Carved & Sandblasted Signs

Hand-carved and sandblasted signs in wood, HDU, and stone, fabricated in-house in Havre de Grace since 1947 for historic districts, estates, and town welcome signs.

Get a Free Quote Call (410) 939-4050

Since 1947

BBB A+ Rated

Watchfire LED Distributor

Licensed & Insured

Certified Electricians

Carved and sandblasted signs are a Pollitt specialty, hand-carved and fabricated entirely in-house at our Havre de Grace shop rather than farmed out to another vendor. We work in high-density urethane (HDU), natural wood, and stone to create deeply dimensional, hand-finished signs — raised carved letters, sandblasted wood-grain backgrounds, and finishing options like gold leaf and hand-painted detail that a flat-printed sign simply can't reproduce. It's the same craft behind projects like the carved Havre de Grace town welcome sign, and it's what we bring to historic district storefronts, estate entrances, HOA and community entrances, and businesses that want a sign built to last for decades. Because carved signs so often go into locations with design review boards — historic districts, town rights-of-way, HOA communities — our in-house permit department handles those applications and variances for you from start to finish.

Carved & Sandblasted Signs We've Built

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Havre de Grace — Carved Town Sign

Carry On Farm — Painted Wood Sign

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a carved sign and a sandblasted sign?: Carving cuts raised, dimensional letters and artwork directly into wood, HDU, or stone, giving the sign depth you can see and feel. Sandblasting achieves a similar look by masking the surface and blasting away the exposed background with abrasive media, leaving the letters and graphics raised against a textured, often wood-grain-like backdrop. We use both techniques, sometimes on the same sign, depending on the design and material.
How long do carved signs last?: HDU carved signs last 20+ years with proper maintenance. They resist moisture, insects, and rot unlike natural wood. We also build in natural wood for a traditional look — these typically need refinishing every 5–8 years.
How much do carved and sandblasted signs cost?: Carved signs typically range from $1,500 to $8,000 depending on size, material, carving depth, and finishing details like gold leaf or hand-painted elements. HDU is the most popular material because it carves cleanly and outlasts wood.
Do carved signs for historic districts or HOA communities need a permit?: Often, yes. Historic districts, town rights-of-way, and HOA or community entrances frequently require design review approval or a permit before installation. Our in-house permit department handles those applications and variances directly, so you don't have to navigate the local approval process yourself.
What is the difference between HDU and wood carved signs?: HDU (high-density urethane) is a synthetic material that carves like wood but does not rot, crack, or attract insects. Wood offers natural grain character but requires more maintenance. HDU is the preferred choice for most exterior carved signs due to its longevity and consistent quality.

One shop, every step

How We Work

From first sketch to final installation, every step happens under our roof with our people. No subcontractors. No handoffs.

Consultation

Free on-site evaluation. We assess your location, discuss your vision, and recommend the right sign for your business.

Design

Our designers create custom concepts tailored to your brand. You stay involved at every step until the design is right.

Permitting

Our full-time permit department handles all paperwork and local regulations so you don't have to.

Fabrication

Every sign is built in our Havre de Grace facility by trained sign-builders. No subcontractors.

Installation

Our own crews handle every installation. Licensed electricians on staff for illuminated signs.

Service

Maintenance, repair, and refurbishment for the life of your sign. We stand behind our work.

Ready to discuss your carved & sandblasted signs project?

We'll visit your site, assess your needs, and provide a free, no-obligation estimate.

Request a Free Quote (410) 939-4050

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a carved sign and a sandblasted sign?

Carving cuts raised, dimensional letters and artwork directly into wood, HDU, or stone, giving the sign depth you can see and feel. Sandblasting achieves a similar look by masking the surface and blasting away the exposed background with abrasive media, leaving the letters and graphics raised against a textured, often wood-grain-like backdrop. We use both techniques, sometimes on the same sign, depending on the design and material.

How long do carved signs last?

HDU carved signs last 20+ years with proper maintenance. They resist moisture, insects, and rot unlike natural wood. We also build in natural wood for a traditional look — these typically need refinishing every 5–8 years.

How much do carved and sandblasted signs cost?

Carved signs typically range from $1,500 to $8,000 depending on size, material, carving depth, and finishing details like gold leaf or hand-painted elements. HDU is the most popular material because it carves cleanly and outlasts wood.

Do carved signs for historic districts or HOA communities need a permit?

Often, yes. Historic districts, town rights-of-way, and HOA or community entrances frequently require design review approval or a permit before installation. Our in-house permit department handles those applications and variances directly, so you don't have to navigate the local approval process yourself.

What is the difference between HDU and wood carved signs?

HDU (high-density urethane) is a synthetic material that carves like wood but does not rot, crack, or attract insects. Wood offers natural grain character but requires more maintenance. HDU is the preferred choice for most exterior carved signs due to its longevity and consistent quality.