing outdoor signs because they can be seen by the public.

Obtaining a copy of the local sign ordinances is highly recommended. Officials in the permitting department can also provide assistance to make sure your new business signs meet all of the legal requirements.

Question 5

Is shipping free for an outdoor sign?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

Any outdoor sign order over $125 includes free shipping. For details on rush shipping, please call Customer Service at 800.899.6272.

Question 6

Is an outdoor sign reflective?

Accepted Answer

Not by default, but a reflective coating can easily be applied to most outdoor signs for an additional cost.

Question 7

Can you drill holes into my outdoor sign at custom locations?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

If you need additional holes or custom locations, you can note that request in your outdoor sign order. Special requests are subject to an additional cost.

Question 8

Can I drill holes into my outdoor sign myself?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

You are welcome to drill your own holes. If you cause damage, we will not repair or replace your outdoor sign under warranty.

Question 9

What is the expected lifespan of an outdoor sign?

Accepted Answer

With proper care and installation, an outdoor sign should last at least two years. We offer four grades of protective coating for our metal outdoor signs that can extend the life of your sign up to 10 years.

Question 10

Can I design my outdoor sign online using any layout I want?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

You can choose almost any layout or color combination you want for your outdoor sign. Design options may vary based on sign material.

Question 11

Can I order a double-sided outdoor sign?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

We can print a double-sided outdoor sign. Please note that request in your outdoor sign order.

Question 12

What is the minimum order quantity for an outdoor sign?

Accepted Answer

The minimum order quantity for an outdoor sign is one. We do offer quantity discounts for two or more outdoor signs. The more outdoor signs you purchase in one order, the greater your savings.

Question 13

What if my outdoor sign arrives with a defect?

Accepted Answer

If your outdoor sign arrives broken or with production defects, please contact Customer Service at 800.899.6272 or email service@thesignchef.com immediately.

Manufacturing defects fall within our Workmanship Guarantee, so we will replace your outdoor sign free of charge.

Question 14

How do I know I'm choosing the right type of outdoor sign for my particular needs?

Accepted Answer

There are a lot of options when it comes to outdoor signs and this can feel overwhelming. But more choices simply means you will find exactly the right sign for your needs. We have 25 years of experience helping people make this decision.

The best way to get started is to use our Product Selection Wizard — an easy online tool that will ask you a few simple questions and then point you directly to the right type of outdoor sign material for you.

Question 15

Which outdoor signs are the most durable and weather resistant?

Accepted Answer

You can choose a custom finish that will protect your outdoor sign and make it last longer. This extra finishing helps protect all types of signs from even the harshest weather conditions. Our premium grade finish is rated to last 6-8 years outside and includes a UV protective laminate to help protect the color of your outdoor sign.

You can learn about each kind of sign finishing under the "Durability" category in our Pricing Calculator. Or, simply ask one of our sign specialists, and they'll help you select the best finishing for your particular needs.

Question 16

Which outdoor signs look the most professional?

Accepted Answer

All of our sign materials are professional quality. Ultimately, it's the design on the sign that gives it that professional look.

You can use LiveDesign to create your perfect design with the help of our in-house graphic designers for free. Their know-how and your vision will combine to create the high-end, professional look you're craving.

Question 17

What is the average turnaround time for outdoor signs?

Accepted Answer

We make custom outdoor signs fast! As soon as you approve the final design online, your custom outdoor signs will ship within just 24-48 hours!

Large orders and special sign requests usually ship within 3-7 business days. If your order is time sensitive, please confirm the exact turnaround time with Customer Service at 1-800-899-6272.

Question 18

How do I know that my custom outdoor sign will turn out the way I want?

Accepted Answer

Are you concerned that your custom outdoor sign may not turn out the way you want?

After all, we are probably hundreds of miles away from you so how can you be certain your order will turn out right? Fortunately, it only takes seconds to transmit full-color custom outdoor sign designs from our computer to yours because e-mails travel so fast these days. Upon order approval, here’s how the process works:

First, your order goes straight to the Art Department Our Graphic Designer will then e-mail you a proof (a “proof” is a picture of what your sign will look like).

Second, once you review the layout, let us know if you would like to see any changes, and … If you have any changes, we will e-mail you proofs as needed until you’re completely happy with your design.

Question 19

How quickly can you produce an aluminum sign?

Accepted Answer

Once you approve your proof, we usually have your aluminum sign produced and ready to ship within two business days.

Large orders and special requests normally ship within 3-7 business days. If your order is time sensitive, please share your deadline with Customer Service at 800.899.6272.

Question 20

How quickly can you produce an outdoor sign?

Accepted Answer

Once you approve your proof, we usually have your aluminum sign produced and ready to ship within two business days. Some outdoor sign materials, such as Sandblasted Cedar and HDU, take approximately four weeks to produce.

Large orders and special requests, with the exception of Sandblasted Cedar and HDU, normally ship in 3-7 business days. If your order is time sensitive, please share your deadline with Customer Service at 800.899.6272.

Question 21

Can I place a rush order, even for an outdoor sign?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We would be happy to rush the processing of your outdoor sign. The fastest way for us to help you with a rush order is for you to call Customer Service at 800.899.6272.

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