Designs & Signs manufactures custom cedar signs sandblasted by hand. We pay careful attention to the details to make our signs exceptional. Here, we’ve featured a carved cedar sign for Evergreen Square HOA, one of our clients in Oakton, Virginia, near the District of Columbia. Every sign is made by hand at our shop in Edgewater, Maryland.
Creating custom cedar signs
Choosing a suitable material is essential to create a sign like the one we have exhibited below. We use clear heart cedar for our signs, and we sandblast each one by hand. The sandblasting process exposes the grain of the wood and leaves behind the copy and graphics. In addition, premium exterior Sherwin-Williams paint protects cedar and HDU from harsh elements.
The letters, logo, and border are brilliant. In addition, 23 karat gold leaf enhances the appearance of the logo, and we apply it carefully by hand using traditional methods. The gilding process is delicate and takes a lot of time to do perfectly. In the photo below, Kevin Nick puts finishing touches on the sign after installation. The results speak for themselves.
The frame for this sign
The frame is also custom designed and made by hand. It uses welded metal with a black powder coat, and it holds up well to extreme outdoor exposure. The beautiful frame also prevents the cedar from warping. Decorative scrolls add extra support, and a secure base keeps the sign firmly in place.
Our weather resistant signs
We make high-quality custom cedar signs to last a lifetime. We build our signs to withstand all types of weather, including rain, wind, snow, and ice, as well as extreme temperatures. Our customers also request routed HDU (high-density urethane), which serves well for an outdoor sign. Between these two materials, there is no difference in outdoor life expectancy. We have installed cedar and HDU signs that are now twenty years old or more, and they still look good with regular maintenance. Usually, we refurbish the paint and gold leaf about every ten years.
Contact Designs & Signs
The quickest way to get started on your project is to send us an email.
We can also be reached by phone at (410) 798-5115.


