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 impact. If you have a 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, if there is a sign in your area that you like, send us a photo. 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 heat and humidity are the norm. A deeply routed 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. For those preferring the natural look of wood, be advised that wood signs can cost up to 10% more due to the extensive preliminary work involved and the additional cost of of material.

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 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 for sign buyers. 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 revisions will be charged at an hourly rate of $50. Full color drawings are submitted via email for approval.

Is a deposit required?
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 requested, an invoice for the deposit will be provided.

Do I need a sign installation permit?
All 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 where digging is necessary.

How is final payment made?
All final payments must be prepaid prior to shipment. A photo of completed signs will be emailed to ensure that you are completely satisfied. At this time, a paid invoice in PDF format for printing will be sent via email, stating final cost of sign plus shipping charges.

How much will I pay for crating and shipping?
Crating is free of charge. Flat rate shipping is provided to defer some of your delivery costs. $50. is the rate for small signs packed in cartons sent via FedEx, usually signs 4' X 3' in size or smaller. $98. is the flat rate for all larger crated signs shipped ground freight. Flat rate shipping applies to business to business shipping only.

Please note:
There is an additional charge of $50. for residential deliveries via ground freight. Large, heavy crates will require the use of a lift gated truck for another $50. charge. These extra charges are to be paid by the customer. Customers are advised to seek a nearby business or your installers/landscapers shop that will accept your delivery to avoid these surcharges if possible.

Insurance is provided for all sign shipments. Customers must check the crate for damage before accepting delivery while the crate is still in the truck, otherwise damages may not be paid.

How do I go about ordering a sign?
Ordering your sign online can be a win-win situation. It will save a great deal of time for you by not having to locate a qualified sign maker in your area. Out of state customers can save money by avoiding taxes. Crating is free and our flat rate shipping will defer some of the cost of delivery. Strata Signs offer the highest quality at affordable prices. Your sign is a long term investment. Beware of sign makers 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. As such, 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. For those customers in and around the Chicago area, we can provide a qualified installer at reasonable extra cost.

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 post work, 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 post work, a sufficient quantity will be included in shipment at your request.

Freestanding signs require no hardware. They are assembled to the posts prior to installation on a level surface using waterproof glue or epoxy. The posts and sign panel are clamped together using pipe clamps or ratcheting 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 existing rubble. 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