Timber signs from different types of wood
15/09/2009
Have you ever thought of the reasons why some signs are made of one type of wood and some of another?
Timber signs are popular outdoors as either a cost effective or attractive and natural product. Within the UK, timber signs are generally made from the following types of wood:
· Oak signs are produced from the wood of the Oak tree. This produces very hard wearing products that require minimal maintenance, and important consideration as most timber signs are installed outdoors and exposed to rain and wind. The Oak wood is very tough to work with, but also acidic and this means stainless steel should be use for any fixtures and fittings on an Oak Timber sign.
· Sapele is another type of wood often used in making timber signs; it is similar to Oak in that it is hard wearing, but is a darker redder colour and is cheaper than Oak.
· The third common wood used in manufacturing timber signage is Pine; this is cheaper and easier to handle, but not as durable as Oak or Sapele.
· Other trees are used for timber signs, and these include Fir or Larch
Timber signs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from the wooden church notice board, to the National Trust orientation display board, fingerposts for direction indication, ladder signs, wall mounted frames and assorted custom structures.
Wooden or timber signs are particularly important for organisations such as the National Trust or English Heritage, for whom the link with the natural environment is important. Fitzpatrick Woolmer are the UK’s leading providers of timber signs for public and open spaces.
Some of the above information is taken from information about using timber for wooden signage on the Fitzpatrick Woolmer website.
