West Chester, PA – Custom Monument Signs: The Basics from a Local Sign Designer

  What is a Monument Sign?

A monument sign is a free-standing sign that sits at ground level to provide identification of a location. Monument signs have a low height profile with little or no open space between the ground and the sign.

Monument signage’s primary purpose revolves around strengthening your brand while increasing your exposure by capturing the public eye. Monument signs traditionally display the business name and contact information. It identifies your space.

Monument signs combine graphic and architectural designs to provide unique signage that everyone passing by will notice and remember all while providing a cost-effective marketing tool to help boost brand recognition and sales.

What are the primary purposes of a monument sign?

A monuments primary purpose is to identify your space and tell the community where your business is located. They also serve as navigation tools to access roads or parking lots.

In addition to identifying your space, monument signs are a great extension of your branding efforts. Think of branding as the culmination of your business model, your logo and the overall way you present yourself to the community through visual elements. By combining visual, verbal and emotional cues all your branding effort communicates a message to your customers about your business and what they can expect from your services or products.

Well-designed exterior signs separates your business from the competition.

What determines the style of monument sign?

When considering a monument sign, there are a few critical things to consider. Is the location above, below or at ground level? This affects the viewing angle of the sign. Does the location allow for a double sided sign or is it set back that only a single sided sign will work. Can power be routed to the site for illumination? What does the municipal code allow in regards to size and lighting? Also, be aware of historic areas as they often times control not only size and lighting but also may have a particular color palate that must be used.

Many design options and features can be used with monument signs due to their versatility. They can be customized to help your business stand out on a busy street or in a multi-tenant shopping center. Monument signs help identify the businesses in a building, generally positioned near streets and entrances.

What elements make a good monument sign?

A well designed monument sign adds a sculptural element to the site. When done properly, it will reflect the architectural characteristics of the surrounding buildings and they continue the ambience of their environment by incorporating the colors and textures of their surroundings. These signs are often made the focal point of gardens and landscaping.

Another consideration during the design phase is dimensional characteristics and the illumination options. You can add channel letters, push through letters, as well as face mount dimensional letters. Illumination options can be reverse illuminated, halo, front lit or reveres lit lettering. Monument signs often times will be illuminated by ground or landscape lighting as another option which can create unique shadows and focal points of illumination for specific desired effects.

These signs can include a wide variety of materials, including stone, metal/aluminum. Additionally faux stone and masonry options that are budget friendly with excellent durability. Our designers will work with you to help guide you through the design process and recommend the appropriate materials that will result in a stunning design with the durability that Paramount Signs is known for.

Monument signs offer many options for construction and design.

Brick or stone: monument signage is very stable. Monument signs with stone provide an elegant appearance.

Concrete: monument signs for those who want a basic look. They last very long and can withstand all types of weather. Commonly found at the entrances of city and local parks.

Wood: can be used for a traditional look. Commercial and municipal properties such as cottage resorts and state parks benefit from a monument sign made of wood.

Foamcore: can create the look of stone or brick. It is lightweight and less expensive than other materials.

Plastic/HDU:, or high-density urethane, it is formed into a variety of shapes and sizes. If you have a complex design or logo, plastic would be a good material to use.

Aluminum/Metal: If you want a modern look or design, an aluminum or metal monument sign will suffice. They provide a sleek and sharp appearance and can form an assortment of shapes.

With the vast options you have for monument signs, including the materials of the sign itself and the lettering and graphics on the sign, it is possible to make a monument sign that fits any budget. Our professionals will work with you to choose the materials for the sign that will fit your design concept and convey your branding and message while working within your budget. We have options for various budgets to ensure a long-lasting, eye-catching design that will greet your customers and visitors for years to come.

We believe that getting you noticed is PARAMOUNT, and that starts with a bold monument sign!

Contact us today for a free quote!