Carved Signs

Carved signs are signs in which letters and logos are carved into the substrate. In our earlier years, carved signs were made by hand. Today, sophisticated CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines are used to make all of our carved signs.

There was a time when all carved signs were made out of wood, but today almost all carved signs in the United States are made from high density urethane (HDU). It is a hard, closed-cell polyurethane foam board offering the look of wood, but with superior durability, versatility, and resistance to moisture. This rigid substrate will not rot, warp, or crack.

Letters and logos are carved into the substrate (usually HDU) with a CNC router machine. Once the design is completely carved, a full 1-week painting process begins. Once the undercoat is perfect, we spray several coats of clear to ensure longevity and protection from UV rays.

Elmark commonly finishes carved signs with flat, satin, or gloss paint. For a special flair, some clients will select imported gold leaf for lettering, logos, or other aspects of their sign.

Elmark has built signs wider than 15 feet and/or over 75 square feet.

Yes, a carved sign can have raised graphics through a technique called relief carving. In relief carving, the background material is carved away, leaving the letters, images, or designs raised above the surface of the sign.
More commonly, carved signs are routed to create incised letters or graphics.  Incised letters or graphics are carved into the high density urethane.

Carved signs are frequently post-mounted, wall-mounted, or hung from a scroll bracket.  Elmark has some clients that have installed carved signs into masonry monument signs as well.

The price varies by complexity of design and thickness of material. On average, products costs range from $250 to $350 per square foot, measured from a single face of the sign.

Carved signs generally take 2-3 weeks to deliver.

• Through a proprietary painting process we’ve developed over 4 decades, our HDU carved signs are hand sanded and primed several times before applying the first, of three coats of paint. After ample curing time has passed, we finish the sign with 3-4 applications of clear coat. The result is a superior finish, which resembles that of a brand new car.
• We are so confident in our work, that we offer a full, 5-year warranty on all of our signs (5 times the national average).