Freestanding signs

Freestanding signs in Dundee’s business parks, retail districts, and attractions provide a reassuring welcome for visitors. Ideal for wayfinding and high impact notices.

Why choose a freestanding sign

Direct visitors in and around your premises and display important information. Consider using reflective vinyl for roadside signs. With options of single and double sided signs, as well as illumination, they can be noticed at any time of day or night.

Combined with garden landscaping, freestanding signs can grow into a local landmark. Interchangeable sign panels can also be included for temporary messages throughout the year.

Designing signs that get noticed

Your business’ visual identity should be consistent throughout your signage and will help your visitors recognise your message.

Your sign’s environment is important too. Signs which are solely for pedestrians can include more information than signs for motorists. In busy locations, concise messages are crucial for the success of your sign.

Irregular shapes and high contrast colours add visual interest to signs. Coupled with depth and dimension, freestanding signs can provide your business with cost effective, daily advertising.

Combining the posts into the look of your design will also make the sign more attractive.

Types of posts and poles

Durable signposts and poles are made from timber, aluminium, and steel. Lengths and thicknesses are determined by the size and weight of the sign(s), environment, and wind load.

Pressure treated timber posts have a chemical preservative coating. The treatment process prolongs the life of the timber and makes the post less likely to rot than untreated timber. Pressure treated posts are available undressed (rough sawn) and dressed (smooth finish).

Pressure treated timber posts can be used bare. However, coating with wood preservatives or paint is recommended to lengthen the durability of exterior posts.

Aluminium posts will not corrode and are lighter than steel. They can be round, square, and profiled. Standard mill finish aluminium, road sign grey and powder coated RAL colours are available in gloss, satin, and matt finishes.

Timber and aluminium posts and poles can also include recessed grooves to attach panels.

Steel posts are stronger than aluminium and suited for heavier sign structures. Galvanised steel is used for exterior signs, as well as grey powder coated as standard. Bespoke powder coated and painted colours are available too.

Decorative finials and post caps are effective in complementing the sign’s environment. Adding further interest for larger landmark signs.

Sign panels for post and pole mounting

For strength and durability, coated hardwood and plywood, aluminium composite, traffic grade aluminium, and mild steel are preferred for post mounted sign panels.

Single and multiple panels can be shaped. With modular signs typically made from extruded aluminium. Modular signs are ideal for interchangeable messages and widely used for wayfinding. Their fabrication enables the panels to be slid in and out of the posts.

Sign trays also provide advantages for their robustness and hidden fixings. In addition, sign trays transform flat panels with options for dimensional and illuminated components.

Panels can also be hung from T-shaped horizontal posts, as well as the underside of signs.

Installing post and pole signs

The sign’s mass and wind load are both factors to consider when choosing the size of the sign. Size and weight determine the length and thickness of the post. The depth of the posts is determined by the height of the sign. In turn, the sign’s safe installation is also influenced by the ground surface. Hard surfaces may require the use of plant machinery.

Base plates are commonly used for planting steel and aluminium posts. Plates prevent the posts from rotating. Post sleeves are recommended for timber posts, lessening the risk of moisture penetrating the wood underground.

Signs can be fixed directly through their face and into posts. However, neater methods ensure no visible fixings on the face of the sign.

Flat panels of aluminium and aluminium composite are attached to poles with the aid of horizontal channels and pole clamps. The channels adhere onto the back of flat panels with very high bond, double-sided tape. Clamps wrap around the posts and tightly attach to the channels.

Other methods for disguising fixings include split batons (mainly for plywood signs), extruded grooves in posts, and threaded rods inserted into poles.

Types of pavement signs

Portable pavement signs are most often single panels sunk into a weighted base. Or hinged A-frames. Each is double sided and manufactured in various styles, sizes, and finishes. Bespoke signs are also made to your specification. However, mass manufactured pavement signs are most often cost effective for portable freestanding signs.

Pavement signs can include areas for chalkboards and frames for your posters. Single panel signs can swing or remain rigid. Rotating and digital signs are also available for higher-end specifications.

Planning permission for freestanding signs

Always check with your landlord or local authority before ordering freestanding signs. Especially on roadside locations.

Pavement advertising may be deemed as obstructions and should be considered before ordering.

Freestanding signage artwork, dimensions, and specifications are available on request.

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