# Signage and displays metal fabrication: standards and how to choose | Best Fabricators

Source: https://bestfabricators.com/industries/signage/

# Signage and displays fabrication

Sign fabrication builds channel letters, cabinets, monument and pylon signs, and the steel structures that hold them up.

## Materials and processes

Aluminum sheet and extrusion, stainless steel, acrylic faces, and steel pipe and plate for sign structures.

## Standards and certifications to know

- UL 48: the UL standard for electric signs.
- Local sign permits: most cities require a sign permit, and large structures need engineering for wind loads.
- Approved fabricator programs: some building departments list approved fabricators for sign structures.

## Questions to ask a shop

- Are electric signs built to UL 48, and does the shop apply the UL label?
- Who provides engineering for the sign structure and foundation?
- Does the shop handle permits and installation?
- How is the sign serviced after install?

## What drives cost

Size, illumination, structure and foundation engineering, permits, and crane time drive cost.

## Metros with strong local demand

- [Sign fabrication in Phoenix, AZ](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/phoenix-az/)
- [Sign fabrication in Atlanta, GA](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/atlanta-ga/)
- [Sign fabrication in Chicago, IL](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/chicago-il/)
- [Sign fabrication in Dallas, TX](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/dallas-tx/)
- [Sign fabrication in Las Vegas, NV](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/las-vegas-nv/)
- [Sign fabrication in Los Angeles, CA](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/los-angeles-ca/)
- [Sign fabrication in New York, NY](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/new-york-ny/)
- [Sign fabrication in Nashville, TN](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/nashville-tn/)
- [Sign fabrication in Washington, DC](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/washington-dc/)

## Questions

### What should I look for in a sign fabricator?

Relevant certifications, finished work similar to yours, the right equipment, and clear documentation. Start with: Are electric signs built to UL 48, and does the shop apply the UL label?

### Where is sign fabrication concentrated?

On this site, these metros have strong local demand: Phoenix, AZ, Atlanta, GA, Chicago, IL, Dallas, TX, Las Vegas, NV, Los Angeles, CA, New York, NY, Nashville, TN, Washington, DC.

Related: [Fabrication certifications explained](https://bestfabricators.com/guides/certifications/) · [Fabrication processes](https://bestfabricators.com/guides/metal-fabrication-processes/)

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