Custom Sign Cabinets and Logo Boxes

Learn More

We're Open! Now Producing Signage

get a free quote

Carlsbad Signs

RATED 5.0 STARS

 5/5

(Based on 30 Client Reviews)

We Accept:

Client Review

 5/5

Wonderful experience!

“If I could give more than five (5) stars, I would! My experience with Signs for San Diego was nothing less than exceptional from start to finish. As a Project Manager for one of Gable’s largest clients, I expect our vendors to deliver high-quality product and/or services.”

Jessica Wurtzer

Sign Types

Client Review

 5/5

We couldn’t be happier!

We got both of our restaurant signs from them, and we couldn’t be happier! They were affordable, had incredible customer service, and the quality of their product matches their customer service! They even took care of some of our street light issues at no additional charge since they were already on-site with the lift!

They have a new customer for life!

-Brad S

Industries

Subtrates

Custom Sign Cabinets by Carlsbad Signs

You need eye-catching business signs to promote your brand, products, or unique marketing message. A custom Sign Cabinet may be the perfect choice. Sign Cabinets are a cost effective way to light up your message.

Cabinets can be a stand alone wall mounted sign or a part of a monument, pylon, of larger wall mounted sign. Cabinet signs are versatile. Cabinet signs are normally illuminated, but not always. They are positioned between non-illuminated wall signs and channel letters. Being cheaper than channel letters they can give you a big visual impact for a smaller out of pock expense. Let’s learn more about sign cabinets…

sign cabinets and logo boxes

Cabinets vs channel letters

Effective signs don’t have to be expensive. In all but the rarest of cases the sign cabinet will be lower cost than channel letters.

In places where the neighbors are not using illuminated signs, the sign cabinet is a major attention getting and very cost effective. Justifying the addition expense of channel letters is difficult. This is why one sees a lot of sign cabinets in industrial and business park applications, for stand-alone retailers and in older shopping malls. In many cases and in most shopping centers there is a competition between sign cabinets and channel letters. Many of the higher end shopping centers do not want sign cabinets and require channel letters. However, there are hybrids, that is a sign cabinet combine with channel letters. There are a number of names for these specialized sign cabinets.

Types of construction

Cabinet signs are built in 3 ways, that is there are 3 types of sign cabinets:

Extruded Cabinets: Extruded Cabinets use a “extruded” or shaped aluminum side. These have great strength, are fairly easy to cut and assemble.

They have a lot of advantages including the potential to be shipped in a small box and assembled on site, superior resistance to warping, the strength to be mounting between poles. On the other hand, the extrusions tend to be expensive, round corners are not easy if they are even possible and the flexibility is limited – the rectangle is the only shape available.

Custom Fabricated Sign Cabinets: Custom Fabricated skin and frame Sign Cabinets use a skeletal frame, made from angle or tube stock.

These are welded into the basic shape and skins, of sheets of aluminum are used to finish the sides and/or back of the cabinet. They are strong, and versatile, rounded corners and full shapes can be made; they are great for larger sign cabinets. They typically cost less in materials than the extruded cousin, but more in fabrication labor.

The Logo Box: The last sign cabinet is the logo box.

Piggy custom logo box

These are made like a channel letter, with a back and sides and a trim cap face. They typically are smaller and have a unique shape, maybe the shape of your logo!! They are not as strong as the 2 types above, and a rarely seen in a large format. However, they are very popular because they are incredibly versatile.

Types of faces

There are 3 types of faces

Acrylic faces: Acrylic can be transparent or non-transparent.

We call these translucent and Opaque. The normal face is a translucent panel with cut vinyl with your name, message and logo.

These can be simple of complex but they are always smaller than 4 foot by 8 foot, because a 4X8 sheet is typically the largest piece of acrylic we can purchase.

Polycarbonate faces: This material is also called Lexan.

Lexan is a 3M brand name; Polycarbonate is the chemical family. Lexan is Polycarbonate. There are a number of reasons to have a “Polycab” face but the biggest one is size. This material comes in rolls and can be as long as you like, The width of the roll is limited, but 6-8 feet wide can be found. Lexan also has some other advantages, it is very difficult to break, It is the same material used in bullet proof glass. Use it in high-rises, high vandalize areas and where impacts and breakage is common. If you don’t need the size or have a breakable issue, use Acrylic. Acrylic is much cheaper and easier to work with. Acrylic has other advantages as well

Flex face: Flex face is a canvas or cloth. It is common on even larger faces and where wind is an issue. Flex face is a wonderful material, but it is a special material. It requires a mounting system that pinches the material on the edges. Like a drum face it stretches in place. The sign cabinet must be specially made to use a flex face.

LED vs florescent

All older sign cabinets are florescent. Nearly all newer sign cabinets are LED. At Carlsbad Signs we will no longer sell florescent lighting.

We service it, but we do not sell it. Here is why: florescent sign cabinets light with florescent lamps, the connect with connectors called “tombstones” that are wired to ballast. The Lamps have a life of about 7000-8000 hours average. This means a life of about 3-4 years. The average means 50% of the lamps will fail in 3-4 years (several service calls) and the balance after that. We normally replace 100% of the lamps when the first lamp burns out of fails. Why? Because the cost of a bucket truck and the labor massively exceeds the cost of a new lamp. Add to this, the electrical use is 5-7 times what an LED matrix costs and you get the idea. LEDs last longer, they are brighter, they require little to no maintenance and in the end, they are much cheaper.

Mounting options and different names

Cabinet signs are versatile. They are a stand-alone sign type and a component for other types of signs. Different construction and types of applications they have found different names.

Wall mount sign cabinets are commonly called “wall” or “box” signs or light boxes or illuminated cabinet signs. When a cabinet is used on a pole it is called a pole sign or pylon sign. Sign cabinets are commonly mounted between two poles as well. In monument signs, they just are the face of the monument. The most interesting construction is the smallest – the logo box, the logo box can be any shape. It is so varied is defies a complete description of the possibilities. The unifying feature of the logo box is its construction. It is always built like a channel letter.

Quality Paint

Sign cabinets are exposed to the elements for many years. They are never washed, never waxed have acidic bird droppings, hail, wind, rain, snow, pollution and more to deal with.

At Carlsbad Signs we use a paint system specially designed for this harsh environment. The paint is more expensive than automobile paint, and more durable. It has a semigloss or matte finish that helps with small stains or dirt. It looks great and is the ultimate in durability and long life. Carlsbad Signs provides you with a quality finish and protects your investment.

Sign Cabinets From to Design to Install

Carlsbad Signs is a full-service sign company. We do it all in-house from design to install.

Carlsbad Signs Logo

Our sole purpose is to serve customers like you. From major national chains through other sign companies, to the local hospitals, and Mom-and-Pop shops around the corner. It all starts with a FREE CONSULTATION where we learn more about your signage needs. Feel free to give us a call 760-730-5118

GET A FREE QUOTE

If you have any questions or comments please fill out the following form and one of our representatives will contact you as soon as possible.

Locations Served