Making a strong first impression starts with being seen, and nothing commands attention quite like large outdoor signage. Whether you want to showcase your brand, convey important information, or create an inviting presence, large custom outdoor signs are your most powerful tool for standing out in any environment.
Whether you’re welcoming visitors into a National Park, showcasing a grand opening at a grocery store, or marking the entrance to a corporate campus, large custom outdoor signs provide visibility that simply can’t be ignored.
At Pannier Graphics, we specialize in designing and manufacturing large signage built to last. In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about large outdoor signs for business, nonprofits, municipalities, and more from how big these signs really get to how they’re constructed, customized, and applied across industries.
TL;DR: Why Large Outdoor Signs Matter
Large outdoor signs make your message impossible to miss—whether you're guiding visitors, promoting your brand, or educating the public. This guide covers everything from ideal sign sizes and materials to mounting options, industries served, and real-world examples. At Pannier, we specialize in durable, weather-resistant fiberglass signage built to last, with full-service support from design to delivery. Ready to make a big impact? Let’s talk.
What Qualifies as a Large Outdoor Sign?
So, what do we mean when we say large outdoor signage? We’re talking about signs far bigger than your standard poster or yard sign. At Pannier, we can create single-panel signs up to 70 inches high and 180 inches wide. That’s a whopping 15 feet of seamless signage, printed and fabricated as one cohesive piece. And if you need something even larger, we’ll create a series of tiled panels that join together into a single visual experience.
Size Breakdown
| Size Category | Dimensions (Example) | Ideal Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Medium Signs | 36" x 24" | Interpretive, historical, educational signage |
| Large Signs | 48" x 36", 60" x 48" | Entrances, parks, indoor exhibits |
| Oversized Signs | 180" x 70" (one panel) | Facility branding, gateways, murals |
From large custom signs to interpretive displays, we offer flexible sizing to fit any space or message.
Who Needs Large Signs?
Large signage isn’t limited to big businesses. Organizations across sectors rely on oversized signage to capture attention, provide direction, educate, and inspire.
Business & Retail
- Commercial real estate developers
- Shopping centers, strip malls, and outlets
- Restaurants, breweries, and grocery stores
- Automotive dealerships and repair shops
Public Spaces & Civic Projects
- National, state, and city parks
- Arboretums and botanical gardens
- Historical districts and walking tours
- Audubon societies and conservation areas
Educational & Cultural Institutions
- Museums and libraries
- StoryWalk installations and literacy trails
- Universities and school campuses
- Zoos, aquariums, and nature centers
Industrial & Utility Sectors
- Electrical and utility companies
- Factories, warehouses, and plants
- Safety-critical facilities with OSHA signage needs
- Renewable energy installations and remote job sites
From yard advertising signs for open houses to custom large signs for donor recognition or trail systems, these signs meet the needs of any organization looking to inform or impress.
Where Can Large Outdoor Signs Be Installed?
One of the greatest benefits of large outdoor signage is its placement flexibility and adaptability to virtually any setting. Whether you're installing a permanent exhibit in a National Park or setting up a temporary yard advertising sign for a seasonal business promotion, Pannier offers materials and mounting systems tailored to your specific needs.
We don’t just drop a sign at your door! We partner with you from the start to understand the location, audience, purpose, and environmental conditions of your project. Our team will consult with you to determine optimal sign placement, durability requirements, and aesthetic preferences, ensuring your signage is both beautiful and functional. We’ll help you think through height, sightlines, and installation logistics to make sure your message is seen clearly and effectively.
Common Placement Options:
- Roadside entranceways or intersections
- Storefront exteriors and commercial facades
- Monument signs and freestanding displays
- Along hiking trails, walkways, or scenic paths
- Transit hubs, bus stops, and community plazas
- School yards, civic centers, and neighborhood parks
Looking for oversized yard signs, rugged interpretive panels, or attention-grabbing large lawn signs? Our weather-resistant graphics and mounting systems are designed to deliver outstanding visibility in any environment, and we’ll be with you through every step of the process to ensure successful installation.
What Can You Create on a Large Format Sign?
The creative potential of large format signs is almost limitless. These signs are your canvas for storytelling, education, branding, and wayfinding...all on a scale that draws people in.
Design Considerations:
- Viewing Distance: Use bold fonts, clean layouts, and strong contrast.
- Lighting Conditions: Incorporate glossy or matte finishes to increase or reduce glare
- Color Accuracy: We use Fiberglass Embedded printing for high-fidelity color that lasts.
- Custom Shapes: Rounded corners, dimensional elements, and cut-outs add visual interest.
Elements You Can Include:
- Full-color illustrations, graphics, and photography
- Topographic or trail maps
- Timelines and historical context
- Corporate branding and mission statements
- QR codes, flip-up panels, and tactile features
- Donor recognition plaques
Whether you're creating custom yard signage for a community event or a large outdoor sign for a nature preserve, your message can be as informative or artistic as you'd like. Our experienced design staff can conceptualize interpretive panels, welcome signs, and other large scale signage.
How to Use Large Lawn Signs and Oversized Yard Signs Effectively
Large signs are powerful, but they work best when designed with a purpose. Here’s how you can make the most of your large lawn signs and oversized yard signs:
Tips for Maximizing Impact:
- Choose Strategic Locations: Place signs near intersections, paths, or entry points.
- Keep Messaging Simple: Large signs work best with short, punchy messaging.
- Include a Call to Action: Direct viewers to a website, event, or QR code.
- Add Branding Elements: Logos, colors, and fonts should align with your organization.
- Use Contrast: High contrast between text and background improves readability.
These best practices apply whether you’re designing large signs for a retail promotion or interpretive panels for an educational trail.
What Makes Pannier Graphics Different?
Plenty of companies can manufacture signs, but if you're looking for truly exceptional large format signage, Pannier is the partner you want by your side. We don’t just produce signs; we craft high-impact, long-lasting visual solutions tailored to your needs. From the moment you reach out, our team becomes your team - consulting with you through design, fabrication, and installation to ensure the final product exceeds your expectations. Few can match the size, quality, and durability we offer, and fewer still provide the level of hands-on service and expertise that comes with every Pannier project.
Built for Big Projects
We’ve invested heavily in equipment that allows us to fabricate one-piece signs up to 70 inches by 180 inches. That scale is rare, and the level of precision we offer ensures your messaging is crisp and clear, no matter the size.
Materials Engineered to Last
We don’t use stock signage components. All of our panels are made using custom materials developed specifically for high-performance outdoor use. They resist UV rays, moisture, graffiti, and extreme weather.
Complete Systems
Unlike many signage vendors, we also supply the mounting hardware, bases, and support structures. Our exhibit bases, posts, and frames are designed to pair perfectly with our panels, both in durability and aesthetics.
In-House Design Expertise
Need help bringing your vision to life? Our design team partners with you to create layouts that are accessible, attractive, and compliant with ADA, OSHA, or other regulations.
Reliability You Can Count On
We’re family-owned, Pennsylvania-based, and focused on service. From quote to delivery, you’ll have a dedicated contact to guide you every step of the way.
Materials & Mounting Options for Large Signage
No two signage projects are the same, which is why we offer a variety of materials, finishes, and installation systems to match your needs.
Materials
- Fiberglass Embedded (FE): Ideal for outdoor installations needing 10+ year durability.
- Gel Coat Laminate (GCL): A more suitable choice for extreme climates with enhanced weatherability
- High strength aluminum
- Rugged weathering steel
- Brushed stainless steel
Mounting Methods
- Pre-drilled holes for wall or fence attachment
- Grommets for reinforced attachment points
- Standoff mounts for dimensional indoor exhibits
- Adhesive or magnetic backs for short-term signage
- Custom posts, brackets, and in-ground exhibit bases for long-term outdoor use
Whether you need custom yard signage for a new business or large outdoor signage for a public project, Pannier is here as your partner from start to finish. Our team will consult with you to understand your unique project goals, environmental conditions, visibility requirements, and mounting constraints. We'll guide you through material selection, design layout, sizing, and installation planning to ensure your signage performs exactly how and where you need it to. We don’t just make signs, we provide full-service support to make sure your investment works hard for years to come.
Large Sign Case Studies
Warren County, Iowa: The Insect World Comes Alive
In Warren County, Pannier created ten Fiberglass Embedded panels for the Priscilla Gaumer Butterfly and Pollinator Exhibit. These vibrant, interactive displays stretch floor-to-ceiling and feature flip-ups, mounted specimens, and touchscreen-enhanced learning.
“They made the process simple and were extremely easy to work with.” — Warren County Conservation Board
Ohio Department of Natural Resources: From Concept to Creation
Pannier partnered with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) to deliver interactive signage at Shawnee State Park in West Portsmouth, Ohio. The project included cantilevered frames, a massive cut-to-shape fiberglass panel over 6 feet tall, and custom panels with spinner cubes and hinged doors that reveal local wildlife.
“The idea of a few was brought to life beautifully for the entire community through collaborative efforts — from brainstorming to design to reality.” — Stephanie O’Grady, Chief of Communications, ODNR
Erie County, Ohio: Discovering Trails Through 48 Panels
Erie MetroParks partnered with Pannier to bring the Discovery Trail to life at Osborn MetroPark. This first-of-its-kind mile-long trail features five interactive play pods and is lined with 48 custom cut-to-shape Fiberglass Embedded panels. Fourteen panels provide educational content, three mark park entrances, and thirty-one guide visitors with arrow-shaped wayfinding signs.
“We chose Pannier because there simply isn’t a better product out there—from the physical signs themselves, to the process of ordering, to quality control. Erie MetroParks has several Fiberglass Embedded panels in our parks and have never seen anything withstand the elements as well as these products.” — Ethan Unzicker, IT & Marketing Specialist, Erie MetroParks
Plainsboro, New Jersey: Celebrating a Century of History
To mark its 100th anniversary, the Township of Plainsboro partnered with Pannier and Hunter Research, Inc. to create a five-panel historical timeline for the Wicoff House Museum. These 35-inch by 56-inch Fiberglass Embedded panels showcase Plainsboro’s rich history, using vibrant images and stainless steel standoff mounts to create a striking, three-dimensional indoor display.
“We had worked previously with Pannier on outdoor signs, but this was a unique opportunity to develop an indoor exhibit in the format of a five-panel timeline. Timelines present many design challenges, which were successfully negotiated with Pannier's help.” — Patrick Harshbarger, Hunter Research, Inc.
Olney, Maryland: Large Format Signage at Roots Market
Roots Market in Olney, Maryland, teamed up with Real Fresh Creative and Pannier to install three massive 10 x 10-foot outdoor graphics, sealed in Fiberglass Embedded panels. Designed for roadside visibility and long-term durability, these panels have stood the test of time, maintaining their vibrant colors and flawless appearance five years later.
“Just wanted to let you know we were all marveling recently at how great those exterior sign panels still look. They look exactly as they always did; it’s like we hung them yesterday. We are particularly impressed with how the yellows have held up; normally those colors would have faded. And our concerns about wear or scratches have evaporated…it’s just a beautiful product, and it lasts like nothing I have ever used.”
General Large Outdoor Signs FAQs
What is a good size for an outdoor sign?
The right size depends on viewing distance and placement. For example, signs viewed from 10–50 feet away should be at least 24” x 36”, while anything intended to catch attention from a road or across a parking lot should be 48” x 72” or larger. At Pannier, we help clients determine ideal sizing based on traffic speed, site layout, and environmental context—ensuring your message gets noticed.
What is the ideal size of a sign?
The ideal size of a sign depends on two key factors: how far away people will view it and where it will be placed. A common rule of thumb is to allow 1 inch of letter height for every 10 feet of viewing distance. For example, if you want your sign to be readable from 100 feet away, the main letters or numbers should be at least 10 inches tall. This helps ensure clarity and legibility, whether people are walking by or driving past.
But beyond just the text size, the overall dimensions of the sign itself matter. For signs viewed up close, such as directional or informational signs, smaller formats like 24” x 36” or 36” x 48” may be sufficient. For signs intended to grab attention from a distance, like roadside, building, or large event signage, you might need sizes like 48” x 72” (4 ft x 6 ft) or even larger. Some large-scale projects use oversized signs exceeding 6 ft x 15 ft or combine multiple panels to cover expansive areas like walls, fences, or gateways.
What size is a realtor yard sign?
Most standard real estate yard signs are 18" x 24" or 24" x 36". These are compact, portable, and effective for short-term use.
What is the best material for outdoor signs?
For long-term outdoor durability, Fiberglass Embedded (FE) panels and Gel Coat Laminate (GCL) are hard to beat. FE offers exceptional resistance to UV rays, weather, and vandalism. It also has vivid color retention for 10+ years, low maintenance requirements, and compatibility with tactile and interactive features. We also offer GCL for vibrant, glossy visuals in both indoor and semi-sheltered outdoor environments. Our team will help you choose the best material based on your project goals, location, and budget.
What type of signage is cheapest?
Basic corrugated plastic signs (like temporary political or event signs) are the most affordable, but they’re not built to last. Pannier focuses on long-term value, not short-term pricing. Our signs are engineered to withstand harsh elements, which means they won’t need to be replaced every season. Over time, investing in high-durability materials like fiberglass often proves more cost-effective than repeatedly purchasing low-cost alternatives.
What are commercial signs called?
Commercial signs come in many forms and may be referred to as monument signs, pylon signs, wall-mounted signs, panel signs, or wayfinding signage. At Pannier, we create large format signs that fall under many of these categories and are ideal for storefronts, campuses, real estate developments, and more.
What is a large sign called?
Large signs may be described as oversized signs, large format signs, monument signs, interpretive displays (in educational or park settings), and custom outdoor signage. At Pannier, we often use the term large custom outdoor signs because every project is tailored to the client's specific needs—from size and content to mounting and materials. We specialize in creating signage that’s not just large, but impactful, weatherproof, and thoughtfully designed to serve its purpose for years to come.
Pannier Large Outdoor Signs FAQs
What is the maximum size sign you can produce?
At Pannier, we fabricate one-piece signs up to 70 inches high by 180 inches wide. For larger needs, we tile multiple panels seamlessly.
Can your signs withstand tough weather?
Yes, our signage is built for full exposure to sun, rain, snow, wind, and more. Fiberglass Embedded panels typically last over a decade outdoors.
Can I design my own sign?
You can either submit a design or work with our expert team to develop something from scratch. We offer layout guidance, proofing, and full design services.
What makes your signage so durable?
It comes down to our materials. Unlike vinyl or metal signs that peel, rust, or fade, our embedded fiberglass process keeps graphics vivid and intact.
Do you ship nationwide?
Yes. We produce everything in-house at our Pennsylvania facility and ship across the United States with care.
How to Order Your Custom Large Sign
Creating your large outdoor sign is easier than you think. Here’s how we make it simple:
Step 1: Contact Us
Reach out with your specs, goals, or questions.
Step 2: Collaborate
We’ll review your needs, suggest materials, and begin the design process. Need help measuring your site or selecting a mounting system? We’ll assist with that too.
Step 3: Finalize & Fabricate
Once approved, we build your sign from scratch at our Gibsonia, PA headquarters and deliver it directly to your site—ready for installation.
Key Takeaways
- Large signage creates unmatched visibility for businesses, public spaces, educational campuses, and more—helping you attract attention, guide visitors, and tell your story.
- Size matters: Pannier produces single-panel signs up to 70" x 180", with even larger tiled options for high-impact installations.
- Design with purpose: Whether you’re installing a welcome sign, interpretive display, or promotional yard sign, strategic placement, clear messaging, and strong contrast are essential for effectiveness.
- Built to last: Our Fiberglass Embedded (FE) and Gel Coat Laminate (GCL) panels offer long-term durability, vivid color, and resistance to UV, weather, and vandalism.
- Full-service support: Pannier partners with you from concept through installation, providing custom materials, mounting systems, and design guidance tailored to your environment.
- Trusted across industries: From national parks to commercial campuses and real estate developments, our large signs help clients inform, inspire, and impress.
Make a Lasting Impression with Large Signage
In a world full of visual clutter, large outdoor signs for business, education, safety, and storytelling help you rise above the noise. With decades of experience and industry-leading production capabilities, Pannier is the trusted partner for anyone looking to make a big impression that lasts.
Explore Custom Outdoor Sign Options →
Need help getting started? Contact our team today. We’re happy to help.
