Engineered for Durability

1879 Design signs last decades, not just years. From our workshop in Silver Cliff, Colorado, we create custom signs that welcome and endure. Every sign is engineered to withstand high-altitude sun, freeze-thaw cycles, mountain winds, and everything else Colorado's climate can deliver.

Premium Lumber

We only use naturally rot-resistant cedar or redwood and premium pressure-treated lumber for ground contact. Every piece is kiln-dried and inspected for quality.

  • Natural resistance to decay and insects

  • Kiln-dried for dimensional stability

  • Beautiful grain patterns

  • Ages gracefully over time

Superior Joinery

We use time-tested mortise and tenon joints, tongue and groove connections, and hidden steel reinforcement. These techniques keep our signs tight and square through high winds when screws and nails would fail.

  • Mortise and tenon joints resist racking and twisting

  • Tongue and groove prevents panel separation

  • Hidden steel framework in larger sign

Metal Coatings

Our metal components, such as lettering and structural reinforcements, receive industrial strength protection—the same finish used on outdoor equipment that needs to last. Choose from clear through a wide range of custom colors.

  • Chip and scratch resistant

  • Won't fade or discolor

  • Corrosion protection for decades

  • Custom color matching available

Rust-Proof Hardware

Every fastener, bracket, and mounting component is stainless steel or hot-dip galvanized. We never use hardware that can rust and stain your beautiful sign.

  • 100% stainless steel fasteners

  • Galvanized steel structural components

  • Oversized for mountain wind loads

  • Hidden or wood-plugged for clean appearance

Wood Plug Finishing

Every visible screw hole is countersunk and covered with a matching wood plug, cut flush and sanded smooth. Plugs seal fastener heads from moisture, preventing rust stains and water intrusion while creating a seamless, furniture-grade finish.

  • Seals screw heads from moisture and corrosion

  • Prevents rust stains bleeding through finish

  • Grain-matched plugs virtually disappear

  • Clean, professional appearance front and back

Weatherproof Finish

We use marine-grade wood penetrating oils and sealants designed for boats—products engineered to withstand constant exposure to moisture and UV radiation.

  • Deep penetration protects from within

  • Breathable—allows wood to dry naturally

  • UV inhibitors prevent sun damage

  • Maintains rich wood color

Protected Delivery

Your custom sign is wrapped in protective padding and corner guards for transport. For local installations, we deliver and install. For distant clients, we crate signs for safe shipping and provide detailed installation guides with all necessary hardware—your sign arrives ready to install.

  • Padded wrapping protects finish in transport

  • Corner guards prevent edge damage

  • Heavy signs shipped in strong wood crate

  • Local delivery with white-glove installation

  • Distant shipments include hardware and installation guide

Professional Installation

We don't just deliver—we install correctly the first time. Ground posts are set 36"+ deep in concrete, below Colorado's frost line. Wall-mounted signs bolt through into structural members, not siding. Every penetration is properly flashed and sealed to protect your building.

  • Posts set below frost line for stability

  • Through-bolted into building structure, never surface-mounted

  • Proper flashing to prevent water damage

  • Code-compliant installation with permit documentation

Maintenance & Repair

We stand behind our work long after installation. Whether you need refinishing after years of weather, repair from storm damage, or just maintenance advice, we're here. Our signs are built to last decades, but we know Colorado's climate is demanding—we'll help you keep your sign looking its best.

  • Refinishing services restore original beauty

  • Storm damage repair with matching materials

  • Maintenance guidance for long-term care

  • We service signs we've built for their lifetime