Pylons

Create impact with optimal visualization as the primary focus

What is a Pylon Sign and Why Do I Need One?

Pylons are freestanding outdoor signs with one or multiple poles for support. They can come in any size, but most are between 15′-100′ tall. They can be simple or ornate, illuminated or non-illuminated, and may include features designed to meet your specific needs. Some of the latest electronics features include full color LED video screens, programmable LED pixels, LED tube lights, and other lighting effects.

Height and size are the two strongest qualities of pylon signs. If your business is located in a congested area with lots of surrounding visible distractions, a pylon sign can greatly increase your business’ visibility.

Why choose this sign type over another and under what circumstances?

Pylon signs are a great option when you have a good portion of outdoor space at your disposal. Pylon signs are typically located away from the main building, placed either at the property entrance or along the road so people can find the building and front door. You just can’t miss a pylon sign because it towers over other forms of advertising. That’s why they are appropriate for businesses located by a highway or in other areas where potential customers can miss your message, either from it being too far away or located amongst too much competing visual pollution.

This type of signage is one of the most visually imposing forms. Pylon signs are supposed to stick out and be visible from afar. If your goal is to be more discreet, other sign types may be a better choice.

Since pylon signs are freestanding structures, they typically require planning and zoning approval and building permits from most jurisdictions.  Because of their relatively large size compared to other forms of signage, they will usually cost more to construct and maintain.  The added scope of work involved with constructing pylon signs will increase the time it takes to build them, compared to other types of signs.

Different Types of Custom Pylon Signs

  • Single-pole mount signs: Freestanding or single-pole pylon signs are a classic and economical design solution for heightened brand visibility.
  • Multi-pole mount signs: Twin-pole or multi-pole structures are more stable and support larger signs. Some find the symmetrical design of two poles aesthetically pleasing.
  • Covered pole signs: If you don’t like the look of an exposed pylon structural pole, you can cover it to give the sign a signature look.  Ad Art can design covers into almost any shape or size.
  • Custom illuminated (lightbox) signs: Pylon signs can “glow in the dark” by illuminating back panels and other elements. Many malls and shopping centers use illumination to increase brand awareness of tenant businesses at night. While the initial cost is higher than a non-illuminated pylon, an illuminated pylon sign acts as a silent salesperson for your brand 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • Electronic pylon signs: Pylon signs can also feature video screens and dynamic lighting effects to draw attention to themselves. LED screens are a popular and effective centerpiece of many modern pylon signs because they provide full color video and dynamic messaging capability that surpasses anything that can be done with static signage. Lighting effects like chasing or scintillating bulbs, color changing strips, etc. can enhance a pylon sign to make it more attractive.

How Ad Art Does Pylon Signs

Ad Art is all about value. We strive to be cost effective in everything we do so that every penny spent will bring optimal return on investment. Ad Art is known for creativity and innovation that helps set each customer’s sign apart from “ordinary” static signage. Quality, durability, and reliability are hallmarks of our products, which drives us to take pride in our work. We look good when our customers look good.

Pylon signs are constructed to the highest standards in the sign industry. Strength and durability of pylon signs can be increased by having its structure made of aluminum coverings that are welded to a steel frame. In addition, to prevent oil-canning (the uneven flow of metal on the face of a thin gauge metal product), large areas of the metal structure are reinforced. The structural steel within the sign is painted separately from the skins in order to prevent oxidation. Pylon signs can also be made from real and artificial masonry elements alike, including things like stone, brick, and stucco.  When built by Ad Art, your sign is guaranteed to look amazing for many years.

The Process:

First, we determine the needs of the business to ensure a pylon sign is the appropriate choice.  If so, we then establish design requirements with the customer. After that, we select the basic elements of the sign that meet design requirements. These include:

  • Letters
  • Logos
  • Illumination
  • Electronic displays (LED screens)
  • Dynamic lighting or animated lighting effects
  • Structure and shape
  • Materials and finishes
Next, we design the sign with unique artistic flair based on relevant building codes, proven design principles, high standards, and best practice. After government and client approvals, it is time to fabricate the sign using appropriate materials and techniques.  Lastly, Ad Art installs and commissions the sign, ensuring reliable operation for years to come. The end result is a quality sign product that helps our customer’s stand out from the crowd.

 

3D design of Spotlight 29 Casino pylon sign
3D pylon design

Pylon Sign Gallery

Visit our Gallery page to see some photos of outstanding pylon signs Ad Art has provided.

Not Sure Where to Start?

Visit our Services page to see how we can provide direction and guidance in developing your signage program.