A sign usually takes two to three weeks from first sketch to the post. Most of that time is drying, waiting and checking — the parts that cannot be rushed.
Every sign starts with a board picked by hand for its grain, hardness and character. Oak for longevity, pine for warmth, ash for a lighter face.
We set the name and any motif by hand before a single cut is made, so the spacing suits the board rather than a template.
Letters are carved, routed or burnt depending on the design, then cleaned back so the edges stay crisp in the weather.
Two or three coats of linseed oil or hard wax, then forged hooks or iron brackets fitted so the sign is ready to hang on arrival.