what size posts for a 108" by 60" sign?

[TopFliteGraphics]

A new customer wants to have there 108" * 60" (9' * 5') signs mounted on wood posts elevated to 5' off the ground (10' overall height). Before I submit revised pricing to them and plans for permitting, I wanted to see what size posts you guys think I will need and if additional bracing will be required for stability and permitting.

Thoughts?

 

[Gino]

Ahhhh....... single or double sided ??
Also, what material do you intend to make the 5' x 9' from ??

 

[rossmosh]

You're the designer, aren't you? Draw it out proportionally and see what looks best.

My guess is 5x5 will look satisfactory and ideally something like a 6x6 will look "right". It's not uncommon to use a 5x5 post and then build onto the post with panels which can be routed to add a decorative element. Also I'd run a cross beam between the two posts. Maybe even two. I don't believe signs should be treated as structure. They are decoration. Build a sound structure and mount your sign to it.

 

[TopFliteGraphics]

They are single sided "burma shave" signs touting a new community and its features. The signs are 3mm aluminum composite bond with full color PSA vinyl. I plan on using two posts and (3) 2*4 cross beams between the posts for mounting and stability of the sign. My main concern is with the 10' overall height do I need to worry about wind load. Will a set of 4*4 posts with 24" ground penetration and concrete with the posts be enough or will I need to send out some legs for additional stability. Or do I need thicker posts and more depth of ground penetration?

Basically, I am trying to make sure my plans don't get rejected during the permitting process plus I need to make sure I price them out with the addition materials and labor since the customer changed the height of the sign versus my original quote.

 

[Gino]

Around here, 24" in the ground will never work. We go down 38" for temporary signs and use cement with more permanent signs.

4" x 4"s should work. It all depends on your... or your customer's eye for aesthetics. Perhaps a 4" x 6" would work better, while giving a little more strength.

I'd put the posts about 7' or 8' apart and run 2 stringers horizontally across the back. Then the post don't hafta go all the way to the top. Use at least 1/4" ACM or 10mm if you can swing it cost-wise.

 

[rjssigns]

4x4's ain't gonna cut it. Wind load on that sign would be 1350lbs. Calculated @ 30lbs per sq. ft. for conditions in Wisconsin. I'm sure your base loading is much higher.

 

[Billct2]

If I was using wood, 6"x6", it needs the strength and will look better.
Here they'd be 3' in the ground

 

[HIGHSPEEDGRAPHIX]

+1 on the 3' depth and 6x6 posts. How i would install it too

 

[TopFliteGraphics]

+1 on the 3' depth and 6x6 posts. How i would install it too

Thanks - I was thinking along those lines.

 

[signage]

This is not something you want to guess what size! This is why more and more places/municipalities are requiring engineering stamp and drawings!

 

[TopFliteGraphics]

How does this look?

 

[ChaseO]

In my opinion, you need to bring your posts inside of the 108" Make the post around 7' apart or so and run your 2x4s vertical instead of the horizontal you have shown.

I mean flat against the posts instead of turned sideways in between em.

 

[TopFliteGraphics]

revised it a little