Skip to content
Online Shop
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

Quoting Guide for Post & Panel Signage

Helping sign makers price and deliver aluminium post & panel signage with confidence. 

post and panel signs

Overview

Post and panel signage is a highly versatile and professional signage solution widely used for business parks, construction sites, retail, and wayfinding applications. As UK sign makers grow their offering, understanding how to estimate, plan, and deliver these projects is essential—not just to win work, but to ensure long-term profitability and reputation.

This guide is designed to help you confidently scope all the key areas involved in post and panel signage using aluminium sign channel and post clips, as sold by Sign Trade Supplies. It is not a quoting tool, but rather an estimator's advisory companion.

Key Considerations for Estimating a Post & Panel Project

1. Site Survey & Assessment

Before quoting, a site visit is vital to gather data and foresee challenges. Ensure you:

  • Record site access limitations (vehicles, pedestrian traffic, landscaping)

  • Assess surface conditions for groundwork and foundation planning

  • Confirm underground utility presence (gas, power, water)

  • Measure accurately for post spacing, panel size, and viewing angles

  • Determine whether planning permissions or landlord approvals are needed

Pro tip: Factor in time for permit applications or third-party consultations where required.

2. Groundwork & Installation Planning

Proper installation starts with well-considered ground prep:

  • Decide between below ground post foundations or Above ground baseplate fixing depending on location and ground surface.

  • Choose post lengths to allow for appropriate burial depth (typically 600–900mm below ground)

  • Ensure ground fixing is appropriate for wind loading (particularly on exposed or coastal sites)

Refer to wind load guidance and dig depth best practices when determining post length and concrete volume.

3. Materials Selection

When designing your signage system, use trusted and standardised components:

  • Aluminium Posts: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and cuttable on-site

    → View Sign Posts Options

  • Aluminium Sign Channel Rail: Used for mounting panels—available in small, medium, and large profiles. Choose between structural bonding tape or standard channel.
    → View Sign Channel Options

  • Post Clips & Accessories: Use anti-rotational to secure panels to posts. Sign Post clips must match sign post diameter. Clips fit into small, medium and large size sign channel, they are universally compatible
    → View Post Clips & Fixings

  • Post Caps: Always include end caps to prevent water ingress and extend post life

  • Panels: Aluminium composite panel (ACP) or Solid aluminium panels are recommended for use with aluminium sign channel

4. Panel Decoration Methods

Different methods offer different finishes, durability, and production times:

  • Printed Vinyl Overlay: Laminated prints offer high-quality branding and extended lifespan with many polymeric print vinyls offering 7-8 year exterior life.

  • Direct-to-Board UV Printing: Cost-efficient for large sign blanks, Low labour requirement. 

  • Cut Vinyl Graphics: Ideal for simple lettering and compliance signs. Long lifespan when high quality polymeric vinyl is used. e.g Image Perfect 5700

Consideration: Direct to Board UV printing technology cures ink on-top of the substrate meaning there are small undulations on the panels surface. This can cause silvering around the print if laminating the board.

5. Logistics & Transport

Site delivery planning is essential to avoid disruption and damage:

  • Ensure you can transport long posts and wide panels safely. Or purchase posts from Sign Trade Supplies who can offer direct to site delivery.

  • Plan routes to minimise handling

  • Budget for protective packaging and lifting aids (panels over 2m often require two-person lifts)

Don’t forget to factor in courier or haulage lead times, especially for large-scale jobs.

6. Man Hours & Labour

Labour varies by complexity. Account for:

  • Pre-installation prep (cutting, panel mounting, vinyl application)

  • On-site install time (digging, levelling, mounting)

  • Cleanup and client handover

  • Potential return visits for corrections or client changes

Use past project data to refine your internal benchmarks over time.

7. Business Overheads

Your quote must contribute to covering ongoing business costs:

  • Wages – both production and admin staff

  • Workshop Costs – utilities, tooling, consumables

  • Vehicle Running Costs – fuel, MOT, servicing, tax

  • Insurance – public liability, employers’ liability, vehicle cover

  • Premises – rent, rates, and maintenance

Always price with a sustainable margin that supports business growth.

8. Risk & Safety Considerations

Even small signage projects require attention to health and safety:

  • Complete a risk assessment for all site works

  • Prepare method statements for installation teams

  • Equip staff with appropriate PPE (gloves, eye protection, hi-vis)

  • Check for proximity to traffic or pedestrians—barriers may be required

9. Use the Sign Blank with Channel Calculator

For fast and accurate quoting of sign blanks with channel, use our dedicated sign blank calculator:

Sign Blank with Channel Calculator

This tool allows you to:

  • Enter your required panel size

  • Select substrate material (e.g., aluminium composite)

  • Choose radius corners if needed

  • Specify which sign channel you prefer

  • Instantly see pricing with or without printed faces

  • Add configured panels directly to your cart for ordering

It’s ideal for speeding up estimates and ordering—especially useful during client calls or while finalising designs.

Quoting & Planning Checklist

Use this checklist when planning or quoting any post & panel signage project:

✔ Site visit completed and measurements recorded
✔ Underground services and access assessed
✔ Permission and planning requirements confirmed
✔ Aluminium posts and appropriate channel selected
✔ Post clips and caps included in materials
✔ Panel substrate and decoration method confirmed
✔ Fixing method and ground conditions matched
✔ Labour time estimated and logged
✔ Business overheads accounted for
✔ Delivery and packaging planned
✔ Risk assessments and safety documentation ready
✔ Client expectations confirmed (e.g., visuals, fixing method, finish)
✔ Quoting completed using the Sign Blank with Channel Calculator

Need Help Specifying Materials?

Our team at Sign Trade Supplies are specialists in post and panel systems. We offer:

  • Expert advice on product selection

  • Next-day delivery on stocked items

  • Custom cutting and component packs