How to Install Your New Sign [Screws and Wall Plugs Guide]

You've just received your beautiful slate house sign from us and now you're wondering: "how do I put this up?" Well don't fret, we've got you covered with this simple, quick-read guide to help you install your sign correctly. If you have hidden fixings, then head over to our hidden fixing sign installation guide for more info.

What You'll Need:

  • Screws and fixings icon

    Screws & Wall Plugs

    We've popped these in your packaging, look for a brown paper bag.

  • Red and orange marker pen

    Felt Tip Pen

    Use a nice, dark colour that will stand out on your wall. This will be used to mark the drill holes.

  • bespoke to you and your housing project signs

    Screwdriver

    It'll need to be a cross head one (looks like a + shape). Or you can use your electric drill!

  • an electric drill

    Electric Drill

    We recommend a 7mm drill bit, so the wall plug can fit in nicely.

Step 1: Deciding on a Location

You can place your new slate name plaque just about anywhere such as on a house brick wall, wooden gate, garden shed door, or even from a tree branch using string. It's important to think about different factors before you drill any unnecessary hole, such as the visibility of your sign in a certain location, the secureness of where you put your sign (does your door swing outwards, consider keeping the sign away from the door handle) and the placement between prominent features like windows and doors. It's always best to ensure the surface on which you fixate your sign is as even as possible too, it definitely makes this process much simpler!

Install your new slate house sign

Step 2: Marking Out the Holes

You've now found the best place to install your sign, great! It's now time to mark out the area with your drill points. Grab a pen and line your sign up into the position you want to hang it. Keeping still, place the tip of the pen into all of the pre-drilled holes in your sign to pinpoint the drill locations. 

Level installation of house sign on brick wall

Step 3: Drilling the Holes and Slotting in the Wall Plugs

Once the hole positions have been marked, double-check that all the pen dots line up with the signs pre-drilled holes. If they do, grab your electric drill and drill into all of the marks. After you're finished, slot all the wall plugs into the holes. If they don't fit all the way, simply drill a little further and re-slot.

Drill holes for your house sign

Place your fixings for your house sign

Step 4: Screwing Your Sign into Place

We're almost done! Pick up your sign, the screws, and a screwdriver, and line up your sign with the holes/wall plugs once again. Then, one by one, place the screws in and tighten them up by twisting the screwdriver in a clockwise direction. Do this for all the remaining holes and then you're done.

Screwing in your house sign

Step 5: Admiring Your Handy Work!

That's it, woo! Now the sign is up, it can sit in place safely for many years to come.

How to install your house sign

Caring for Your Sign

Although your slate plaque doesn't require too much maintenance, there are a few things you can do to keep the sign looking as stylish and new-like as possible. 

• Slate Oil: keeping your sign looking stylish and like-new is super easy with slate oil. This ointment brings out your plaques deep grey colours and patterns, whilst also protecting them from the rain and moss (although this only happens if your sign is directly under a tree or bush). You'll find yourself applying only a bit every 6-12 months, so buying one pot will last you a long while. Grab yourself a pot here.

• Screws: after some time being exposed to the elements 24/7, your screws will eventually start to look a bit tired and rusty. This is an easy fix though which only takes about a minute to repair by swapping out your old screws and installing your new ones in place. We sell our fixing screws individually on our website.

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