It's the first question every business owner asks us, and the honest answer is: it depends on five things. Once you understand them, you can make smart choices and get the biggest, brightest sign for your budget.
1. Size is the biggest driver
3D signs are priced by area, so a sign that's twice as wide and twice as tall covers four times the area. Before you fall in love with a size, stand across the road from your shop. The right letter height is the one people can read from where they'll actually see it: the road, the parking lot or the mall corridor.
2. Material
Most 3D letters are built from acrylic (Perspex), aluminium, stainless steel or a combination. Acrylic faces with aluminium or PVC returns give a clean, modern look at a sensible cost. Stainless steel and brushed metals cost more but look premium and last longer outdoors.
3. Lighting
- Non-lit: the most affordable option, and it looks great in daylight.
- Front-lit: the letter faces glow at night. This is the most popular option for shops.
- Back-lit (halo): light spills onto the wall behind the letters. It's elegant and premium.
Lit signs need LEDs, a power supply and proper wiring. That adds cost, but it doubles the hours your sign works for you.
4. Installation height and access
A sign at eye level on a shop front installs quickly. A sign three floors up on a building face needs ladders, scaffolding or a boom, plus more crew time. We always survey the site before confirming installation.
5. Backing and structure
Some walls need a backing panel (ACP or forex) or a steel frame before letters can be mounted. Petrol stations, pylons and rooftop signs almost always need fabrication.
Tip: If budget is tight, keep your logo and name in 3D and put everything else, like services and phone numbers, on a flat printed panel below it. You'll get most of the impact for a fraction of the cost.
Get your number in minutes
Use our sign calculator to size your sign, then send it to us on WhatsApp. We'll reply with a firm quote.