When it comes to creating bespoke timber signage for homes, farms, estates, and businesses, one of the first decisions is choosing the style of sign and post. At Hartwood Timber, our signs are handcrafted to offer both traditional charm and lasting durability — and that starts with understanding the differences between a Ladder Sign and an Estate/Entrance Sign.
Ladder Signs: Practical, Flexible & Characterful
Ladder signs are a popular choice for properties and businesses that need clear, simple, and highly visible messaging. They’re perfect for directional use, farm names, commercial parks, house names, or multi-board displays.
Key characteristics of Ladder Signs:
- Individual timber “ladders” are fixed to the front of the posts with visible screws
- Available with 1 to 7 ladders, depending on how many names or details are required
- Highly practical for settings where names may change in the future — individual ladders can be easily removed and replaced as business units, tenants, or property names change
This style offers both clarity and future-proofing, making it ideal for multi-use estates, commercial sites, and farms where occupants or directional details may evolve over time.
Estate/Entrance Signs: Traditional & Seamless
Estate (or Entrance) signs are designed to create a more traditional and refined visual presence — perfect for main driveways, heritage properties, homes, and estates.
Key characteristics of Estate/Entrance Signs:
- Individual timber “ladders” are fixed into the inside edge of the posts
- These signs are constructed using traditional joinery methods rather than visible screws
- Offers a cleaner, more formal look
- Also available in 1 to 7 ladder configurations for multiple names or details
If you’re looking to make a strong first impression at the entrance to a property, this style provides a beautifully seamless aesthetic with timeless appeal.
Post Options & Finishing Details
Whichever sign style you choose, customers can tailor the appearance and function with a range of custom options:
Post Height & Installation
- We have a range of post lengths available to achieve your ideal finished signage height – Lengths listed on our website refer to the overall post height
- For ground installation, remember to account for additional length to accommodate dig-in depth
Post Top Styles
Choose from a selection of top details to personalise the final look:
- Square cut
- Pyramid cut
- Single engraved groove
- Double engraved groove
These details allow for subtle character enhancements — from a clean and modern finish to a more decorative, traditional highlight.
Added Protection: Black Jack Bitumen Paint
For extended outdoor durability (especially when posts are installed directly into soil), Black Jack bitumen paint can be added to the bottom of the posts for extra protection.
Which Style Should You Choose?
A quick comparison:
| Feature | Ladder Sign | Estate/Entrance Sign |
|---|---|---|
| Fixing Method | Front of posts with visible screws | Inside posts using joinery |
| Aesthetic | Practical, flexible | Traditional, refined |
| Best For | Farms, commercial estates, direction signs, multi-name | Main driveways, homes, estates |
| Changeability | Easy to update individual ladders | Fixed; for long-term names |
| Ladder Options | 1–7 boards | 1–7 boards |
Built to Suit Your Property
Whether you’re signposting a farm entrance, organising a commercial estate, or marking a family home, Hartwood Timber signage is crafted to complement the environment and communicate clearly. With tailored options in height, finish, and layout, each sign is made to order to suit your specific requirements.
Discuss Your Signage Requirements With Us
Every site and setting is different, and our team is always on hand to offer guidance on the most suitable sign style, post configuration, or custom details. We can also incorporate logos, branding, and bespoke engraving to create signage that’s truly unique to your property or business.
For personalised advice, email [email protected] or use our contact form: https://www.hartwoodtimber.co.uk/contact-us-page/
