handcrafted signs
At Appalachian Craftsman, we create custom signs that blend timeless craftsmanship with modern tools and techniques. From warm, decorative indoor pieces to durable exterior signage for businesses and organizations, every sign is built with care, precision, and an eye for detail.
Choosing the right material is just as important as the design itself. Below, you’ll find an overview of the sign types we offer, their common uses, and the unique advantages (and a few considerations) of each.
Custom Decorative Indoor Signs
These signs are as versatile as they are beautiful. Using both laser and CNC machines, we craft designs that can be as simple or intricate as you’d like. Perfect as gifts, office décor, or a welcoming touch in your home, these signs are often made with wood but can also be produced from a variety of other materials.
Benefits:
- Highly customizable for unique designs or branding
- Wide range of materials available (wood, acrylic, and more)
- Ideal for gifts, décor, and light-use signage indoors
- Ability to achieve fine detail with laser engraving or CNC carving
Considerations:
- Primarily suited for indoor use
- Less resistant to weather and moisture compared to outdoor sign materials
Exterior Wood Signs (Cedar)
Few things rival the timeless appeal of a real wood sign. We typically craft these from cedar, a wood prized for its durability and natural resistance to decay. Exterior wood signs bring a warm, natural character to businesses, farms, cabins, or community spaces.
Benefits:
- Authentic, natural wood look and feel
- Cedar is naturally rot- and insect-resistant
- Can be carved, engraved, and painted for a personalized finish
- Ages gracefully, developing a rustic patina over time if left unfinished
Considerations:
- Requires ongoing maintenance (sealing, repainting) to preserve appearance
- Wood may weather or crack over many years outdoors
Color Core Signs
Color Core signs are engineered for durability and simplicity. Made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with contrasting inner layers, these signs are engraved on our CNC machine to reveal crisp, easy-to-read lettering or graphics. They excel in outdoor environments where weather resistance is a must, but they can also be a practical choice indoors.
Benefits:
- Extremely durable and weatherproof
- No painting required — contrasting layers provide built-in visibility
- Low maintenance compared to wood or painted signs
- Resistant to fading, cracking, or rotting
Considerations:
- Limited color options compared to painted finishes
- Best suited for simple designs rather than highly detailed or ornate work
HDU Signs (High-Density Urethane)
HDU is the gold standard for many exterior business signs. This material is lightweight, stable, and resistant to moisture — but when painted and finished by hand, it takes on the look of traditional carved wood. We can even add details like gold leafing for a truly refined finish.
Benefits:
- Extremely durable and long-lasting outdoors
- Mimics the classic look of wood without the same upkeep
- Highly customizable with paint, textures, and specialty finishes (including gilding)
- Won’t crack, warp, or rot like natural wood
Considerations:
- Typically more costly than simpler materials
- Finish depends on professional painting and care during installation
Which Sign is Right for You?
Whether you’re looking to elevate your storefront, provide clear wayfinding, or add a touch of warmth indoors, the right material depends on your goals:
- Decorative indoor use: Custom wood or mixed-material signs
- Natural, rustic charm outdoors: Cedar wood signs
- Simple, durable signage outdoors: Color Core signs
- High-end, polished branding: HDU signs with custom finishes
At Appalachian Craftsman, every sign is made to order — designed to reflect your unique brand, vision, or space.