When a longtime customer asked me to build a wooden yard display to match her new house, I was pretty stoked. I’d been waiting for a project like this. Creative decor is sort of my forte. After we discussed a few ideas, she decided on a large custom wood address sign with a flower planter and solar lighting.
Since the family had always treated me great, I chose to offer a discount on this project. The sign was going to be their mark on a new house and something they’d look at every day. So, I wanted to do a good job.
Designing an Large Home Address Sign.
When I initially sketched the custom wood address sign, I wasn’t sure how I was going to connect the planter to the posts. I mean, there were some online examples. But, I was not sold on the carpentry. Many of them just didn’t seem sturdy. To be honest, I thought this through all the way to the install. I just brought extra lumber to work it out.
Wood Craftsmanship + Savings.
Once the couple told me they wanted to paint the sign black, I wasn’t too worried about wood grain contrast. In other words, using different wood types. After looking through my wood shop, I was able to find a nice blend of pine, cedar and oak. This also saved the customers money.
How I Built a Sturdy Sign + Planter.
For the base of the planter box, I used premium rough cedar. I did this to help with rotting and pests. The sides of the planter were constructed with untreated strips of pine and oak wood. I was able to match up the sign well by using cedar along the backside and nailing pallet wood to the face. Sanding the edges made a big difference.
The Details of Custom Signage.
Installing something like this isn’t as easy as it may seem. The ground isn’t always level and hole depth has to be precise. We’re not building a fence or planting a mailbox. So, both posts needed to be straight. I used some rock, sand and a tamper to make sure.
If you look closely, you can see how I chose to fasten the planter box to the sign posts. I used a 2×4″ cut at a 45 and used the trim as a ledge. I screwed from the inside and also installed a seat. The post caps were kind of cheap but easy to screw in.
The last step was the easiest. Installing the barn-style solar light only took a measurement and four screws. They didn’t paint it right away – and I wasn’t mad. But I’m not going to lie, it looks pretty good painted too.
Decorating the Yard Near Memphis.
Personally, I have tons of stuff I’d like to build at my house. What about you? Would you install a large custom wood address sign with a solar light and planter in your front yard? I guess it all depends on who’s looking for your address.
