How much does a custom neon sign cost? They can cost anywhere from about $270 to $1,300 CAD or more depending on the size and complexity of the design.
In this post we'll answer the question “how much does a custom neon sign cost,” as well as how they compare to other illuminated signage options. Let’s get started.
At AGC, we've been in the custom signage industry for over 10 years, and we specialize in sign design, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of all types of signage.
1. How Much Does a Custom Neon Sign Cost?
The average custom neon sign cost is usually between $270-$1,300+ CAD.
However, there are a number of factors that will affect the final price of your neon sign. These include:
The Size of The Sign:
The actual size of sign will affect your final cost. The larger the sign, the larger the price tag. Some typical price ranges you could expect are as follows:
Small Size Neon Sign: 18" by 24" - $270 CAD to $535 CAD.
Larger Size Neon Sign: 3' by 5' - up to $1,300 CAD or more.
The Amount of Text You Want:
The number of letters or words that you need for your sign will also affect the price. The more text you need, the higher the price.
The Complexity of the Design:
If you want to add images or logos to your neon sign, the price will go up. A simple graphic will cost less than a more detailed and complex one. In addition, if you want multiple colours, you will also pay more.
A neon sign is similar to a fluorescent light that has been heated and bent into the various shapes and letters. If your design is complex, it will be harder to make, take more time to do, and cost you more.
Check out this video for some insight on how neon lights are made.
2. Neon Signs - More Detail
Neon signs can seem fancy or exotic, but they’re really not all that complicated.
How Neon Signs Work
The brilliant colours that you get from a neon signs are made by different gases and different coatings - not just neon!
Neon gas is only used to produce about one third of the colours in neon signs, including red, orange, and intense shades of pink.
Argon gas mixed with a drop of mercury is used to produce blue, yellow, green, violet, and white as well as some of the softer pink shades.
This excellent animation goes into even more detail:
ENERGY OF DIFFERENT LIGHTINGS COMPARED
Neon gas signs are one of the most popular forms of illuminated sign. However, there are also fluorescent and LED options.
When deciding on the type of illumination you should choose for your signage, you might want to consider the amount of energy each type uses.
As an example, say you want to keep your sign lit up for 12 hours a day, and electricity costs about 13 cents per kWh. On average, you would expect to use the following amounts of energy:
Neon signs use less energy and cost less than fluorescent bulb signs to run. However, they do use more energy and cost more than LED.
3. Alternatives to Neon Signs
There are many different illuminated sign options. Like neon signs, their cost ranges greatly depending on their size, material, and complexity.
LED storefront signs can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 or more. Digital signs can start at about $5,000 and go well over $100,000.
If you want a better idea about the actual cost of a sign that you have in mind, contact a company that will give you a free, no obligation quote.
LED SIGNS
If you really like the look of a neon sign, but you would like something a little more durable and longer lasting, you can now get flexible LED tube lights that look like neon but are resistant to water and humidity. They also produce almost no heat.
This video shows you what LED tube lights look like and some of the different effects you can achieve with them:
Backlit Signs:
Backlit signs can also be called lightbox signs or cabinet signs. This is because they are often built in the shape of a box, but can be moulded into other shapes.
An internal light source will illuminate one or more translucent panels of the backlit sign.
They can be made in many different sizes and can be used in both the exterior and interior of your facility.
Backlit signs make excellent storefront signs and are often seen at schools, churches, gas stations, restaurants, and bars.
Illuminated Channel Letters
Channel letters, which are individual letters mounted onto a surface to form a sign, are a very popular signage choice.
To make the letters stand out at night, you can add LED lights behind the letters or in front of them, or you can have each letter constructed with its own interior lighting.
Digital Signs
Digital signs are another form of illuminated signage. A digital sign is really a large screen that can be programmed to display almost any form of message, just like a computer screen.
They can display text, images, and videos and are often incorporated into monument signs or pylon signs. They can also be freestanding or mounted on a wall.
Need a Custom NEON Sign Quote?
Contact AGC Signs
If you need custom illuminated signs for your business, contact the professionals at AGC Signs. AGC Signs is a full-service sign manufacturing company that can design, manufacture and install any type of custom sign you require.
We have over 10 years of signage experience working in the Durham region, so you can trust us to do the job right.
We strive to exceed industry standards by providing our clients with superior signage solutions. All of our technicians are highly skilled and hard-working, so we can make the best quality custom signs for your needs.
We do all of the work ourselves and never subcontract it out.
Contact us today for a free quote.