It’s a fact of life that businesses and buildings need signage. You may have an idea in your head of the type of sign you need, but maybe you don’t know how to name it. Here’s a quick guide to some of the most popular sign types from the experts at KC Sign & Awnings.
Channel letter signs: Channel letters are individual light-up letters that can be mounted to a storefront, wall, or freestanding sign. Though these illuminated letters were traditionally lit by neon, modern channel letters use brighter, more energy-efficient LED. Channel letters make a bold impression and are seen at all types of businesses. While they are usually exterior signs for storefronts, they are sometimes seen on eye-catching indoor displays.
Dimensional letter signs: Dimensional letters are individual letters that don’t light up like channel letters, but they do bring visual interest to your building. They are seen on the exterior of many storefronts, offices, and other buildings, especially where illuminated signs are prohibited (such as historical areas), but they are also very popular indoors, often mounted to walls.
Sign cabinets: Sign cabinets are also called cabinet signs or box signs. In these uniform aluminum and plexiglass boxes, the full case is illuminated, creating a large area to display messages and graphics.
Monument signs: Monument signs are freestanding signs that incorporate masonry with bases of stone, brick, split face block. A variety of sign types can be mounted to the base, including sign cabinets, carved signs, and LED message boards.
Pylon signs: Pylon signs, also known as pole signs, are tall signs that are typically illuminated. They may include directories of stores in a plaza. Pylons are often seen at shopping centers, outlet malls, and locations stationed on busy highways.
Carved signs: Carved signs are classic-looking signs traditionally made from wood, but they can be created with more durable high density urethane (HDU). They can also be sandblasted to look more rustic.
Post and panel signs: Post and panel sights consist of two posts and an adjoining panel. They are inexpensive and therefore very economical but can be durable when made with high density urethane (HDU) rather than plywood.
LED message boards: LED message boards are digital LED displays made for outdoors (that can also be used indoors). They can feature whatever text or graphics you want them to and can be updated at any time, making them the most versatile sign type.
Awnings: Awnings may not be the first thing that come to mind when you think about signs, but they can both display messages and be an iconic feature on your building. Many restaurants, offices, cafes, and hotels use awnings to welcome visitors and create a memorable brand experience.
Wayfinding signs: Wayfinding signs, also called directional signs, help your visitors navigate your location, whether it’s your building, campus, or parking lot.
Acrylic signs: Acrylic signs are common inside office buildings and other businesses, usually mounted to the wall. They’re available in any color, including clear and frosted.
These aren’t the only signage types businesses can install, but it’s a starting point. To see examples that were created by our design, manufacturing, and installation teams at KC Sign & Awnings, check out our gallery or click around our interactive signage infographic.
