This past weekend I decided to build a directional sign post as a birthday gift for my Dad. He loves to travel and so I made signs with the places he visits frequently and has connections with. Many of the locations on the signs are cities where family lives. I also found the distance from Bozeman, Montana to all of the locations and put the driving mileage to each city.
Project Materials
- Sign Blanks - 1x4 boards cut to 30" in width for each sign
- Sign Post - Pick up one 4x4 by 10 foot post
- 2.5" Kreg Jig Screws
- Sandpaper
- Stain - I used Special Walnut stain by Minwax
- Outdoor Polyurethane
- Quikrete fast setting concrete
- Spray Paint
- Paint for city name writing or decals which can be ordered from (www.signsofthemountains.com)
Tools
- Power Drill
- 12″ Miter Saw
- Kreg Jig
- Orbital Sander
- Shovel and Post Hole Digging Tools
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Video Tutorial
Step 1
Cut all sign blanks using a miter saw. For my project, all sign blanks were cut to 30" in length. Cut as many sign blanks as you'd like. I did a total of 9 and might add more later. Cut one of the ends to form an arrow by setting the miter saw to 45 degrees.
Step 2
Sand the boards and then use a Kreg Jig to make pocket holes in the 1x4 signs which will be used to attach the 1x4 to the 4x4 post.
Drill 3 Kreg Jig holes in each sign.
Step 3
Paint the sign boards with your colors of choice. I used spray paint from Rustoleum. Use proper ventilation while painting and wear a respirator or mask to protect yourself from the fumes. Paint both sides of each board with 3 coats.
Stain the 4x4 if with one coat of Minwax stain. Wipe on with a rag. Then apply 2 to 3 thick coats of outdoor poly on the post.
Step 4
Either paint the city names / mileage, use stencils, or purchase custom decals from a local sign supplier. I own a sign company and so if you need custom decals head over to http://www.signsofthemountains.com/contact/ and let me know what you need!
Set the signs out and in the direction you'll want it to point. Apply the decals.
Step 5
Dig hole for the post. For a 10 foot post I'd recommend digging 2.5 to 3 feet deep.
After the hole is dug, place the 4x4 in the hole and temporarily stabilize by screwing a 2x4 on each side as braces.
Fill around the post with Quikrete fast setting concrete. Then pour a little water on the mix to activate the concrete reaction.
Use a level to make sure the sign stands up straight.Use a couple screws to attach a decorative post top. Mine was $1.49 at Home Depot.
Step 6
Attach the signs to the post using 2.5 inch Kreg screws. Space signs accordingly and point them in the direction of the city or place.
Step 7
Admire your work!
I hope you go out and build your own project! They are fun to build and will get a lot of compliments. Please Pin, Like, and Share!
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