Strata Custom Signs

How do I determine the size and type of sign I need?
What kind of material will my sign be made of?
How much will my sign cost?
How is design work priced?
Is a deposit required?
Do I need a sign installation permit?
How is final payment made?
How much will I pay for crating and shipping?
How do I go about ordering a sign?
What about installation?

How do I determine the size and type of sign I need?
Examine your building’s site. High visibility is the most important factor in the placement of your sign. Subdivision signs with adequate space usually install freestanding signs at main entryways. Business signs housed in larger buildings can opt for wall mounted signs. Retail shops, offices, bars, and restaurants with narrow facades are good candidates for double-sided hanging signs.

Design and content are limited only by your imagination. Keep text in sign to a minimum. Too much copy results in a loss of design impact. If you have some type of company logo, by all means include this in your sign. The style of the sign is dictated in some instances by your building’s architecture. If you're located near scenic elements such as mountains, rivers, lakes, etc. these can be carved into the sign. You may have seen a sign in your area that you like. Take a digital photo and email it to us. We don’t duplicate other’s designs. Your sign from Strata will be unique, but this can give us an idea of your preferences. We can also make recommendations in size and style with photos taken of your location.

What kind of material will my sign be made of?
Strata recommends the use of High Density Urethane for all applications. It is maintenance free, weather proof under any climate conditions, and has a service life of up to three times that of wood. HDU is the only material to use in tropical, coastal areas or where high heat and humidity are the norm. A deeply cut HDU sign is more dimensional in appearance affording a more quality look. Sandblasted cedar signs installed in the midwest or north central U.S. have a life expectancy of 10 or 12 years. Cedar signs will split and dry rot in hot, humid climates after several years. Prices are the same for either wood or HDU signs.

How much will my sign cost?
Strata uses a three-tiered pricing structure largely based on square footage. The larger the sign, the less per square foot. Irrespective of material cost, smaller signs can sometimes take longer to produce than some of our larger units. In cases where a sign contains complex carvings and extensive paint work, the cost may be slightly higher. This however is the exception rather than the rule.

How is design work priced?
Design work is included in the quote to serious sign buyers. Designs are the property of Strata until the sign order is consummated. In some instances, we may create a logo that can be used for advertising and promotional print material. The use of any design element incorporated in your design can be used without reservation. One design and one revision is allotted per each request. Subsequent redos or revisions will be charged at an hourly rate. Full color drawings are submitted via email for approval.

Is a deposit required?
Yes. A non refundable 50% deposit is required to secure all sign orders. This covers our cost for material in the event of a cancellation and the cost of design work. If you wish, a signed initial receipt of deposit will be provided.

Do I need a sign installation permit?
Most municipalities require a sign permit. Acquiring these permits is the sole responsibility of the purchaser. In many communities, permit forms are available on the Internet. Contact your local code administrator for details. Clearances for utility lines may also be required to avoid damage during installation of freestanding signs.

How is final payment made?
All orders are prepaid prior to shipment. Several photos of completed signs will be emailed to ensure that you are completely satisfied. At this time, a signed final invoice will be included, stating final cost of sign plus any shipping charges.

How much will I pay for crating and shipping?
Crating is free of charge. Shipping costs are estimates only and fluctuate on a daily basis. Accurate shipping costs can only be determined after crating by weight and size of container. Unless otherwise noted, discounts for qualifying orders are available.

Insurance is required for all sign shipments. Customers must check the crate for damage before accepting delivery while the crate is still in the truck, otherwise damages will not be paid. If available, please use a business address as the drop off point. Residential deliveries are substantially higher.

How do I go about ordering a sign?
Ordering your sign online can be a win-win situation. It will save loads of time for you by not having to locate a qualified signmaker in your area. Out of state customers can save money by avoiding taxes. Crating is free and substantial shipping discounts are often available. Strata signs offer the highest quality at affordable prices. Your sign is a long term investment. Beware of signmakers that provide quotes that are “too good to be true.” They often are and entail compromises in material and workmanship. As much of our work is derived from referrals, your complete satisfaction is our ultimate goal. See our ordering page for specific details.

What about installation?
Strata is primarily an online sign provider. Most of our sign buyers are from out of state. As a consequence, we do not offer installation services. The installation procedure is simple and straight forward. Any local handyman or carpenter can easily perform this task, which usually takes less than a few hours.

Cedar posts are recommended for all freestanding signs. These are available at any home improvement store or lumber yard in many dimensions at modest cost. The use of treated lumber for postwork, although cheaper, should be avoided. Treated lumber in smaller dimensions will split and warp over time causing damage to your sign. In addition, paint does not adhere well to treated lumber and will flake off after a few years. If you wish to retain the new cedar look to your posts, use a clear waterproofing agent or a water based clear stain which is available in many shades. If corresponding sign paint colors are to be used for postwork, a sufficient quantity will be included in shipment.

Freestanding signs require no hardware. They are assembled prior to installation on a level surface using waterproof glue. The posts and sign panel are clamped together using pipe clamps or ratcheting canvas car top straps as the glue dries. After the glue sets, the entire assembly is carried to the installation site, where 2’ or 3’ holes are dug depending on the size of the sign. The sign is then plumbed and leveled and secured using scrap lumber. A bag of dry Sakrete concrete mix is poured into each hole then moistened to secure the sign and prevent future movement. On the following day, supports can be removed and the remainder of holes filled with dirt. Complete installation instructions are included in shipment.

Hanging signs, wall mounted signs and monument signs will include necessary hardware for installation.

Subdivision Signs, Community Signs, Residential Signs

Business Signs, Commercial Signs,
Retail Signs

Church Signage

City Signs, Monument Signs, Welcome Signs, Street Signs

Hanging Signage, Restaurant Signs, Bar & Lounge Signs

Park Signs, Golf Course Signs, No Trespassing Signs, School Signs