Road Sign Installation Guide

How do you install a road sign? That depends on whether you want your sign to be mounted on a wall or on a sign post.

In this article, we’ll take you through the steps for installing wall-mounted and post-mounted road signs.

Post-mounted vs wall-mounted signs

You’ll see both types of sign around the UK road network, and both have their advantages. Post-mounted signs are ideal when there’s no existing structure to support a sign, while wall mounting allows you to display signage when there’s no room for a post or where the ground isn’t suitable.

Installing a sign post involves digging a hole and making sure the post is fully secure (and using a post that’s the correct height). Wall-mounted signs are simpler to install, but you may need to seek permission from the owner of the wall or building.

Wall-mounted signs

Before you get started, make sure you have the right size of sign face for the location. This may be determined by the the available wall space, but it has to be large enough to be seen from a distance, especially in areas with fast traffic.

You will need:

• Masking tape

• Drill 

• Drill bit for metal

• SDS drill bit

• Spirit level

• Pen or pencil

• Wall plugs

• Screws

First steps:

Measure from the floor to ensure that the sign is straight and will be visible from where vehicles approach it. Take into consideration the type of vehicles likely to be driving in the area - for instance, you’ll want to mount the sign higher if it’s aimed at HGVs. 

Installation:

If the sign is not pre-drilled, you’ll need to drill some holes for mounting. For pre-drilled signs, start at step 3.

1. Place masking tape over the corners where you want to drill - this will help to prevent the sign face material from tearing.

2. Use a sharp drill bit, designed for drilling metal, to drill through the masking tape and sign.

3. Place the sign in its intended position on the wall, using a spirit level to make sure it’s level.

4. Use a pen or pencil to mark the wall where the corner holes will be.

5. Use an SDS drill bit to drill the fixing holes into the wall.

6. Insert wall plugs (such as Rawlplugs or similar).

7. Use stainless steel screws or similarly corrosion-proof screws to fix the sign to the wall (this will guard against getting rust streaks on your sign).

Post-mounted signs

For the purposes of this guide, we will assume that you’re using a sign face no larger than 750mm tall. (See our sign post height guide for more information.)

You will need:

• Post digging tool

• Postfix material

• Surface dressing material

• Spirit level

• Sign fixings

NOTE: Most of the permanent road signs we sell come with channels on the rear, although you can also buy these separately and affix them with rivets or specialist tape.

Optionally, you can use a base plate on the base of your sign post to create a stable platform during the installation process and to help prevent the post being pulled out of its foundation once installed. You can also use post caps on the top of the post, to prevent water ingress.

First steps:

If you’re working by a roadside, put up suitable barriers and temporary warning signage to ensure that vehicles can’t get too close.

Installation:

1. Dig a hole 750mm deep and 30cm x 30cm square.

2. If using a base plate, attach this to the bottom of the post using the adjustable fixing provided. 

3. Position the post in the hole, keeping a foot on the post to help maintain its position, and make sure it’s level with a spirit level.

4. Backfill the hole with 600mm of postfix, leaving 150mm for the surface dressing. (If you’re installing into concrete, you don’t need to do this - just fill the hole right up so the filling is flush with the surface.)

5. Replace turf / tarmac around the base of the post.

6. Hold the sign face at the correct height above the ground, ensuring it faces straight on to traffic for easy viewing.

7. Install anti-rotational clips into the sign channel, and tighten. 

8. Add the post cap to the top of the post, if using.

The takeaway

If you follow the steps above, you’ll be able to install a road sign on a post or on a wall with relative ease. Make sure you’ve taken the measurements and checked that it’s safe to install the sign in the chosen location.

You can buy sign faces, posts, and fixings - plus tools to install them - at Start Safety. Get in touch with our friendly sales team if you have any questions!