Imagine walking into a cozy café with a hand-carved wooden sign above the counter, or passing a boutique storefront with a rustic, weathered plaque that catches your eye. Custom wood signs have a unique charm that synthetic materials just can’t replicate. But if you’re considering one for your home or business, you’re probably wondering: How much does a custom wood sign actually cost—and why do prices vary so much? Let’s break it down.

How Much Are Custom Signs?

Custom wood signs can range from $20 to $600 per square foot, with the national average hovering around $150 /sq ft. For perspective, a small 2’ x 2’ sign (4 sq ft) might cost around $600, while a larger 5’ x 3’ sign (15 sq ft) could jump to $3000 or more. But these numbers only scratch the surface. Prices swing wildly based on materials, labor, design, and even where you plan to hang it.

For comparison, here’s a quick look at average costs for other popular sign materials:

• Vinyl banners: $5–$50 /sq ft

• Acrylic: $50-$300 /sq ft

• Metal: $100–$600 /sq ft

Wood sits comfortably in the mid-to-high range, but it’s not just about upfront cost—it’s about value over time. Let’s dive into the factors that shape pricing.

Factors Affecting Sign Price

1. Wood Species: From Pine to Premium

The type of wood you choose is like picking a fine wine—it sets the tone for everything. Pine and Poplar are a budget-friendly go-to’s, but upgrades like cedar, walnut, or reclaimed barnwood can double or triple the cost. Why? Premium woods offer richer grains, durability, and often better resistance to warping or pests.

But there’s a catch: lumber prices fluctuate with market demand and supply chain hiccups. For example, cedar prices spiked during the 2021 housing boom, pushing sign costs up by 20% in some regions. Always ask your artisan about current material rates!

Not sure where to start when it comes to choosing a wood species? Check out this guide on how to select the best wood type for your custom sign.

2. Size Matters (But Not Always How You’d Think)

Bigger signs need more materials and labor, but price per square foot often decreases as size increases. For instance:

• 1’ x 2’ sign (2 sq ft): ~ $350 ($175/sq ft)

• 2’ x 3’ sign (6 sq ft): ~ $900 ($150/sq ft)

However, along with increased shipping costs, oversized designs may require special machinery or reinforcements, which can add fees.

3. Design Complexity: Keep It Simple or Go All Out

A basic text-only sign (think: a family name plaque) might be included in the base price. But add intricate carvings, logos, or custom artwork, and costs climb fast:

• Extra characters: Typically there is an addition cost per character, beyond a certain number of characters. For example: $15/character (beyond 12 characters).

• 2D carved designs or 3D elements: Displaying your brand logo or adding designs with depth to your custom sign are what really make it unique and stand out. However, the more involved the design, the more labor and materials must go in.

• Hand Burnt Pyrography Detailing: Intricate details burnt into the wood, costs vary on design but often $100+.

Some companies choose to simplify pricing by charging per square foot regardless of design, but most artisans scale fees with complexity.

4. Artisan Labor: Handmade vs. Machine-Made

There’s a soulful difference between a sign crafted by hand and one spat out by a CNC machine. Handmade pieces often cost 20–50% more due to the hours of sanding, staining, and detailing involved. Machine-made signs are quicker and cheaper, but they lack the organic imperfections that make wood signs feel alive.

5. Mounting Location and Method: Indoor vs. Outdoor

Where you place your sign affects both materials and labor:

• Outdoor signs need weather-resistant treatments like UV-resistant sealant ($25–$100) and rust-proof hardware ($25-$75).

• Indoor signs can skip the heavy-duty finishes, saving you money.

Mounting style also plays a role. Wall-mounted signs are standard, but freestanding posts or hanging brackets may add $50–$300 to the bill. Here’s a summary of what all goes into determining a signs price—

Outdoor vs. Indoor Sign Cost

Outdoor signs are the SUVs of the signage world—built tougher to handle rain, sun, and wind. Expect to pay 15–30% more for outdoor-ready wood signs compared to indoor ones. Why?

• Durable woods: Cedar and White Oak naturally resist moisture.

• Protective coatings: Multiple layers of marine-grade varnish or epoxy.

• Hardware upgrades: Stainless steel screws, anti-rust brackets.

Indoor signs, on the other hand, can use softer woods like basswood and skip the heavy-duty finishes. But if you’re hanging a sign in a humid bathroom or sunny foyer, consider a middle-ground approach with a light sealant. To learn more about which wood species hold up best to the elements, check out this guide on the best types of outdoor wood.

How Does Wood Compare to Other Sign Materials?

Wood’s versatility and warmth make it ideal for businesses and homes aiming for a “handcrafted” vibe. While acrylic and metal last longer in harsh weather, wood ages gracefully, developing a patina that tells a story.

Want to take a closer look at prices? Click here to see how we price our handcrafted wood signs.

Are Custom Wood Signs Worth The Investment?

Absolutely—if you value longevity and character. A well-maintained wood sign can last decades, outliving cheaper vinyl banners or fading acrylic. For businesses, it’s a branding powerhouse: studies show that unique signage can boost foot traffic by 15–30%. Plus, wood’s eco-friendly appeal resonates with today’s sustainability-minded customers.

Wood signs are generational heirlooms, not disposable decor. A $500 sign might seem steep, but spread over 10+ years, that’s just $50 annually for a piece that elevates your space daily.

Where to Get Custom Signs Made?

1. Local Artisans: Check Etsy shops or your local craft fairs for smaller personalized options.

2. Specialized Workshops: Artisan company Blade & Burnish focuses solely on handcrafted wood signs for businesses and homes. Use this form to get a free quote for your custom sign.

3. Signage Chains: Retailers like Signs.com offer machine-made options at lower costs.

Always request samples, read reviews, and clarify turnaround times. Pro tip: Local makers often negotiate prices for bulk orders!

The Bottom Line

Custom wood signs aren’t the cheapest option, but they’re a statement—a blend of art, craftsmanship, and practicality. Whether you’re memorializing a family name or branding a boutique, understanding the factors behind pricing helps you invest wisely. So, go ahead: choose that walnut slab with the hand-carved logo. Decades from now, it’ll still be turning heads.

Curious where wood signs make the biggest impact? Explore our list of popular custom wood sign applications.