Whether you’re going for rustic charm or elegant sophistication, custom wood signs are the perfect expression of your business’s personality. While master craftsmen use a variety of techniques to create beautiful custom signs, one of the most common is routing out the design. Below is a brief description of routed wood signs and how it differs from other methods.

A Quick Guide to Routed Wood Signs

How a Router Works

A wood router is a hand tool that uses a spinning bit to hollow out sections of the wood. By controlling the depth of the bit, skilled craftsmen can achieve incredible precision, allowing them to create detailed designs with remarkable clarity and precision. Routers are used in almost every aspect of woodworking, from rounding edges to creating joints, but they produce an eye-catching effect when used to make custom wood signs.

How Routing Differs From Sandblasting

To make a sandblasted wood sign, craftsmen will place a rubber template over the wood before blasting away excess material. The end result features letters and images that stand in relief from the background, which usually gives the sign a more rustic or vintage appearance.

A routed sign achieves the exact opposite effect, with the text carved down into a raised background. The final result can be painted to emphasize the engraved look or stained and polished to retain the natural luster of the wood.

When to Choose a Routed Wood Sign

Both sandblasting and routing produce beautiful custom wood signs, so which method to use is a matter of personal taste. Generally, however, routing is preferred for those who prefer a more elegant presentation. If your business is located in a historic district, local zoning rules might also dictate what type of sign you may use.

No matter what industry you’re in, the skilled craftsmen at Creative Blast Company will help your business make a strong first impression. For over 30 years, their team has provided beautiful custom wood signs to businesses throughout the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area, and have the tools to bring your vision to life. Visit their website to see some samples of their work or call (513)-251-4177 to discuss your project with a member of their team.