A house sign seems simple. Name on wood, screw to wall, done. But there's a surprising amount to think about when ordering one — size, material, font, finish, mounting, weather resistance. Here's everything you need to know to get it right first time.
What material should I choose?
We make our house signs from solid oak, and we'd always recommend it over the alternatives. Oak is dense, stable, and weathers beautifully. It doesn't warp, crack, or rot the way softer woods can. The laser engraving bites deep into the grain and stays crisp for years.
Some makers offer MDF or composite board signs at lower prices. They look fine when new, but they don't hold up to the British weather long-term. A good oak sign, properly finished, should last 10–15 years outdoors without needing any attention.
What size should I order?
As a general rule, bigger is better for house signs — especially if they need to be read from a distance. A sign that looks large on a screen can feel surprisingly small when mounted on a wall or gatepost.
For most homes, a sign between 30cm and 45cm wide works well. If you're mounting on a large wall or gate, go larger. If it's going next to a door, 20–25cm is usually enough.
When you order from us, just let us know the size you'd like and we'll make sure the lettering is proportioned correctly.
What finish should I choose?
We finish all our oak house signs with a weather-resistant oil that protects the wood and brings out the natural grain. The engraved areas are slightly darker than the surrounding wood, giving a beautiful contrast.
Some customers ask for painted backgrounds or coloured lettering — we can discuss bespoke finishing options, just email us at sales@torchandgrain.com before ordering.
How do I mount a house sign?
Most of our signs come pre-drilled for screws, or with a hanging system depending on the design. Stainless steel screws are best for outdoor use — brass looks great too but needs occasional polishing. Avoid standard zinc-plated screws outdoors as they rust and stain the wood.
For gatepost mounting, make sure the post is solid and level before fixing. Signs mounted on loose or rotten posts move in the wind, which stresses the fixings and can crack the wood over time.
Can I have anything on my sign?
Almost anything. The most common requests are:
- House name only
- House number only
- House name and number together
- House name with a small graphic or motif (leaf, bird, Celtic knot etc)
- House name with a street or village name underneath
If you have something specific in mind, just email us and we'll let you know if it's achievable. Most requests are.
How long does it take?
House signs are typically made and dispatched within 1–3 working days. We'll confirm your personalisation details before we start, so you can be sure it's exactly right.
For very large or complex signs, allow a little extra time — we'll always let you know if that's the case.