Custom Wood Signage
What Type of Wooden Signage is Best for Indoor and Outdoor
Wood signs can be built using all types of wood. But there are various factors to consider for a Long lasting sign, especially location, weather conditions and direct sunlight exposure. Keep in mind that any type of wood directly exposed to the elements will deteriorate at a much faster rate than one that is not.
The most common wood types for wood sign fabrication are: Pine, Cedar and Red wood. Each wood type contains unique properties to create a beautiful looking wood sign. But as a sign maker we need to know where the sign will be posted prior to fabrication, to give you the best solution for the final product.
Below is a guide for each type of wood sign and how to use them properly depending on location.
Pine Wood Signs
Pine wood is a soft wood and great for routing and painting on it. But pine wood does not like the outdoors! When exposed to humidity and sunlight, it will warp and split in ways you won’t believe. Pine based signs are best when used in an indoor setting versus outside or under a protected less humid environment. Pine wood signs are great for interior directional signage, lobby signs, decorative signs for retail spaces and similar setting.
Cedar Wood Signs
Cedar wood is a beautiful, lightweight, exterior sign grade material that we like to work with when building wooden signage for the outside. It has unique wood grains and usually comes in 1″ thickness. It functions great outside and has great color when unfinished. But cedar is softer than pine and will sometimes chip while routing, if text is too small. We like to clear coat our cedar made wood signs for extra protection outside.
Cedar wood makes great exterior directional signage, it can be sand blasted, routed and painted. When clear coated cedar signs can last for years with no major issues in the rain, snow or extreme weather conditions.
Red Wood Signs
Redwood is another exterior grade material for signs that require to be exposed to the elements. Red wood signs can last a very long time outside and can usually withstand most extreme weather conditions, even untreated. But as usual, a clear coat will add extra protection to the wood and paints, so it’s highly recommended to seal the wood all around with an exterior clear top coat. Red wood usually comes in 3/4″ to 1.5″ thickness. Red wood is a perfect material for sandblasting, painting and routing.
Redwood signs are used for unique custom property monument signage, directional signage, forest signs, cabin signs, and for all exterior type signs that must withstand extreme weather conditions.
