How to Install a House Sign - Complete DIY Installation Guide

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing House Signs, House Numbers & Address Plaques

Installing a house sign might seem daunting, but with the right tools and our step-by-step guide, you can have your new house number, house name plaque, or address plate mounted securely and looking professional in under an hour. Whether you're installing a slate house sign, white engraved plaque, or rustic house number, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Tools & Materials You'll Need

Essential Tools

• Electric drill with masonry bit (6mm or 8mm depending on your fixings)
• Spirit level (essential for straight installation)
• Tape measure
• Pencil for marking
• Screwdriver (if using screws)
• Hammer (if using wall plugs)
• Safety glasses (for drilling)
• Dust mask (recommended for masonry drilling)

Fixings Provided

All our house signs come with appropriate weatherproof fixings included:

• Stainless steel screws (rust-proof for outdoor use)
• Wall plugs (for brick, stone, or concrete)
• Spacers or bushings (to protect the sign and allow air circulation)

Additional Materials You May Need

• Masking tape (to protect your sign during installation)
• Silicone sealant (optional, for extra weatherproofing)
• Adhesive pads (alternative fixing method for some surfaces)

Before You Start: Planning Your Installation

Choose the Right Location

Your house sign should be:

• Clearly visible from the street - Emergency services and visitors need to find you easily
• Well-lit - Consider adding outdoor lighting if the area is dark at night
• At eye level - Typically 1.5-1.8 metres from ground level
• Protected from excessive weather - Avoid areas with constant water runoff if possible
• On a solid surface - Brick, stone, concrete, or rendered walls work best

Check for Hidden Pipes & Cables

IMPORTANT: Before drilling, check for hidden pipes, cables, or wires behind your wall. Use a cable detector or consult building plans if available. Avoid drilling:

• Directly above or below electrical outlets or switches
• Near water pipes or drainage
• Through mortar joints if possible (brick is stronger)

Measure Twice, Drill Once

Take time to measure and mark your position carefully. A wonky house number sign is immediately noticeable and difficult to correct once holes are drilled!

Installation Method 1: Drilling & Screwing (Most Common)

This is the recommended method for slate house signs, white engraved signs, and most house plaques.

Step 1: Position Your Sign

1. Hold your house sign against the wall in your chosen position
2. Use a spirit level to ensure it's perfectly horizontal (or vertical if mounting that way)
3. Lightly mark the top edge with a pencil

Step 2: Mark Drilling Points

1. Place your sign face-down on a soft surface (towel or cardboard) to protect it
2. Measure the distance between the fixing holes on the back of your sign
3. Transfer these measurements to your wall, using your spirit level to keep marks level
4. Mark each drilling point with a pencil or masking tape cross

Pro Tip: For signs with 4 fixing holes, measure and mark the top two holes first, drill and partially insert screws, then hang the sign to mark the bottom holes. This ensures perfect alignment.

Step 3: Drill the Holes

1. Put on safety glasses and dust mask
2. Select the correct masonry drill bit (usually 6mm or 8mm - check your wall plug size)
3. Hold the drill perpendicular to the wall
4. Drill slowly at first to prevent the bit from slipping
5. Drill to the depth of your wall plugs (usually 40-50mm)
6. Remove dust from holes using a vacuum or by blowing

Drilling Tips:

• For brick: Drill into the brick itself, not the mortar (stronger fixing)
• For rendered walls: Drill through the render into the brick/block behind
• For very hard surfaces: Use a hammer drill setting if available
• Keep the drill straight to ensure wall plugs fit properly

Step 4: Insert Wall Plugs

1. Push wall plugs into the drilled holes
2. Tap gently with a hammer until flush with the wall surface
3. If plugs are loose, use a larger size or fill the hole with wall filler and re-drill

Step 5: Attach Your House Sign

1. If provided, place spacers/bushings over the screws first (these protect your sign and allow air circulation)
2. Hold your house sign in position
3. Insert screws through the sign into the wall plugs
4. Tighten screws gradually, alternating between fixings to keep the sign level
5. Don't overtighten - especially with slate signs or white engraved signs, as this can crack the material
6. Check with your spirit level and adjust if needed before final tightening

Step 6: Final Checks

• Ensure all screws are secure but not over-tightened
• Check the sign is level from multiple angles
• Gently test stability (it shouldn't move or rattle)
• Clean any dust or marks from the sign surface

Installation Method 2: Adhesive Mounting

Suitable for lightweight house number signs on smooth, non-porous surfaces like UPVC, glass, or smooth rendered walls.

When to Use Adhesive

• You cannot drill (rental property, listed building restrictions)
• Mounting on UPVC door or window frame
• Very lightweight signs only
• Smooth, clean, dry surface available

Adhesive Installation Steps

1. Clean the wall surface thoroughly with methylated spirits - remove all dirt, grease, and moisture
2. Allow surface to dry completely (wait 24 hours in damp conditions)
3. Mark the position with masking tape as a guide
4. Apply high-quality exterior adhesive pads or silicone adhesive to the back of your sign
5. Press firmly in position and hold for 60 seconds
6. Support the sign with masking tape for 24 hours while adhesive cures
7. Remove tape after 24 hours

Important: Adhesive mounting is not recommended for heavy slate house signs or large address plaques. Always use screws for these.

Special Installation Considerations

Installing Slate House Signs

Slate house signs are natural stone and require careful handling:

• Always use spacers/bushings to prevent the slate touching the wall directly
• Don't overtighten screws - slate can crack under pressure
• Ensure the wall surface is relatively flat
• Consider using rubber washers for extra protection

Installing White Engraved Signs (Corian)

White house signs made from solid surface material are durable but should be installed with care:

• Use the provided spacers to allow air circulation behind the sign
• Tighten screws evenly to distribute pressure
• These signs are weatherproof but benefit from slight overhang protection if available

Installing Oval & Round House Plaques

Oval house signs and round plaques typically have fixing points at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o'clock positions:

• Mark the centre point first
• Use a spirit level to ensure the top fixing is truly vertical
• The raised beaded rim should sit evenly all around

Installing Bridge Top Signs

Bridge Top house signs (Mews style) have a distinctive shape:

• Ensure the bridge/dome at the top is centred
• The sign should be perfectly level despite the curved top
• Usually requires 4 fixing points for stability

Different Wall Types: Specific Advice

Brick Walls

• Drill into the brick, not the mortar joints
• Use 6mm or 8mm masonry drill bit
• Standard wall plugs work perfectly
• Very secure fixing - ideal for all house sign types

Rendered/Plastered Walls

• Drill through the render into the brick/block behind
• Ensure your drill bit is long enough to reach solid material
• Use longer screws and wall plugs (60mm+)
• Be gentle when tightening to avoid cracking the render

Stone Walls

• Very hard - use a hammer drill setting
• May require carbide-tipped masonry bits
• Drill slowly to avoid overheating the bit
• Extremely secure once installed

Concrete Walls

• Similar to stone - very hard material
• Hammer drill essential
• Use quality masonry bits
• Excellent fixing strength

UPVC/Composite Doors & Frames

• Do not drill through UPVC - you'll void warranties and risk water ingress
• Use adhesive pads or silicone adhesive only
• Only suitable for lightweight house number signs
• Consider mounting on the wall beside the door instead

Wooden Surfaces (Gates, Fences, Sheds)

• No wall plugs needed - screws directly into wood
• Pre-drill pilot holes slightly smaller than screw diameter
• Use stainless steel screws to prevent rust
• Consider using washers to prevent the sign pulling through over time

Weatherproofing Your Installation

While all our house signs are weatherproof, you can take extra steps to ensure longevity:

Optional Weatherproofing Steps

• Silicone sealant: Apply a small bead around the edges where the sign meets the wall (not essential but adds extra protection)
• Spacers: Always use the provided spacers - they allow air circulation and prevent moisture being trapped
• Slight angle: If possible, mount with a very slight forward tilt (1-2 degrees) to encourage water runoff
• Overhang protection: If your property has a porch or overhang, mounting beneath it provides extra protection

Maintenance After Installation

Your house sign will last for decades with minimal maintenance:

Slate House Signs

• Wipe clean with a damp cloth annually
• Check fixings every 2-3 years and tighten if needed
• The natural slate will weather beautifully over time
• Paint inlay may fade after 10-15 years - can be repainted if desired

White Engraved Signs

• Clean with warm soapy water and soft cloth
• Avoid abrasive cleaners
• 10-year guarantee on material
• Colour inlay is permanent and won't fade

Reflective House Signs

• Clean reflective surface gently to maintain visibility
• Check reflectivity at night annually
• Reflective properties last 10+ years

Common Installation Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not using a spirit level - Results in wonky signs that are immediately obvious
2. Drilling into mortar instead of brick - Weaker fixing that may fail over time
3. Overtightening screws - Can crack slate or damage other materials
4. Skipping spacers - Causes moisture problems and can damage the sign
5. Wrong drill bit size - Wall plugs won't fit properly
6. Rushing the marking stage - Measure twice, drill once!
7. Installing too low - Should be at eye level for visibility
8. Ignoring lighting - Signs need to be visible at night

When to Call a Professional

While most house sign installations are straightforward DIY projects, consider professional help if:

• You're installing on a listed building (may require permissions)
• The wall is very high and requires ladders/scaffolding
• You're unsure about hidden pipes or cables
• The wall material is unusual or very hard
• You don't have the necessary tools
• You're not confident with DIY tasks

A handyman or builder can typically install a house sign in 15-30 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How high should I mount my house sign?

Ideally 1.5-1.8 metres from ground level (eye level for most adults). This ensures visibility for visitors and emergency services.

Can I install a house sign on a rendered wall?

Yes! Drill through the render into the brick or block behind, using longer screws and wall plugs (60mm+). Be gentle when tightening to avoid cracking the render.

Do I need planning permission to install a house sign?

Generally no - house numbers and house name plaques are considered permitted development. However, listed buildings or conservation areas may have restrictions. Check with your local council if unsure.

What if I drill in the wrong place?

Fill the incorrect holes with exterior filler, allow to dry, sand smooth, and re-drill in the correct position. The filler will blend in over time.

Can I install a house sign myself if I'm not handy?

Yes! With basic tools, a spirit level, and careful measuring, most people can successfully install a house sign. Take your time and follow this guide step-by-step.

How long does installation take?

For most house signs, allow 30-60 minutes including measuring, drilling, and mounting. First-timers may take a bit longer.

Will the fixings rust?

No - we provide stainless steel fixings that are rust-proof and designed for outdoor use in all UK weather conditions.

Ready to Install Your House Sign?

Now you have all the knowledge needed to install your house sign, house number, or address plaque professionally and securely. Remember:

• Measure carefully and use a spirit level
• Drill into brick, not mortar
• Don't overtighten screws
• Use the provided spacers
• Take your time - rushing leads to mistakes

All our slate house signs, white engraved signs, rustic plaques, oval signs, rectangular signs, and bridge top designs come with complete fitting instructions and all necessary fixings.

Need help choosing the right house sign before installation? Browse our complete range of personalised house signs from £20.95, or call us on 01983 400777 for expert advice.

Free design service available on all orders.