The price of a channel letter sign is determined by letter height, number of letters, material, lighting and installation conditions. We've put together what you need to know before requesting a quote.
When you ask for a channel letter sign price, most companies first ask: "How many letters, and how many centimetres?" That's because channel letters aren't priced by the square metre; they are made letter by letter. When you see a big difference between two quotes for the same facade, it is usually because one of the items below was specified differently.
1. Letter height and number of letters
The two things that most affect the price of channel letters are letter size and number. Since each letter is cut and bent separately, labour increases with the number of letters. As letter height grows, so do the materials, lighting modules and installation difficulty.
If there is a logo next to the lettering, the logo's complexity also affects the price. A simple geometric logo is easy to produce, while finely detailed logos require more labour.
2. Choice of material
- Acrylic-faced illuminated letters: the most common and usually the most economical type of illuminated channel letter.
- Aluminium channel letters: lightweight; preferred for large letters and rooftop signs.
- Stainless steel channel letters: long-lasting outdoors, corporate and prestigious in appearance; higher material and labour costs.
- Chrome and gold chrome letters: their shiny surface gives a luxurious look; used especially on shop and hotel facades.
3. Illuminated or non-illuminated?
Non-illuminated channel letters are more economical than illuminated letters of the same size. Illuminated letters add LED modules, a transformer and wiring. Front-lit letters can be read from afar at night, while back-lit (halo-lit) letters create an elegant glow reflected on the wall. If you want both, the cost rises accordingly.
4. Need for a background
Letters can be mounted directly on the facade or applied to an aluminium composite panel, wood slat cladding or metal background. A background is added if the facade is uneven or a more unified look is wanted; this is a separate item.
5. Installation conditions
Which floor the sign is on, whether scaffolding or a cherry picker is needed, and how far the power supply is from the sign determine the installation cost. Installing on a ground-floor shopfront is not the same as on a tall building facade.
What should you send to get an accurate quote?
- A clear photo of the facade taken from the front
- The approximate width and height of the sign
- Your logo (a vector file, if you have one) and the text to be displayed
- Whether you want it illuminated or non-illuminated
With this information, a preliminary quote can be prepared quickly. In Ankara and the surrounding area, it is best to take measurements on site; the facade and electrical setup are also assessed during the site survey.