How to Choose a Wooden House Sign: Size, Font and Fixing

A house sign is one of the first things visitors, delivery drivers and the emergency services look for, and it says a lot about your home before anyone reaches the door. Here's how to choose one that's easy to read and suits your house, from the people who make them.

1. Check your house name first

If you're adding a name or changing one, it's worth knowing the rules before you order a sign.

• A name can't replace a number. If your house has an official number, councils expect it to stay in your address and be displayed on the property. Many people choose a sign with both, such as our house number and address sign.
• Register a new name with your council. To officially add or change a house name, contact your local council's street naming and numbering team. They'll usually turn down a name already used nearby, to avoid confusion.
• Just want a sign for an existing name? Then there's nothing to arrange; just check the spelling matches your official address.

2. Choose a size that can be read from the road

The most common mistake is going too small. A sign that looks right in your hands can disappear on a wall, especially if people need to read it from the pavement or a car.

A quick test: cut a piece of paper to the size you're considering, write the name on it and tape it in place. Then walk to the road and look back.

3. Pick a font and edge that suit your home

Match the lettering to the age and style of the house.

• Traditional serif lettering suits cottages, farmhouses and period homes.
• Clean sans-serif lettering suits modern homes and reads well from a distance.
• Handwriting-style fonts look lovely for short names seen close up, but are harder to read from the road.

The edge makes a difference too. A chamfered (angled) edge gives a classic, crafted look, a straight edge feels crisp and modern, and a rounded edge is softer. We send a proof before we cut anything, so you can see exactly how your name will look.

4. Don't forget the number

Even if you love your house name, a clear number helps deliveries and the emergency services find you quickly. Our period house number sign is a wooden alternative to brass or metal numerals, and suits homes with timber doors and windows.

5. Fix it where people will look

Our house signs come pre-drilled, with oak caps to cover the screws.

• Beside the front door, around eye level, is the most natural place, and near a porch light helps at night.
• On a gatepost or front wall if the door can't be seen from the road.
• Keep it clear of hedges and climbers, which grow faster than you think.
• Use stainless steel or brass screws, as ordinary steel can rust and stain the oak.
• Avoid spots directly under a gutter or where water constantly runs down the wall.

6. Know how it will age

Every house sign we make is cut from 20mm solid European oak and finished with three coats of UV-protection oil. Left alone, oak gradually weathers to a soft silver, which many people love on traditional homes. If you'd rather keep the warm colour, a light coat of oil every so often does the job. Our aftercare guide explains how.

Quick questions

Is oak a good material for a house sign?

Yes. Oak is one of the most durable hardwoods, it's naturally suited to the outdoors and it suits homes with timber doors, windows or gates. Slate and metal are also long-lasting; oak is the warmer, more natural choice.

Can I see my sign before it's made?

Always. We'll send a proof of your name, font and layout for you to approve first.

How long does it take?

Our current lead time is 7–10 working days to dispatch.

Can you make signs for other parts of the house or garden?

Yes, from "Bike Store" to "Boot Room". Our guide to choosing an outdoor wooden sign covers garden and outbuilding signs.

Ready to order?

Choose your size, font and edge on our personalised wooden house sign page, or add your number with our house number and address sign.