The monument sign itself was made with a foam core-based panel, which we covered with a hard resin polyurethane coat to give it some added protection. We wanted something fairly light, because we weren't using real stone columns. For that, you need a mason to pour concrete footers and build the stone foundation. It looks nice, but adds extra costs.

Next we applied a synthetic stucco finish to the face. We can use almost any color for the stucco so that it coordinates nicely with the building's face. We can even give the stones a different color; we went with a traditional limestone color in this case.

Like most monument sign projects, we applied the letters and animal silhouettes using metal studs in the back of each element. They fit directly into pre-drilled holes, and are held in place with construction adhesive. This allows us to replace letters and pieces if they get damaged.

Finally, even the stone columns are built with the same foam core/resin/finish as the monument sign panel. The whole sign was then assembled, delivered, and installed. In fact, a secret most people don't know about a monument sign of this type is that it's completely built offsite and brought to the job site on a truck, where it's installed in place.

To install the monument sign, we measure very carefully, drive steel posts into the ground, and then lift the sign over the posts, this one didn't weigh more than 200 pounds, and secure it to the steel posts. We use a special expanding foam in the sleeves of the columns to fasten it to the posts. Once the foam expands and hardens, it's very secure.

We have built this type of monument sign for churches, schools, banks, and other businesses, which you can learn more about on our website. You can also find the Signarama store near you with our online store locator.