Common Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering Street Signage

Ordering custom or standard street signs may seem straightforward, but overlooking key details can lead to delays, added costs, or signage that doesn’t meet expectations. Whether you’re managing a municipal project, HOA upgrade, or private development, understanding common pitfalls and how to avoid them can save time and ensure long-lasting results.

Signature Streetscape's street sign ordering guide outlines the most frequent mistakes made and offers practical custom street signage tips to help you achieve a successful, stress-free signage project.

Mistake #1: Prioritizing Cost Over Quality

One of the most common mistakes when ordering street sign assemblies is choosing the lowest-cost option without considering long-term performance. While a quick 2-day shipped stop sign may seem easy and economical upfront, lower-quality materials can fade, warp, or require replacement sooner than expected.

Investing in American-made durable materials, such as cast aluminum or architectural-grade components, helps reduce maintenance costs and provides signage that maintains its appearance for years. Quality signage isn’t just an expense; it’s a long-term asset for your community.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Community Branding and Aesthetics

Street signs play a significant role in shaping how a neighborhood looks and feels. Treating signage as a purely functional item often results in mismatched designs that detract from curb appeal.

Successful communities incorporate signage into their overall streetscape design. Coordinated colors, fonts, borders, and posts create a cohesive appearance that reinforces identity and professionalism. One of the most important custom street signage tips is to align your signs with your community’s architectural style and branding goals.

Mistake #3: Overlooking Compliance and Visibility Requirements

Street signage must meet MUTCD guidelines and local regulations to ensure proper visibility and safety. Skipping this step can result in signs that need to be remade or fail inspections.

A reliable street sign ordering guide should always include:

• Proper letter sizing: see guide here

• Adequate contrast between text and background

• Reflective materials for nighttime visibility

• Correct mounting heights and placements: The most common mistake when ordering is not including the burial depth of the post. *Standard burial depth is 24" NOTE: A post reveal of 10ft above ground would require a total purchase length of 12ft.

Working with an experienced sales associate at Signature Streetscapes helps ensure your custom street signage is both attractive and compliant.

Mistake #4: Not Planning for Long-Term Durability

Outdoor signage is constantly exposed to weather, UV rays, and temperature fluctuations. Selecting materials that can’t withstand these conditions leads to premature fading or damage.

High-quality finishes and corrosion-resistant materials significantly extend the life of your signage. Planning for durability from the start is one of the most valuable custom street signage tips for municipalities and HOAs alike.

Mistake #5: Forgetting About Installation and Mounting Hardware

Speed limit signs are only part of the equation. Posts, brackets, finials, traffic sign frames, and mounting systems all affect the final appearance and functionality of your signage.

Information to provide to your sign manufacturer:

• What diameter posts will you be mounting your signs to?
  
• Do you need extra signs on hand for emergencies? (snow-plow damage, car dings, natural disasters)
• Do your sign assemblies need to be break-away compliant?
• Do your signs need to be mounted at specific heights?
  

Failing to account for these components can result in mismatched hardware or unexpected installation challenges.

Mistake #6: Skipping Proofing and Design Review

Rushing through the proofing process is another common mistake. Misspelled street names, incorrect fonts, or layout issues can delay projects and increase costs.

Always review proofs carefully and confirm details such as:

• Street name spelling

• Font style and size

• Reflective backgrounds

• Color selections

• Mounting configurations

• Are the wayfinding arrows pointing in the correct direction? 

Taking time during approval prevents costly revisions later.

Mistake #7: Choosing a Vendor Without Streetscape Experience

Not all sign manufacturers specialize in decorative or custom street signage. Selecting a partner without experience in streetscape projects can lead to inconsistent quality or limited design options.

Look for a manufacturer who understands municipal standards, community branding, and long-term durability. Their expertise becomes an extension of your project team.

 

A Smarter Approach to Ordering Custom Street Signage

Avoiding these common mistakes helps ensure your signage project runs smoothly and delivers results you’ll be proud of. From material selection and compliance to design consistency and installation planning, thoughtful preparation makes all the difference.

This street sign ordering guide is designed to empower communities with practical insights and proven custom street signage tips so your signs enhance curb appeal, support navigation, and stand the test of time.

At Signature Streetscapes, we partner with cities, HOAs, and developers to guide each project from concept through installation, helping create signage systems that are both functional and visually impactful.