YARD SIGNS
When people think of yard signs, they’re usually thinking of smaller, temporary, portable signs that are placed on grass in a location that makes them easily visible.
This article covers the two most popular forms of temporary yard signs, as well as a couple of larger, permanent signs that could be used by businesses. At the end, we’ve also included a few tips and advice about installation, and any legal issues you may want to be aware of when installing signs in your yard.
For more information, jump ahead to:
Continue reading to get the details on major yard signs styles, or contact AGC Signs if you already know what sign you’re looking for and you want to get started on an order.
Wire-Frame Signs
You’ve likely seen wire-frame yard signs used during election season.
Description
Wire-frame signs, also called H-Frame Signs, are lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to use. They consist of an H-shaped wire structure wrapped in printed plastic, with two points of the H shape acting as the legs of the sign that get jabbed into the ground.
The quickest and easiest-to-use of all yard signs, wire-frame signs, will not stand up more than a few weeks to rough weather, vandalism, animals, or much else.
Because of their fragility, they are used for temporary needs. Fortunately, they also leave minimal impact on the yard they’re placed in, as once removed, the holes left by the legs are hardly noticeable at all.
Application
Wire-frame signs are not durable but they take almost no time to install or remove.
Because of this, they are best used for one-off events, such as:
Parties
Fairs
Traffic directions
Political advertising
Curbside marketing for services like lawn care
Wire-frame signs function similarly to promotional posters that can stand on their own, and just like posters, they can be produced in large volumes at a reasonable price.
If you want a temporary sign that will be able to last for months instead of days, try the next type of yard sign below.
Portable Signs
Untreated wood signs will still last over a year.
A-frame signs are the most portable.
You can change the text on some signs.
Description
This category covers yard signs that are still temporary, but longer lasting than wire-frame signs.
The pictures above cover wooden real estate signs, A-frame signs, and small billboard signs. Although each of these has a slightly different design, they all share one thing in common: portability.
These signs are not monolithic and are usually built with more slender frames made of wood, plastic, or aluminum, and sometimes steel. They can be either picked up and shifted or deconstructed into a few large parts for easy transport.
Application
The types of yard sign shown above will last months, if not years, provided they’re properly maintained.
However, eventually unfinished wood will rot, plastic can become discoloured, and low-quality metal can bend or rust. Sealing your wooden sign can increase its lifespan, but in that case it may be better to simply invest in a tougher, permanent sign.
Therefore these signs are best either for seasonal use, or for circumstances that will not last longer than a couple years, such as:
Seasonal parks or public spaces
Advertisements outside of new housing developments
Restaurants or stores that can bring the sign in overnight
Cheap roadside advertising
If you need a sign that will last indefinitely, in all outdoor conditions, consider a storefront sign mounted to directly to your building, or pylon or monument signs.
Pylon Signs
Aside from the rocks for draining, pylon signs like this one take up minimal area on your yard.
Description
Pylon signs are permanent signs that extend upwards, supported either by legs or a single strong column.
They’re a very popular signage choice for businesses located along major roads, as the height of the pylon sign lets them be seen above surrounding traffic and foliage.
Small pylon signs like the one above may only cost a few thousand dollars, but heavy-duty retail signs can cost well over $20 000.
Application
Pylon signs are a great choice if you want a permanent sign that has minimal impact on your yard.
Consider using a pylon sign if:
You’re running a business in a densely populated area, and the only place to put a business sign is on your front yard.
Your business is along a high-traffic road or highway.
The surrounding terrain is rocky, muddy, or weedy, as the important info at the top of the sign will be harder to soil.
If you don’t have a yard, pylon signs are often used in parking lots too. They come in many different styles, so if you’re not sure which one would fit for you, contact a sign store like AGC and we can give you suggestions.
Monument Signs
Monument signs look extra weighty and professional.
Description
Monument signs are similar to pylon signs, except they’re low to the ground.
Monument signs are usually large and have a higher average price. They’re often used by larger businesses, and incorporated into gardens or landscaping.
Application
Monument signs make a bigger visual impact than pylon signs, although they lack many of the benefits.
These are some of the organizations that often use monument signs:
Community centres
Office buildings along highways
Government or municipal buildings
Schools
If you want a heavy-duty, stylized yard sign that fits into the landscape itself, a monument sign might be perfect for you.
Yard Sign Tips
Here are a few more helpful tips to consider when brainstorming which yard signs are best for your unique situation:
Cleaning - If your sign is small enough to bring inside, you can probably wipe it down by hand. If it’s a permanent exterior fixture, you may need special equipment to clean it, or you may want to contact a specialist.
Permits - Follow the local bylaws around the size and placement of all temporary signs. For example, in Toronto, a sidewalk A-frame sign cannot be more than 0.6m high.
Lighting - If your business is going to be open after sunset, consider installing lighting so people can see the information on your sign such as digital displays, backlighting, or ground-mounted spotlights.
Keep your eyes peeled as you wander around town for more inspiration. Signage is everywhere, and there’s bound to be a style for you.
AGC Signs
Signs for any situation
With extensive experience installing all varieties of outdoor signs, AGC has the portfolio and expertise to provide your organization with the perfect yard signs for your needs.
In addition to sign installation, we also offer design, manufacturing, and maintenance services.
To see some of the fantastic projects we’ve handled in the past, check out our gallery.
For a premium full-service experience, contact AGC Signs today to get started with a free quote!
“Adrian and his team are very professional, reliable and easy to work with. AGC has made two signs for me already for two different store fronts. I love both of them! Highly recommended!”
“Quality work and quick turnaround times. I asked for mock layouts which were provided to me instantly, affordable pricing, and required some signage immediately. Rhonda was attentive, quick to respond, and ensured we got all of our signage within a week (even with the July 1st holiday) happening that week. We will be coming to AGS signs for all of our signage and promotional materials! Thank you.”
