Top 8 Places for Custom Exterior Signs: Materials & Costs

Top 8 Places for Custom Exterior Signs: Materials & Costs

Top 8 Places for Custom Exterior Signs: Materials & Costs

Choosing custom exterior signs shouldn’t feel like guessing between materials you’ve never handled and prices that swing wildly. You need something that survives sun, rain, wind, and winter; looks on-brand; meets local codes; and fits your timeline and budget. Between aluminum, ACM, PVC, HDU, vinyl, mesh, and reflective options—plus talk of UV inks, warranties, mounting hardware, and permits—it’s tough to know who to trust and what you’ll actually pay.

This guide narrows the field to eight reliable places to order custom exterior signs and explains when each one is the best fit. You’ll see who excels at safety and reflective compliance, who can handle local permitting and installation, who is strongest for storefront packages, fast online ordering, budget-friendly bundles, dimensional letters, and personalized plaques. For every provider, we outline what they offer, outdoor-ready materials and durability, ordering and installation support, and a pricing snapshot so you can benchmark costs. Ready to compare on substance instead of slogans? Let’s start with a provider built for compliant, reflective signage and then work through the rest to help you choose with confidence.

1. Safety Decals - best for compliant safety and reflective exterior signs

What they offer

Safety Decals (a division of Tye’s Incorporated) specializes in high‑quality, customizable safety decals and labels with a strong focus on compliance. They offer pre‑designed OSHA/ANSI safety labels, fully custom layouts, and a sticker builder tool to streamline ordering. If you need compliant graphics or reflective exterior signs that meet regulations and boost visibility, they’re a strong choice for custom exterior signs and outdoor safety signage.

Outdoor materials and durability

Built for outdoor use, Safety Decals emphasizes premium materials from ORAFOL, including ORALITE conspicuity sheeting for high‑intensity reflectivity. These materials are engineered for weather resistance and readability in low light, helping your exterior signage remain visible through seasons of sun, rain, and road grime.

Ordering and installation

You can start with pre‑designed safety labels or configure your own size, colors, and materials via their custom tools and consultative support. They also offer risk assessment and regulatory guidance, helping you choose correct signal words, symbols, and formatting. Most decals and reflective sheeting install with standard surface prep and application techniques; larger placements can be coordinated by your facilities team or a local installer.

Pricing snapshot

Pricing is quote‑based and depends on specification and volume. Key cost drivers include:

  • Material grade: Standard vs. prismatic ORALITE reflective.
  • Size and shape: Larger formats or custom die‑cuts cost more.
  • Quantity: Volume discounts for multi‑location rollouts.
  • Compliance details: OSHA/ANSI formatting, colors, and symbols can influence setup.

2. FASTSIGNS - best for local consultation, permitting, and installation

If you want an in‑person partner to plan, design, and deliver custom exterior signs, FASTSIGNS is built for local, hands‑on support. Their exterior signage is customized to your brand—colors, fonts, graphics, and logos—and local centers can often coordinate site surveys, permitting, and installation so your project moves from idea to installed with fewer surprises.

What they offer

FASTSIGNS provides tailored exterior signage solutions that align with your visual identity, including your brand colors, font, and any graphics or logos you already use. Expect a consultative process that helps translate business goals into signage that’s visible, compliant with local rules, and ready for your specific environment.

  • Brand consistency: Signs matched to your existing standards.
  • Project guidance: Concepting through proofing and production.
  • Local know‑how: Many centers assist with permits and installation (confirm availability).

Outdoor materials and durability

Exterior signage recommendations are selected for weather exposure, sun load, and mounting conditions at your site. Your local team can suggest outdoor‑rated substrates, UV‑resistant prints, protective finishes, and durable mounting hardware to help your signs withstand heat, rain, snow, and daily wear.

Ordering and installation

Start with a consultation to discuss placement, size, and brand requirements. From there, you’ll review proofs, confirm specs, and approve production. Many locations offer site surveys, handle permit coordination where required, and schedule professional installation; timelines vary by scope and local approval processes.

Pricing snapshot

Pricing is quote‑based and varies by center. Typical cost drivers include:

  • Size and quantity: Larger footprints and multi‑location rollouts increase cost.
  • Design complexity: Custom shapes, multi‑layer builds, or detailed graphics.
  • Materials and finishes: Outdoor‑rated substrates and protective coatings.
  • Mounting method: Wall, post, facade, or specialty hardware.
  • Permit and install: Local permitting fees, equipment, and labor for installation.
  • Timeline: Rush production or constrained install windows may add cost.

3. Signarama - best for full-service storefront and building signage

When you want your storefront and building signage to work as a cohesive, brand-forward system, Signarama is a strong contender for custom exterior signs. Their focus on outdoor signs for business centers on visibility, foot traffic, and conveying essential information—ideal for entrances, façades, and wayfinding where first impressions and clarity matter.

What they offer

Signarama highlights custom outdoor signs for business, geared to enhance visibility and drive foot traffic while communicating key details. It’s a fit when you need consistent storefront and building identifiers across one or multiple locations and want guidance turning brand elements into durable exterior signage.

  • Branded storefront presence: Logos, hours, and messaging presented clearly.
  • Building identification: Exterior sign panels and naming elements.
  • Informational signage: Parking, directional, and policy displays.
  • Customization: Sizes, layouts, and graphics tailored to your brand standards.

Outdoor materials and durability

For exterior use, confirm outdoor-rated construction during quoting, including UV-stable inks, weatherable films or finishes, and appropriate substrates for your climate and mounting surface. Ask about readability at distance, night visibility, and hardware options so your exterior signage stays legible and secure through seasons of sun, rain, and wind.

Ordering and installation

Start by outlining placement (storefront, façade, parking), viewing distance, and any local code considerations, then request a quote with artwork and specs. During scoping, verify production timelines, proofs, and whether installation support is available in your area. Clarify mounting method, hardware, and site access to keep your install on schedule.

Pricing snapshot

Pricing is quote-based and depends on scope. Typical cost drivers include:

  • Size and quantity: Larger footprints and multi-site orders.
  • Design complexity: Custom shapes, layering, and detailed graphics.
  • Material grade: Outdoor-rated substrates and protective coatings.
  • Mounting and hardware: Wall, post, or façade specifics.
  • Finishing and visibility: Reflective graphics or illumination readiness.
  • Timeline: Rush production or tight install windows.

4. Signs.com - best for fast online ordering and outdoor sign variety

If you want to move quickly from idea to production, Signs.com makes it easy to order custom exterior signs online with broad customization. You can add graphics, a slogan, and your logo, plus adjust shape and size to fit your brand and viewing distance. When you need guidance for your outdoor signs, you can also consult with their team to fine‑tune specifications before you approve.

What they offer

Signs.com focuses on speed and flexibility for exterior signage, pairing an online-first experience with options to tailor layout and dimensions. It’s a strong fit for teams that want self-serve control over design and specs for custom exterior signs, while still having access to consultative help when they need it for visibility, clarity, or compliance questions.

Outdoor materials and durability

For outdoor use, configure weather‑resistant options during quoting and confirm the durability expectations for your climate. Ask about UV‑stable printing, protective finishes, and mounting methods that match your surface and wind exposure. Align thickness and finish to your use case—short‑term campaigns versus long‑term exterior signage—so readability and longevity stay on target.

Ordering and installation

Ordering is streamlined online: upload artwork or customize, review proofs, and proceed to production once specs are locked. If you want input on sizing or readability, tap their consultation option before you approve. Installation is typically handled by your facilities team or a local installer; plan surface prep, hardware, and site access in advance to keep the schedule tight.

Pricing snapshot

Pricing is configuration‑based and reflects the choices you make at checkout. Typical cost drivers include:

  • Size and quantity: Larger footprints and higher volumes.
  • Material and finish: Outdoor‑rated selections and protective coatings.
  • Shape and complexity: Custom contours and detailed graphics.
  • Mounting method: Holes, grommets, posts, or specialty hardware.
  • Timeline and shipping: Rush production or expedited delivery.

5. Vistaprint - best for budget outdoor signs and small business bundles

When you need affordable custom exterior signs fast, Vistaprint is a practical pick for simple, high‑visibility pieces. Their catalog covers popular outdoor formats like yard signs, A‑frames, and mesh banners—good for campaigns, pop‑ups, small business storefront needs, and seasonal promotions.

What they offer

Create custom exterior signs for your business or home, add your logo and message, and choose dimensions that match your viewing distance. Expect straightforward options for yard signs, A‑frames, and mesh banners, with an online builder that keeps specs and artwork easy to manage for quick turnaround.

Outdoor materials and durability

For exterior use, select outdoor‑ready printing and finishes during configuration. Mesh banners help relieve wind load compared to solid banners, and A‑frames are built for sidewalk visibility. Confirm durability expectations (sun, rain, temperature swings) and choose mounting or display options that match your placement and exposure.

Ordering and installation

Ordering is self‑serve: customize online, upload artwork, review a proof, and check out. Most products ship ready to deploy; installation is typically DIY—drop yard signs into stakes, place A‑frames curbside, and secure banners with grommets, ties, or compatible hardware based on your site.

Pricing snapshot

Pricing is configuration‑based and generally budget‑friendly for standard formats. Costs vary by:

  • Size and quantity: Larger dimensions and higher volumes.
  • Product type: Yard signs, A‑frames, or mesh banners.
  • Finishing and hardware: Stakes, grommets, or stands.
  • Shipping speed: Standard vs. expedited delivery.

6. SmartSign - best for OSHA/ANSI-compliant outdoor safety signs

SmartSign is a go‑to when you need safety messaging outside quickly and clearly. Their custom outdoor signs catalog features hundreds of templates with fast shipping, which makes it easier to turn site rules, warnings, and wayfinding into durable, readable pieces. If your goal is OSHA/ANSI‑style communication on exterior surfaces, SmartSign’s library and online tools streamline the process while you verify the exact compliance details you need.

What they offer

SmartSign provides customizable outdoor signage with a large template library and straightforward design tools, so you can add logos, colors, and copy fast. It’s practical for safety notices, facility rules, and directional pieces that need to be consistent across locations. You get speed, choice, and the ability to standardize designs for your team.

  • Hundreds of templates: Start fast and tweak to fit your site.
  • Custom options: Sizes, layouts, and branding elements.
  • Fast shipping: Helpful for urgent exterior signage needs.

Outdoor materials and durability

Configure outdoor‑ready construction during checkout to match weather exposure and visibility goals. Confirm substrate thickness, UV‑resistant printing, protective finishes, and optional high‑visibility features so your exterior signage remains legible through sun, rain, and temperature swings.

Ordering and installation

Order online by selecting a template or uploading artwork, then review a proof before production. For regulated messages, compare your design to OSHA/ANSI requirements before approving. Most signs arrive ready to mount; plan surface prep and choose hardware that matches walls, fences, posts, or gates for a clean, secure install.

Pricing snapshot

Pricing is configuration‑based and reflects your choices at checkout. Typical cost drivers include:

  • Size and quantity: Larger panels and multi‑site orders.
  • Material and finish: Outdoor‑rated substrates and protective coatings.
  • Template customization: Complex layouts or variable data.
  • Mounting options: Pre‑drilled holes, grommets, or posts.
  • Turnaround and freight: Rush production and expedited shipping.

7. Woodland Manufacturing - best for dimensional letters and routed signs

If you’re building a polished storefront or campus wayfinding system with depth and shadows, Woodland Manufacturing shines for dimensional letters and routed sign panels. They focus on custom outdoor signs and letters with a variety of finishes, including the option for unfinished outdoor letters when you plan to paint or finish on site—useful for tight brand specs or phased installs.

What they offer

Woodland Manufacturing centers on custom exterior signs that add dimension and clarity—great for building names, tenant panels, and directional elements where legibility and craft matter. Their mix of custom lettering and routed sign faces lets you scale from a single logo to a complete exterior signage set.

  • Dimensional letters: Brand-forward characters for façades and monuments.
  • Routed sign panels: Clean cutouts and profiles for plaques and wayfinding.
  • Finish flexibility: From unfinished letters to a range of exterior-ready finishes.

Outdoor materials and durability

Because their products target outdoor use, durability starts with the right substrate and finish pairing. When quoting, confirm exterior-rated options and ask how the selected finish, thickness, and fabrication method perform in your climate and exposure. For long-term performance, verify UV resistance, seal quality, and mounting recommendations for wind and moisture.

Ordering and installation

You can start designing your sign online and collaborate on specs, proofs, and finish choices before production. For installation, clarify mounting approach early—dimensional letters typically use patterns and hardware—and align on site conditions (surface, access, and layout) so your exterior signage installs cleanly and on schedule.

Pricing snapshot

Quotes reflect scope and craft. Expect costs to vary with:

  • Size and quantity: Larger letter heights and multi-location sets.
  • Routing complexity: Intricate shapes, tight inside corners, or custom profiles.
  • Finish selection: Unfinished vs. premium exterior finishes.
  • Thickness and depth: Heavier profiles require more material and time.
  • Mounting needs: Templates, hardware, and any specialty requirements.
  • Timeline and freight: Rush production and packaging for safe transit.

8. Signomatic - best for personalized plaques and durable outdoor labels

When you want simple, polished identification outside—think personalized name plates, small plaques, and tidy labels—Signomatic makes it quick to order custom exterior signs online. You can design from scratch or start with pre‑designed examples, so teams can standardize a look across doors, gates, posts, and entry points without a long back‑and‑forth.

What they offer

Signomatic lets you create and order outdoor signage online with an easy design flow. You can upload a logo, add text, pick shapes and sizes, and use pre‑designed examples to speed decisions. It’s a smart fit for consistent exterior IDs across locations where clarity and neat presentation are the priority.

Outdoor materials and durability

Because these pieces live outside, configure products labeled for outdoor use on the product page. Confirm the durability notes for weather exposure and readability so your exterior signage remains clear through sun, rain, and temperature swings, and choose finishes that match your environment and maintenance expectations.

Ordering and installation

Ordering is straightforward: design online or pick a template, review your layout, then approve for production. For installation, select mounting options offered for the product (for example, plate mounting or post/flat-surface setups) and prep the surface so your signs sit level and secure.

Pricing snapshot

Pricing is configuration‑based and shown as you build. Common cost drivers include:

  • Size and quantity: Larger formats and multi‑set orders.
  • Shape and layout: Custom contours and multi‑line designs.
  • Finish and mounting: Available surface finishes and mounting options.
  • Production speed and shipping: Standard vs. expedited timelines.

Wrap-up and next steps

You’ve got a clear view of where each provider shines. Match the pick to the job: need code‑aligned safety messaging and high night visibility? Safety Decals. Want local help with permitting and install? FASTSIGNS (verify availability with Signarama). Prefer fast self‑serve value? Signs.com or Vistaprint. Craving depth and craft? Woodland Manufacturing. Polished plaques and labels? Signomatic. Standardized safety templates fast? SmartSign.

Before quoting, list locations, sizes, viewing distances, surfaces, photos, and deadlines. Ask about substrates, UV protection, hardware, warranties, and install. Pilot one site, then scale. If compliance and reflectivity top your list, start with Safety Decals to spec durable, outdoor‑ready signs you can standardize across facilities.