How to Choose the Perfect Custom Sign - Timber, Acrylic or Metal?
Choosing the perfect custom sign for your home, business, or property can feel overwhelming with so many options available. Whether you're looking for a coastal house sign, chicken coop name plate, or business signage, understanding the differences between timber, acrylic, and metal signs will help you make the best choice for your needs.
At The Renmy Store, we handcraft custom signs in three premium materials - each with unique benefits and aesthetic appeal. Let's explore which option is perfect for you!
Timber Signs - Classic Warmth & Natural Beauty
What Are Hardwood Timber Signs?
Our hardwood timber signs are handcrafted by Mick from premium hardwood plywood and hardwood timbers offering a beautiful natural wood aesthetic with endless customisation options. Each piece is made to order with care and attention to detail, showcasing the natural warmth and grain of real timber.
Best For:
- Cottage & Country Homes - Natural timber warmth suits rustic settings
- Family Names & Established Dates - Perfect for heritage and legacy signs
- Farmhouse & Country Properties - Authentic timber complements rural settings
- Business Signage - Professional yet warm and approachable
- Vintage & Heritage Homes - Timeless appeal that suits traditional architecture
Hardwood Timber Sign Features:
- Material: Premium hardwood plywood & hardwood timber options - real timber
- Finish Options: Natural wood stain, painted finishes, or custom colours
- Sizes: Small, medium, and large - perfect for any space
- Customisation: Add text, fonts, established dates, and decorative elements
- Durability: Weather-resistant finish suitable for outdoor use
- Style: Warm, natural, classic timber aesthetic
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Authentic natural timber warmth and character
- Real wood grain adds unique beauty to each piece
- Highly customisable with colours and finishes
- Suits most architectural styles
- Weather-resistant when properly finished
- Australian made quality craftsmanship
Cons:
- Requires occasional maintenance for outdoor use
- May fade over time in harsh sun (can be refreshed)
Acrylic Look Timber Signs - Modern Durability with Timber Aesthetic
What Are Acrylic Look Timber Signs?
Our acrylic look timber signs feature premium quality acrylic with a realistic timber look finish, combining modern durability with classic timber aesthetic appeal. Precision laser cut for crisp, professional results - you get the look of timber with the durability of acrylic!
Best For:
- Coastal & Beach House Signs - Salt-resistant, won't rot like real timber
- High-Exposure Outdoor Areas - Extremely weather-resistant
- Low Maintenance Properties - No painting or refinishing needed
- Modern Homes - Contemporary durability with traditional look
- Chicken Coops & Farm Signs - Durable and weather-resistant
Acrylic Look Timber Sign Features:
- Material: Premium quality acrylic with timber look finish
- Sizes: Small (15cm x 9cm), Large (28cm x 17cm), X Large (37cm x 22cm) - custom sizes available
- Hanging Options: Double-sided, single-sided with wire, or plaque style
- Customisation: Custom text and design options
- Durability: Excellent weather resistance for indoor/outdoor use
- Style: Timber aesthetic with modern durability
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Timber look without timber maintenance
- Low maintenance - no painting or refinishing needed
- Precision laser cutting for crisp details
- Lightweight yet durable
- Perfect for coastal areas (salt-resistant)
- Great for large format signage
Cons:
- ⚠️ DO NOT DRILL - use included wire or adhesive mounting only
- No returns on custom personalised signs
- Not real timber (if you want authentic wood grain)
Shop Acrylic Look Timber Signs
Raised Laser Cut Acrylic Letter Signs - Modern Elegance
What Are Raised Laser Cut Acrylic Signs?
Our raised laser cut acrylic letter signs feature individual precision-cut acrylic letters that create a modern, dimensional look. Each letter is laser cut for crisp, clean edges and professional appearance - perfect for contemporary spaces.
Best For:
- Chicken Coops & Farm Signs - Fun, modern farmhouse style
- Indoor Door Signs - Bathroom, laundry, bedroom labels
- Modern Businesses - Professional, contemporary appearance
- Contemporary Homes - Sleek, dimensional lettering
- Feature Walls - Creates visual interest and depth
Raised Acrylic Letter Sign Features:
- Material: Premium quality acrylic - precision laser cut individual letters
- Style: Raised dimensional letters create modern, professional look
- Customisation: Custom text, fonts, and sizing options
- Installation: Individual letters can be mounted with adhesive or standoffs
- Durability: Excellent weather resistance for indoor/outdoor use
- Finish: Clean, modern acrylic finish
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Modern, dimensional appearance
- Precision laser cutting for crisp, clean edges
- Extremely weather-resistant
- Low maintenance - won't rot or rust
- Lightweight yet durable
- Contemporary professional aesthetic
Cons:
- Installation requires careful placement of individual letters
- No returns on custom personalised signs
Shop Raised Acrylic Letter Signs
Metal Signs - Industrial Charm & Lasting Beauty
What Are Metal Signs?
Our metal signs are crafted from premium 1.6mm steel - available in Mild Steel (paintable) or Cor10 Rusty Steel (corten weathering steel with natural rusty patina). Each piece is handmade in Australia with pre-drilled mounting holes for easy installation.
Best For:
- Property Entrance Signs - Makes a bold, impressive statement
- House Names & Numbers - Modern industrial style
- Farmhouse Properties - Authentic rustic aesthetic
- Business Signage - Professional and durable
- Chicken Coops - Popular names like "Cluckingham Palace"
- Garden Features - Heart designs, decorative elements
Metal Sign Features:
- Material Options: Mild Steel 1.6mm (paintable or raw) OR Cor10 Rusty Steel (natural rusty patina)
- Sizes: 45cm to 90cm wide - multiple size options for large format signage
- Finish: Mild steel can be painted any colour or left raw; Cor10 develops natural rusty patina
- Installation: Pre-drilled mounting holes for easy installation
- Customisation: Custom text, business names, property names, designs
- Durability: Weather-resistant, won't rot, ages beautifully
- Style: Industrial, rustic, farmhouse, modern
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Extremely durable and long-lasting
- Authentic rustic aesthetic (Cor10 steel)
- Develops beautiful natural patina over time
- No painting required (Cor10 option)
- Pre-drilled holes for easy installation
- Makes a bold visual statement
- Perfect for large format property signs
- Australian made quality
Cons:
- Heavier than timber or acrylic
- Additional postage costs due to size/weight
- Rusty patina varies naturally (part of the charm!)
- Made to order - allow up to 5 business days
Quick Comparison Guide
| Feature | Hardwood Timber | Acrylic Look Timber | Raised Acrylic Letters | Metal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Real hardwood plywood or Hardwood Timber | Acrylic with timber finish | Laser cut acrylic letters | 1.6mm steel |
| Best For | Cottage, farmhouse, heritage homes, coastal | Coastal, low-maintenance, modern, Farmhouse | Contemporary, chicken coops, farm modern businesses | Industrial, rustic, large property signs to small residential |
| Durability | Good (needs occasional maintenance) | Great (weather-resistant) | Great (weather-resistant) | Excellent (won't rot, ages beautifully) |
| Maintenance | Occasional refresh needed later in life | Very low maintenance | Very low maintenance | No maintenance (develops natural patina) |
| Weight | Light to Medium | Lightweight | Lightweight | Heavy |
| Look | Authentic timber grain | Timber look finish | Modern dimensional letters | Industrial rustic or paint to your choice of colour |
How to Choose: Ask Yourself These Questions
1. Where will the sign be displayed?
- Coastal/beach area: Acrylic look timber or metal (salt-resistant, won't rot)
- Full sun exposure: Acrylic or metal (won't fade as quickly)
- Sheltered outdoor area: Any option works beautifully
- Indoor use: Hardwood timber, acrylic, or raised letters for lighter weight
2. What's your home/property style?
- Coastal/beach house: Acrylic look timber (durable) or hardwood timber (authentic)
- Modern/contemporary: Raised acrylic letters or painted metal
- Farmhouse/rustic: Hardwood timber or rusty metal
- Industrial/urban: Metal (Cor10 rusty steel)
- Traditional/heritage: Hardwood timber with classic finishes
- Cottage/country: Hardwood timber for authentic warmth
3. What's the purpose?
- House name/property entrance: Metal for bold statement, hardwood timber for warmth
- Chicken coop: Acrylic or raised letters for durability and fun - Metal is great too
- Business signage: Any option - depends on brand aesthetic
- Family name with established date: Hardwood timber for heritage feel
- Door labels: Raised acrylic letters for clean, modern look
4. What's your maintenance preference?
- Low maintenance: Acrylic look timber, raised acrylic letters, or Cor10 metal
- Don't mind occasional upkeep: Hardwood timber (can refresh finish)
- Want to paint/customise later: Mild steel (paintable)
Popular Sign Ideas by Material
Hardwood Timber Signs:
- "Sweet Hunny EST 1994" - family names with established dates
- "The [Surname] Family" - heritage family signs
- "Welcome to Our Home" - warm entrance signs
- "Gum Tree Lodge" - cottage and property names
- Business names with classic appeal
Acrylic Look Timber Signs:
- Coastal house names - beach house signs
- "The [Surname] Residence" - modern property signs
- Low-maintenance outdoor signs
- Large format property entrance signs
Raised Acrylic Letter Signs:
- "Cluckingham Palace" - fun chicken coop signs
- "Bathroom" / "Laundry" - modern door labels
- Contemporary business names
- Modern house names
Metal Signs:
- "La Torretta" - impressive property entrance signs
- House numbers (modern industrial style)
- "[Surname] Coop" - farmhouse chicken signs
- Heart designs for gardens
- Business names with rustic appeal
All Our Signs Are:
- ✅ Australian Made - Handcrafted with care by Mick
- ✅ Fully Customisable - Your text, your style
- ✅ Made to Order - Each piece is unique
- ✅ Quality Materials - Premium timber, acrylic, or steel
- ✅ Weather Resistant - Suitable for outdoor use
- ✅ Multiple Sizes - From small to extra large
Ready to Order Your Custom Sign?
Still not sure which material is right for you? Here's our recommendation:
Choose Hardwood Timber if: You love authentic natural wood grain, want a warm heritage feel, and appreciate classic timber craftsmanship
Choose Acrylic Look Timber if: You want the timber aesthetic without the maintenance, need coastal durability, or prefer low-maintenance options
Choose Raised Acrylic Letters if: You love modern dimensional design, want contemporary professional appearance, and appreciate clean lines
Choose Metal if: You love industrial/rustic style, want maximum durability for large property signs, and appreciate how it ages beautifully over time
Can't decide? Contact us and we'll help you choose the perfect sign for your needs!
Important Notes:
- All signs are made to order - Metal, Timber & full custom designs please allow up to 5 business days for creation
- Custom signs cannot be returned (they're made specifically for you!)
- Professional installation available for QLD customers
- Contact us for custom sizes, colours, or special requests
Thank you for supporting Australian made craftsmanship!
Cheers, Renee & Mick