Request a Quote
Vision Visual Signs Logo - Horizontal White

On Budget, On Time, On Spec

5-star rating (77 Ratings & Reviews)

Serving the Greater Denver Area and Front Range, CO

Let's Chat!

Call or Text

(720) 330-5376

Dimensional Letter Signs – Tips to Create a Sign That Stands Out

May 12, 2023

Dimensional letter signs are a great way to make a significant impact with minimal effort. With suitable materials, placement, and dimensions, you can create a dimensional letter sign that draws attention and adds character to any space. This blog post will provide tips on creating a dimensional letter sign that will stand out. We’ll discuss different materials to choose from and explore the importance of placement and dimensions when creating a successful dimensional letter sign. Read on to learn more!

Different Materials to Choose

Dimensional letter signs are a popular choice for lobbies, reception areas, and office walls across Denver — from startups in RiNo to established firms in the Denver Tech Center.

When creating a dimensional letter sign, determining what material you want to use is one of the first steps. A variety of options are available, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Some popular choices include acrylic, aluminum, brass, bronze, copper, stainless steel, and wood.

Blue Bear Creative Indoor SIgnage Vision Visual Design and fabrication Denver CO

 

 

  • Acrylic is often the most popular choice as it is lightweight, affordable, and comes in various colors. It can be cut into any shape and is easy to paint.
  • Aluminum is another popular choice, as it is solid and lightweight. It can also be cut into any shape and painted.
  • Brass, bronze, copper, and stainless steel offer a more classic look, but they are heavier than acrylic or aluminum.
  • Wood offers a more traditional look and feel but is less durable than the other materials.

Consider the environmental factors that could affect it, no matter what material you choose. This will help you ensure your sign will last for years to come.

Placement

Placement is key when it comes to creating a dimensional letter sign that stands out. First, consider where you want the sign to be located and how it will be seen in the environment. Next, consider whether it will be outdoors, indoors, or both. If you plan to display your sign indoors, consider how much space is available and how high the sign should be placed. If the sign is displayed outdoors, consider things like visibility, weather conditions, and potential damage from wind and rain. No matter where you plan to place your sign, ensure it is properly secured so that it doesn’t move or become unstable. The right placement will make all the difference in your sign’s success.

Dimensions

When it comes to dimensional letter signs, size matters! Choosing the right size for your sign depends on its purpose and where you plan to place it. For example, if your sign is installed outdoors, ensure it’s large enough to be seen from far away. On the other hand, if it’s meant to be displayed indoors, consider the space available and pick an appropriate size. The thickness of the material used is also essential when determining the sign’s size.

Vision Visual can design, fabricate and install your new dimensional sign! Reach out to us today to learn more!

Local drive bar channel letter

Permitting Knowledge Is Non-Negotiable — Especially in Jefferson County

Sign permitting in Golden and Jefferson County isn’t difficult if you know what you’re doing — and it’s a significant, expensive headache if you don’t. Most commercial signs require a building permit before installation. Illuminated signs may require an electrical permit as well. In certain Historic District areas, you may need sign design approval before a permit is even issued.

A qualified sign company in Golden, CO should be able to tell you — at the first consultation — whether your sign type requires a permit, how long approval typically takes in Jefferson County, whether your building or lease has any restrictions that affect the design, and what happens if a permit is denied or requires revision.

The companies that skip this conversation, or treat permitting as the client’s problem, are the ones who produce beautiful signs that sit in your parking lot for three weeks waiting for approval. Ask directly: ‘Do you handle permitting, and have you pulled permits for sign installations in Golden specifically?’

Make Sure They Produce the Type of Sign You Need

Not every sign company in the Golden area fabricates every sign type. Some specialize in vehicle wraps and vinyl graphics; others focus on interior wayfinding and office signage. If your project involves illuminated channel letters, monument signs, or large-format exterior signage, confirm the company has a verified portfolio in that specific category.

Common Commercial Sign Types — and What to Ask

Storefront and entrance signs: These are often the first interaction a customer has with your brand. Ask to see examples of building-mounted signage for businesses comparable to yours in size and industry.

Monument signs: Freestanding signs at a property entrance require structural engineering, setback compliance, and often landscaping coordination. Make sure your sign company has installed them before — not just designed them.

Channel letters and illuminated signs: LED-illuminated signs are the standard for most commercial retail today. Confirm the company has electrical installation capability and licenses appropriate for Jefferson County.

Wayfinding and directional signs: For office parks, multi-tenant buildings, and facilities with complex traffic patterns, wayfinding systems require hierarchy and ADA compliance knowledge that not all sign companies possess.

Window graphics and vinyl: Lower-cost, high-impact, and easily updated — a good sign company should handle these without minimum project sizes.

Five Questions to Ask Any Golden Sign Company Before You Sign

The consultation call or first meeting with a sign company tells you a great deal about how the project will go. Here are the five questions that distinguish experienced sign contractors from average ones:

  1. Have you installed signs in Golden or Jefferson County before, and can I see examples? A company that’s installed locally will have permit knowledge, inspector relationships, and an understanding of Golden’s specific code environment.
  2. Who handles permitting — you or me? If the answer is ‘you,’ that’s a significant workload and risk transfer. A full-service sign company should manage permit applications as part of the project.
  3. What’s included in your quote — and what isn’t? Understand whether permit fees, site surveys, electrical work, and structural attachments are included or itemized separately.
  4. What’s your fabrication lead time, and do you control that timeline? A sign company that outsources fabrication has less control over when your sign is ready — which matters if you have an opening date. 
  1. Do you have a portfolio specifically for my sign type? Don’t settle for ‘we can do that’ without seeing proof. A portfolio in your sign category is the most reliable quality signal available.

Why Golden Businesses Choose Vision Visual Sign

Vision Visual Signs has been serving businesses in Golden, Jefferson County, and the greater Denver metro west corridor with commercial signage — from custom storefront signs to large-format monument signs to interior wayfinding systems. We’re a design-to-install sign company, which means we handle every stage in-house: site survey, design, fabrication coordination, permitting, and installation by our own crew.

Our sign installation portfolio includes entrance and storefront projects across the Golden area — if you want to see what we’ve done before you commit, that’s the right instinct. See our storefront and entrance sign portfolio 

We’re familiar with Jefferson County’s sign permitting process and handle permit applications as a standard part of every project. You won’t be handed a permit checklist and told to figure it out.

If you’re evaluating sign companies in Golden, CO, we’d welcome the opportunity to give you a detailed quote and walk you through what the project would actually involve — no pressure, no minimum project sizes.

Sign Company in Golden CO — Frequently Asked Questions

What does a sign company in Golden, CO typically do?

A sign company in Golden, CO designs, fabricates, permits, and installs commercial signage for local businesses. Services typically include storefront signs, monument signs, channel letters, window graphics, wayfinding signs, and interior signage. Full-service sign companies like Vision Visual Signs handle the entire project — from initial site survey through permit filing and professional installation.

Do I need a permit to install a business sign in Golden, Colorado?

Yes — most commercial signs in Golden and Jefferson County require a building permit before installation. Illuminated signs may also require an electrical permit. The permitting process involves submitting sign drawings to Jefferson County and waiting for approval, which typically takes 1–3 weeks. Your sign company should handle this process on your behalf as part of the project.

How much does a business sign cost in Golden, CO?

Sign costs depend on sign type, size, materials, and installation complexity — there’s no reliable flat rate without knowing your specific project. The most accurate way to understand what your sign will cost is to request a site-specific quote.

How long does it take to get a new business sign installed in Golden?

Most business sign projects in Golden take 3 to 6 weeks from approved design to installed sign. This includes design approval (1–2 weeks), permit filing and approval (1–3 weeks, which often runs concurrently with fabrication), fabrication (1–3 weeks depending on sign type), and installation. Projects with complex permitting or custom fabrication can take longer.

What's the best sign type for a storefront business in Golden?

For most Golden storefronts, illuminated channel letters or a backlit cabinet sign offer the best visibility and brand impact, particularly for businesses with evening traffic. Non-illuminated flat-cut letters are a strong option for professional offices and service businesses in less retail-heavy areas. The best choice depends on your building’s fascia, lease restrictions, and the sign code applicable to your location — a site survey from a local sign company is the most reliable first step.

Can a sign company in Golden help with interior signs as well?

Yes — most full-service commercial sign companies serve both exterior and interior signage needs. Interior applications include reception signs, wayfinding and directional signs, ADA-compliant signage, office identification signs, and branded environmental graphics. If you’re outfitting a new office or retail space in Golden, it’s typically more efficient to use the same sign company for interior and exterior work.

Learn More About

Vision Visual Custom Sign Company

Serving the Greater Denver and Golden, CO areas. Vision Visual Custom Sign Company specializes in indoor and outdoor signage, sign maintenance and repair. UL electrical sign manufacturer. Project management and permitting. OSHA trained. Contact us today to learn more.

Watch Video