On average, sign design and installation cost about $438 for the US in 2023, sign installation costs can range from $165 to $710 according to HomeAdvisor.com.
- National Average: $424
- Typical Range: $165-$710
- Low End – High End: $100-$1,000
You need to take into account the number of letters that will be used on your sign and the type of materials that will be used to make it. Traditional steel signs usually cost between $25 to $35 per sq. ft. while aluminum or plastic signs costs around $15 to $25 per sq. ft. The less costly signs will be manufactured out of urethane and costs between $5 to $15 per sq. ft. Lighted signs can cost more than $35 per sq. ft. while a neon sign can cost from $250 to $1,250 per sq. ft.
The biggest cost of making and installing signs depends on a couple of components. Indoor signs commonly cost less than an outdoor sign, because the weather may damage them. Lighted signs often cost more than signs that don’t use power. Furthermore, temporary signs for sales or promotional events cost less than a longer-lasting design like signs for business names or signs that target driving traffic.
Business signs provide a great first impression of the business and will ensure that people see the business during the day and at night. There are a lot of choices when it comes to the design, materials used, and the size of the sign.
This post explains to you how to choose a business sign that will give a big impression on possible customers. It covers how to decide on a sign that fits your budget. A big part of your sign will be your logo, so bear in mind a bad looking logo can spoil the impact of your sign.
*The type of sign, its design, the materials used in manufacturing, cost of labor, and installation will all influence the total cost. *
Your business sign is one of the first things that possible customers see when they visit your store, so it’s important to choose a sign that reflects your brand, and the types of services you provide. Business signs can be made from a variety of materials like glass, wood, metal, and fabric.
Fabric Signs Cost
Fabric LINK storefront signs can be colorful, but they do require maintenance and replacement in comparison to other longer-lasting materials. Although they are a budget choice, they can cost you more over time. Plastic, nylon, or vinyl banners can cost anywhere from $3 to $9 per sq. ft according to FitsSmallBusiness. Installation costs average around $180. You may have to pay for fade-resistant, heavy-duty fabrics in addition to the hardware.
Fabric signs are very favorable because of their flexibility, so any type of business can utilize one. They may be simple like a banner for a mall kiosk or more complex and built into a lightbox for a large retail store.
Plywood Signs Cost
Plywood signs are affordable and simple, but elegant. 4-ft by 4-ft plywood signs start at $50 but that is without installation. Installation can reach costs of $192. The size of the type of paint and font or finish that you decide on as well as how big the sign influences the cost. These signs are subject to weather damage and might need to be replaced frequently.
Painted plywood signs are perfect for restaurants that are looking to give their establishment an old-timey look. They can even work for high-end retailers who are looking to provide a rustic theme or customized type of look. Read more about plywood signs.
Punched Metal Signboards/ Laser Cut Signs Cost
These signs are strong and resistant to weather and provide you with a modern and clean feel or even a historic flavor. A two-sided sign that is 18 in. by 24 in. starts at $80 without installation. Large signs or adding texture and/or color adds to the cost, but you will typically see costs from $250 to $2,000. Based on the design, a punched metal sign can be utilized by any business that’s looking for a sleek, modern look or more of a retro display.
Glass Tube Light/ Neon Signs Cost
These are also known as LED or neon signs and the visual enticement for these signs is unlike any other. According to ArizonaCommercialSigns, a customized neon sign can start at around $200 and can increase up to $1,000 based on the complexity of the design and its size, they can end up in the $11,000 area. Smaller “off the shelf” types of neon lights are readily available.
Their overall maintenance can be costly, so take this into account before you purchase one. These lights are manufactured from glass and can easily be damaged by bad weather and it may cost a lot to get them repaired. Businesses that operate at night, such as bars or clubs will unquestionably benefit from having a neon sign.
Metal Sign Boards Cost
These signs are professional, eye-catching and work well in a lot of locations, but they are more costly. According to WesternSignsAz, the average 4-ft by 8-ft metal sign can cost around $350 or more without installation. Installation can cost up to $450, depending on the size of the sign. Take into account, that for any material, the design will influence the signs price and a more complex sign design cost more. For example, if you use a metal signboard, with individually cut lettering, you’re going to pay a lot more than if the lettering was simply painted on the metal since there is more labor involved. These signs weather fairly well, but it is a good idea to budget for a little touch-up work every couple of years.
Metal Lettering and Logo Signs Cost
These signs are 3-dimensional, and the shadows they produce will add interest and texture. Based on the size of the lettering and the metal that it’s made of these signs start at around $250, without any custom design fees or installation. It is suggested that you have them lighted to get more attention to your business, particularly if you operate at night. You might pay between $350 to $550 or more, but your customer visibility will grow. Learn more about metal lettering and logo design costs.
Awning Signs Cost
These types of signs let you provide shade for your business, protection for your customers during bad weather, and charming looks. The cost for an awning storefront sign is based on the fabric and size of the awning and the hardware that is used to hang it. Nevertheless, these signs usually start at around $550 and increase in price.
It’s been reported that businesses that have awnings can see up to 30% in energy savings. They’re built to endure bad weather, which makes them a perfect selection. Due to their design, you can have your business name or logo placed on the front and sides of the awning that will increase the visibility for your customers.
The main thing to remember is that the sign cost will be included in the installation charge, and can vary, but it can range from $4,000 to $10,000 according to AGCSigns. Depending on the design and size of your sign, an awning sign can be used for restaurants and cafes to make the business feel nostalgic or for those who want to have an unusual storefront.
Monument Signs Cost
Installing a monument sign will depend on its size, the average cost for installing one is around $2,300 to $8,000. This cost depends on whether you choose to go with customized features like brick or faux stone facing, columns, arches, etc. Read more information about monument signs cost.
Exterior Building Signs Cost
Exterior business signs come in a lot of different colors and styles and may be custom designed to your specifications. According to HomeAdvisor, exterior sign costs can vary from $165 to $710 depending on the design, fabrication, and location it will be installed at. All these components will influence the price of the sign installation. More information about exterior signs.
Pylon Signs Cost
The cost to install large pylon signs according to ArizonaCommercialSigns starts at around $8,000 but may increase all the way up to $200,000 depending on its height and whether you decide to go with an LED pylon sign. More information about pylon signs.
Channel Letter Signs Cost
According to ArizonaCommercialSigns, channel letter signs may cost you anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000, depending on how many letters you require how complex the fabrication is and the difficulty of where it is going to be installed at. All these components influence the pricing of its installation. More information about channel letter signs.
Pole Signs Cost
Pole signs cost start around $8,000 but may cost as much as $200,000 depending on how tall it is and whether you choose to use LED lighting or not. More information about pole signs.
What Needs to Be Included?
Professional sign companies provide a lot of services to their clients from designing the sign to manufacturing the sign, delivering it and then installing it. A lot of sign companies will offer to come to the business location and go over the needs of the client directly. Sign companies are also responsible for making sure that the sign meets zoning codes, local ordinances, and regulations. For example, a couple of cities have prohibited billboards, and the ADA has very harsh rules about signs that are required to be followed. Sometimes, the sign company will oversee the sign installation. The sign company is also responsible for the design process. This may be very useful if the sign needs to be installed in different locations throughout an area or if the sign is larger or if it needs to be installed in hard to reach area.
Factors That Could Influence Sign Cost
A lot of factors that influence the costs for a sign, like the number of colors in the design. Usually, a black and white sign costs a lot less than one with colors. In addition, if the sign design is complex, it costs more than a sign that only has a couple of words on it. Other factors that need to be considered is the material that the sign is made out and what the use of the sign will be. If a customer is holding a promotion, a less costly plastic sign is usually a better solution. Nevertheless, the business design needs to be made from a durable material that will lower costs in the long run.
It’s also important that the size of the sign be taken into account. Larger signs cost a lot more than a smaller sign. The installation will influence the total cost of the sign. Installing a billboard or neon sign will be more costly than installing a smaller non-lighted sign. Taking these factors into account can keep sign costs down.
Deciding On The Right Sign Company
Choosing a sign company that is right for your business will be selected based on their services, sign type that their client wants, and their cost. For longer-lasting signs, it’s important that you pick a sign company that will have the materials for your sign that you want to purchase. It is also essential to consider the design options that the company provides. There are a lot of factors that will include whether the company that is chosen can produce the sign with the needed size, if they can install the sign, and if they offer illumination if that’s what their client wants. Signs are a great way to market your business and are read fairly quickly, so it’s vital that the sign company has good design options and can produce the perfect sign that is used to grab the attention of potential customers.
Ways You Could Save Money On Your Sign
You can save money on a sign by choosing a stock design rather than a custom design. While a lot of signs are custom made, the pre-made signs are a perfect way to save a little money. Stock signs are also available. As you buy more signs of the same kind the price will go down. In addition, those who think the signs could change over time need to consider getting a design that can be easily updated and may be done by the staff or business rather than the sign designer at a sign company to keep costs down.
A great tip is actually to place an order for your designs during the off-season as sign companies are usually busiest throughout the warmer seasons. If you place your order during winter, it may result in discounts or promos for your purchase as well as a shorter wait time.
Business Signs Cost
Over the years, we have spoken with thousands of business owners who ask, “How much do business signs cost“. The truth is the cost of signs can vary greatly depending on the type and size, however, in our experience, most companies are interested in a lighted sign that attracts the attention of customers better.
Here are a few examples that you can use as a guide for what the business signs should cost.
A sign made of industrial aluminum with acrylic panels or a combination of vinyl inscriptions and digital printing usually runs about $5,000. This sign will provide many years of service before any maintenance is required. It is two-sided, so it can be seen on cars traveling in both directions. The business signs cost is reduced by using indirect lighting on the ground.
The sign of the main monument can be customized by adding additional colors, interior lighting, decorative effects or a foundation in the style of brickwork.
A 6 × 8 ‘dihedral sign is bigger and higher, so larger supports and support columns are required to handle the additional wind load and can cost upwards of $10,000. It has an extruded aluminum structure and swivel frames for easy maintenance. In cold weather, this sign will be internally illuminated by T12 fluorescent lights, fluorescent lamps operating on energy-efficient electronic ballasts. Persons are digitally printed in full color on vinyl with a 3/16 inch thick Lexan substrate. They can easily be replaced if the company name changes or the building gets a new tenant. The lower half of the sign has 3 tracks for 6 “replaceable copies of letters.
A 10 × 7 ‘tall double-sided, internally lit sign is also made of aluminum but has many user-defined functions. These signs can run anywhere from $15,00 – $30,000. It includes a Lexan face with an embossed copy, giving it a three-dimensional appearance. It uses internal LED lighting and real bowling balls as decorative ornaments. The stone base is a value, designed from aluminum, covered with digitally printed vinyl, to get a high-quality look at a lower cost than real masonry.
What makes this sign special is the addition of 3 x 7-inch full-color electronic message centers (EMC) on both sides of the sign. Enabled wireless software to change the text, the built-in graphic package, and training on the spot and on the Internet.
This sign can be updated to EMC with high resolution, which will be displayed even more in detail. When adding EMC, the business signs cost depends on the resolution. The resolution (clarity) is measured by the pixel pitch, the distance between the points of light measured in millimeters. The 20 mm pixel pitch will be more “grainy” than the 12 mm EMC for business signs. Small EMC with pixel pitch can display video clips with a frequency of 60 frames per second. An additional upgrade can be remote access off-site so that one operator can change the text or video on the signs in several places in the store.
For a more specific breakdown of our business signs cost, contact Davis Signs & Graphics today at (480) 945-0916.
“A tagline needs to say a lot with a little. For example, at Astonish, our tagline is “The Best Friend of the Local Agent.” It speaks to our audience and says a ton. It says we care, we are here, we will support you in your time of need, we will celebrate with you in your time of success, a friend of yours is a friend of ours, and an enemy of yours is our enemy, too. That’s a powerful tagline!” —
Make sure your tagline provides a picture of what you do. Branding is all about clarity. Most people try to be too cute. For example, Lexus’s old tagline, “Pursuit of Perfection,” connects with their audience of high achievers who are literally pursuing perfection. What Lexus is signaling is that their car provides the visual evidence that you as the driver are pursuing perfection.” —
“What’s your story? What gets you emotional when you think about what you do? Whatever it is, that’s your positioning. Your logo and tagline should communicate precisely that feeling. Also, get a great firm working at your side. Our investors, Breakaway Innovation Group, helped us tremendously with our new branding.” —
