What to Consider When Choosing a Monument Sign
What makes a monument sign effective?
An effective monument sign balances visibility, architecture, and branding consistency to set the tone for a property. For multifamily projects, the sign is often the first branded element residents or visitors see and is a physical representation of the brand.
Whether we’re designing or consulting on a project, we evaluate scale relative to surrounding structures, nighttime readability, and how materials interact with the landscape architecture. We often work with architects and developers early in the design phase to align finishes, illumination, and structural details with the project’s architectural language.
By treating the sign as part of the built environment instead of an accessory, we help developments achieve a cohesive, brand identity from the moment someone enters the property.
What materials work best for long-term durability?
For monument signs, aluminum is our preferred base material because it’s lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and allows for tight fabrication tolerances. It’s ideal for complex shapes, hidden fasteners, and layered designs that blend form with structure.
We finish our aluminum components with automotive-grade coatings — typically a multi-layer system including primer, base, and clear coats — to ensure consistent color and long-term weather resistance.
In some cases, we integrate steel, stone veneers, or ACM (Aluminum Composite Material) panels to complement architectural details. Our approach is to combine architectural integrity with fabrication efficiency, so each sign remains both durable and visually on-brand for years to come.
Illuminated vs Non-illuminated Signage
Illumination depends on visibility requirements, site lighting conditions, and brand intent. For most multifamily developments, internal illumination we typically use low-voltage LEDs. These provide excellent readability at night and also a clean, modern aesthetic.
However, we also fabricate signs designed for external lighting systems, such as up-lighting or architectural washes, when the design calls for a softer or more integrated effect.
Our team often partners with landscape architects or electrical engineers to determine the most efficient lighting layout. We focus on even light distribution, long-term serviceability, and concealed wiring to maintain the sign’s architectural integrity.
How early should signage be considered during design and construction?
Signage should be part of the early design coordination phase ideally before construction documents are finalized.
We’ve have decades of custom signage experience, so we know how involving a fabricator early helps save the client time and money. Identifying foundation requirements, electrical pathways, and mounting provisions later in the project can easily create unforeseen costs. We frequently assist design teams with conceptual drawings, material samples, and structural recommendations to ensure that the fabrication process is as smooth as possible.
By the time the project reaches construction, this early collaboration prevents delays and ensures the sign fits in cleanly with its surroundings, both structurally and visually.
What’s the typical process for designing and fabricating a monument sign?
Our process at Wellcraft MFG follows a structured workflow we’ve developed to help the
Conceptual Design: We review architectural plans, branding elements, and site conditions to develop initial concepts or review provided designs for fabrication feasibility.
Production Design: Our engineering team refines the design into shop-ready fabrication drawings, addressing material yields, joinery, and finishing details.
Fabrication: Components are CNC-cut, welded, bonded, and finished using our in-house paint systems. We focus heavily on surface prep and finishing to achieve consistency across all panels and materials.
Installation: We coordinate field installation or delivery, ensuring all anchor points and electrical connections align precisely with pre-planned layouts.
Ready to build your new monument sign?