Single-post arm
A hanging or fixed panel extends from one post. Best for modest sizes and a deliberate architectural look.
Sign panels · complete freestanding systems
Post & Panel Signs Planned From the Footing to the Replaceable Face
S2 designs, permits, fabricates, installs, maintains, and removes post-and-panel sign systems for commercial properties across Colorado.
The panel carries the message, but the posts, frame, footing, grade, utilities, setback, wind, access, and future change plan determine whether the complete sign works.
System types
Post-and-panel is a family of structures, not one product.
The right layout depends on permanence, approach direction, panel size, ground conditions, and how often the message changes.
Two-post frame
The common stable layout for wider commercial panels, property identity, and real estate signs.
V-shaped system
Two faces angle toward separate traffic approaches; wind and footing demands increase.
Oversized frame
Large development and acreage signs require stronger framing, larger copy, and installation equipment.
Portable freestanding frame
Useful where permanent holes are unavailable, but ballast, footprint, and wind still matter.
Existing-frame re-face
A measured replacement panel preserves the structure when posts, rails, welds, and footings remain sound.
Site planning
The best-looking layout can still fail at the property line.
Freestanding signs are regulated by location as well as size. Setbacks, sight triangles, easements, landscaped areas, drainage, snow storage, access routes, utilities, irrigation, grade, and traffic direction all influence the usable location.
S2 begins with the address and intended viewing approach. For permit-dependent work, we coordinate drawings and local licensing. When a footing needs stamped structural design, S2 works with an engineering firm to develop the required details.
Panel choices
The frame opening does not decide the substrate by itself.
S2 matches the panel to span, edge support, graphics, permanence, handling, and future replacement.
| Panel | Why it fits | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| MDO plywood | Substantial thickness and strong fastener holding in framed systems | Edges and penetrations need sealing; weight and moisture must be managed. |
| ACM | Flat, light, and efficient for printed commercial graphics | Best when the frame supports the panel and protects exposed core edges. |
| Solid aluminum | Useful for thinner all-metal panels, reflective graphics, and exposed edges | Larger spans may need thicker material, bends, rails, or full framing. |
| Coroplast | Temporary, light, and economical for portable or short-term systems | Wind, repeated handling, flute direction, and service window limit the use. |
| Custom fabricated face | Metal frames, backers, dimensional letters, or illuminated components create architectural identity | Permitting, engineering, electrical, and service access expand the scope. |
Installation
Level, square, plumb, and serviceable are separate checks.
Posts must align in plan and elevation. Frames must remain square. Panels need even edge clearance and fasteners that do not crush or distort the face. Concrete or engineered footing details must match grade and keep hardware protected.
Large systems may be assembled on the ground and lifted. Existing structures may need straightening, welding, coating, hardware replacement, or footing repair before a new face is installed. S2 documents the completed work and can support later panel changes, maintenance, or removal.
Project process
The field sequence begins before fabrication.
Address + objective
We establish message, traffic approach, size goal, permanence, deadline, and budget range.
Site review
Setbacks, utilities, grade, sight lines, access, landscape, wind, and code are evaluated.
Survey
Existing frames or proposed locations are measured and photographed; private-site information is gathered.
Design the system
Panel, posts, frame, rails, footings, hardware, graphics, and future replacement method are specified.
Permit + engineer
S2 coordinates municipal review and stamped structural or footing drawings when required.
Fabricate
Panels, graphics, posts, frames, weldments, coatings, patterns, and hardware are produced and test fitted.
Install
Excavation, footings, posts, frame, panel, alignment, cleanup, and final inspection are completed.
Maintain or change
S2 can replace panels, repair damage, straighten structures, move qualifying systems, or remove signs later.
Price + timing
The ground work can cost more than the printed face.
- Panel size, material, and number of faces
- Post material, height, spacing, and finish
- Welded frame, rails, retainers, and hardware
- Single-post, double-post, V-shaped, or portable layout
- Footing size, concrete, soil, and grade
- Utility conditions and private locating
- Wind exposure and structural engineering
- Municipal permit and property approval
- Access equipment and traffic control
- Removal, repair, or reuse of an existing structure
Common questions
Posts, panels, permits, footings, and future changes.
What is a post-and-panel sign?
It is a freestanding sign in which one or more posts and a frame support a flat sign panel. Systems range from temporary real estate frames to permanent property identification with engineered footings and replaceable faces.
Can S2 use an existing frame?
Often, if the posts, welds, rails, footings, fasteners, opening, and alignment remain sound. S2 measures the actual opening and evaluates whether the frame can safely support the new panel.
What panel material is best?
MDO, ACM, solid aluminum, and other materials may all be appropriate. The frame opening, panel span, edge retention, service life, graphics, weight, wind, and future replacement plan determine the choice.
Do post-and-panel signs require permits?
Permanent freestanding signs often require municipal review for size, height, setback, location, sign area, and sometimes structural details. Temporary commercial real estate signs may have different allowances. S2 handles required sign permitting.
Do you call 811 before installation?
Utility-locate and site-safety requirements are coordinated as part of the installation planning. Private utilities, irrigation, undocumented lines, access, and property-owner information may require additional investigation beyond public locating.
Can a post-and-panel sign be double sided?
Yes. A double-sided sign can serve two approaches, and a V-shaped layout can angle each face toward a different traffic direction. Wind area, frame construction, footing, and readable angle must be considered.
Can the panel be changed later?
Yes, when the frame and retainers are designed for replacement. Tenant, leasing, development, and property information often benefits from a reusable structure with a measured replaceable face.
Can you repair a leaning post sign?
Yes. S2 evaluates posts, footings, J-bolts where applicable, welds, fasteners, frame alignment, soil movement, impact damage, and panel wind load before recommending repair or replacement.
Start with the basics
Send the address and traffic approach.
The location, panel size, and viewing direction are enough for S2 to begin evaluating the system.
- Project address
- Site photos from both approaches
- Approximate panel size
- Temporary or permanent use
- Existing frame photos if applicable
- Target completion date
You do not need to identify the exact material or vinyl type before contacting us. The address, photos, goal, dimensions, and deadline are enough to begin.
Attach photos, logos, measurements, landlord criteria, and project documents above. Larger or additional files may also be emailed to hello@s2signs.com.
Page last reviewed 2026-08-04.