Today we're going to answer the question "Is a wood sign right for my business?"
We've been in the custom sign industry for over 10 years and we'd love to share our expertise with you.
In this post we'll let you know the advantages and disadvantages of having a wood sign, plus we'll outline when they are and when they aren't a good choice for your business. Let's get going!
Find out if a wood sign is right for your business
Is a wood sign right for my business?
It depends on your particular needs. Read through the advantages of a wood sign and the advantages of other signage choices to help you make your decision.
Advantages of a Wood Sign for Your Business
Can Show that Your Business Is Well-Established
Wood gives the impression of sturdiness and timelessness. There's just something about a wood sign that suggests a company that is well-established and dependable.
For this reason, something like posting how long you have been in business on a wooden plaque gives the visual impression that your company is solid, has been around for a while, and plans to be around for a long time - even if the time has been relatively short!
Can Give Your Business a Personal Feel
A hand-carved wood sign does feel very personal. Someone has taken the time to hand-craft that sign. If you want your business to have a homespun appeal, then a wood sign can do that for you.
Watch how raised letters are carved on a wood sign
Are Great in Non-Business Settings
Wood signs work especially well in non-commercial settings like decorating your home, directing guests at your wedding, or guiding walkers on a garden path.
Plastic signs are a better choice if you are looking for a bigger and more cost-effective sign to get your business noticed.
Work Well Indoors
Wooden signs work better and will last longer indoors rather than outdoors. They are a good choice for places such as quaint restaurants or cafes that want a smaller sign that will give a rustic, homey feeling. They are also great for home decor, especially in recreational spaces!
Plastic signs on the other hand are a good choice for both indoors and outdoors because they stand up better to the elements and insects than wooden signs.
Image source: Etsy
A wood sign is a great addition for your man-cave
Advantages of Other Types of Signs Over a Wood Sign
Some Plastics Are More Environmentally Friendly than Wood:
Some plastics such as high-density urethane (HDU) and expanded polystyrene (EPS) can actually be greener than wood. HDU and EPS manufacturers understand that having a smaller environmental impact is crucial in today's market.
As a result, many are designing their manufacturing processes to reduce waste and to use a high percentage of post-consumer recycled materials.
Most Plastic Signs Weigh Less than a Wood Sign
Signs made from HDU and EPS plastics weigh much less than a wood sign. In fact, EPS is actually 98% air, making it extremely lightweight. This is a great advantage for installation purposes as well as safety.
A lighter weight plastic sign is a much better choice for an overhead hanging sign than a heavier wood sign.
If an incredibly large sign comes down in a disaster or comes down in a storm, for example, a lightweight plastic one is going to do far less damage than an extremely heavy wooden one. A plastic sign will also be cheaper to replace than a wooden one if you need to.
A large plastic sign will weigh much less than a wooden one
A Plastic Sign is Less Susceptible to the Elements
If your sign is going to be hung outside, such as a storefront sign, then a plastic sign is probably your better choice. Plastic is impervious to water, unlike wood where any moisture or water could damage it. Extended exposure to rain and moisture can cause wood to rot.
Also, when water seeps into wood and then freezes and thaws repeatedly, it will cause your wood to expand and contract, and eventually cause it to crack.
Even humidity levels can affect your wood sign. Wood will absorb and lose moisture until it reaches the same level as the surrounding environment. This can cause your wood to shrink and swell unevenly and damage it during this process.
A wood sign will be more susceptible to damage from the elements
A Plastic Sign Requires Less Maintenance than a Wood Sign
Plastic signs require much less maintenance than wooden signs. You basically just need to clean them from time to time.
However, you will need to do extra maintenance to ensure that your wood sign lasts. If your sign is outside it will need to be properly sealed and treated on a regular basis to protect it from the elements. After that, it will probably need the paint touched up every couple of years.
This type of maintenance should be taken into consideration before you decide on what type of sign to buy. Do you want to be taking down a large, heavy outdoor sign on a regular basis to properly maintain it?
Learn what is involved in sealing your outdoor wood sign
A Plastic or Metal Sign Isn't Susceptible to Insect Infestation
Unlike a wood sign, you don't have to worry about your plastic or metal sign getting infested by insects. Wooden signs, on the other hand, need to be treated to prevent damage from insects such as termites and carpenter ants.
A Plastic or Metal Sign Will Cost Less Than a Wood Sign
Generally speaking, a plastic or metal sign will cost you much less to purchase than a wood sign. In addition to the initial purchase cost, your wood sign will probably not last as long, especially if you don't maintain it properly, and will have to be replaced sooner than a plastic or metal one.
An Illuminated Plastic or Metal Sign Can Be Seen Better
Backlit signs can be seen from much greater distances at night
Wood signs work better if they are viewed at a close distance. You can appreciate the beauty of the wood when you see it up close. If, however, you want your sign to be noticed from large distances away or at night, an illuminated plastic or metal sign is a better choice.
Even though you can shine a light on your wood sign, backlit signs or channel letters that are illuminated from within are much easier to see at greater distances.
Not Sure What Type of Sign is Right for Your Business? Let AGC Help!
If you are still not sure what type of signage is right for your business, contact AGC Signs. We can sit down with you and discuss your particular needs and help you decide on the perfect choice for your business. We will be with you throughout the whole process.
We can help you design the perfect sign and then we will manufacture and install it for you. We are even familiar with the local signage by-laws so you don’t have to worry about the paperwork involved. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote.
Types of Signage AGC Signs Does
If you are looking for custom commercial signage, contact AGC Signs. AGC designs, manufactures, and installs a wide variety of high quality custom signs including:
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