Advertising Signs for Businesses: Types, Materials and Prices
Advertising signs come in many forms, from simple A-boards to large illuminated facade signs. Here is an overview of the most common types, what they cost, and which solution suits your business.
What is an advertising sign?
An advertising sign is a physical sign that displays a business's name, logo or message in a visible location. The purpose is to attract customers, build brand recognition and make it easy to find your premises.
Advertising signs range from small A-boards on the pavement to large illuminated pylons alongside motorways. The choice of type depends on where your business is located, who you want to reach, and what your budget allows.
Types of advertising signs
Facade signs (flat, non-illuminated)
The simplest and most affordable option. A sign in aluminium, dibond or acrylic mounted directly onto the facade. Works well for offices, smaller shops and businesses that primarily have customers during daytime hours.
| Variant | Price |
|---|---|
| Door sign / name plate (A4-A3) | NOK 1,500 - 4,000 |
| Facade sign in dibond (100x50 cm) | NOK 4,000 - 8,000 |
| Large facade sign in aluminium (200x80 cm) | NOK 8,000 - 15,000 |
| Acrylic sign with routed letters | NOK 6,000 - 20,000 |
Non-illuminated facade signs rarely require a building permit, which keeps the total cost down. Read more about facade signs and prices.
Illuminated signs and LED letters
Freestanding letters with built-in LED illumination. The letters are mounted individually on the facade and give a premium look. You can choose between front illumination (the letters light up) and back illumination (a halo effect against the wall).
| Variant | Price |
|---|---|
| Small letters (15-20 cm, 5-8 pcs) | NOK 20,000 - 35,000 |
| Medium letters (30-50 cm, 5-8 pcs) | NOK 30,000 - 55,000 |
| Large letters (60-100 cm, 5-8 pcs) | NOK 50,000 - 80,000 |
| 3D logo symbol with LED | NOK 15,000 - 40,000 |
LED letters are more expensive than other sign types, but give the most professional impression. LED uses little electricity and lasts 50,000 to 100,000 operating hours. Read more about the benefits of illuminated signs and LED letters.
Lightboxes
A lightbox is a sign where the entire surface is illuminated from within. A rectangular box with logo print, or a custom shape that follows the logo's contours. A popular choice for shops and shopping centres.
| Variant | Price |
|---|---|
| Small lightbox (100x40 cm) | NOK 10,000 - 18,000 |
| Standard lightbox (200x60 cm) | NOK 15,000 - 30,000 |
| Large lightbox (300x80 cm) | NOK 25,000 - 45,000 |
| Double-sided lightbox (projecting) | NOK 12,000 - 25,000 |
Lightboxes are the most affordable illuminated option for large formats. The front panel can easily be replaced if you change your logo or message.
Pylons and freestanding signs
Large sign structures placed at entrances, along roads or in car parks. Pylons are visible from a long distance and are often used by businesses set back from the road.
| Variant | Price |
|---|---|
| Simple pylon (2-3 metres) | NOK 30,000 - 60,000 |
| Large pylon with illumination (4-6 metres) | NOK 60,000 - 120,000 |
| Wayfinding / information pylon | NOK 20,000 - 50,000 |
Pylons always require a building permit and foundation work, which adds NOK 20,000-40,000 to the total cost. Read about building permits for signs.
Projecting signs
Signs that stick out at right angles from the facade, making them visible to pedestrians and motorists along the street. Available in both illuminated and non-illuminated variants.
| Variant | Price |
|---|---|
| Non-illuminated projecting sign in aluminium | NOK 5,000 - 12,000 |
| Illuminated projecting sign (double-sided lightbox) | NOK 12,000 - 25,000 |
Projecting signs are particularly effective in shopping streets where the facade faces away from the direction of foot traffic. They are often combined with a facade sign to cover both viewing angles.
Banners and banner systems
Temporary or semi-permanent advertising signs in textile or PVC. Used for campaigns, events, construction projects and trade shows.
| Variant | Price |
|---|---|
| PVC banner (2x1 metres) | NOK 800 - 2,000 |
| Large banner (5x2 metres) | NOK 2,000 - 5,000 |
| Banner stand (roll-up, 85x200 cm) | NOK 1,500 - 3,000 |
| Mesh banner for scaffolding wrap | NOK 3,000 - 10,000 |
Banners are the cheapest option, but last shorter than permanent signs. Typical outdoor lifespan is 1-3 years depending on weather conditions.
A-boards / pavement signs
Two-panel signs placed on the pavement in front of a shop. Easy to bring in and out daily. Available in versions with chalkboard, poster holder or digital screen.
| Variant | Price |
|---|---|
| Simple A-board with chalkboard | NOK 1,500 - 3,000 |
| A-board with poster holder (A1) | NOK 2,000 - 4,000 |
| Weatherproof A-board with LED backlight | NOK 4,000 - 8,000 |
A-boards are affordable and effective for catching the attention of passers-by. No building permit required, but check your council's rules for placement on public land.
Window graphics and window vinyl
Vinyl applied to windows to display logos, opening hours, promotions or decorative elements. Affordable and easy to replace.
Window vinyl typically costs NOK 500 to 3,000 per square metre, depending on complexity and coverage. Simple text is cheapest, while full-coverage print with graphics costs more.
Window graphics are a good supplement to the facade sign. They make use of surfaces you already have, without extra installation.
Vehicle advertising
Wrapping company vehicles is a form of advertising sign in motion. A wrapped company car can generate thousands of impressions per day, especially in city traffic.
Prices for vehicle wrapping vary with vehicle type and coverage. See prices and solutions for vehicle wrapping.
Comparison: All types of advertising signs
| Type | Price range | Illumination | Lifespan | Building permit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Facade sign (flat) | NOK 1,500 - 20,000 | No | 10-20 years | Rarely |
| Lightbox | NOK 10,000 - 45,000 | Yes | 10-15 years | Usually |
| LED letters | NOK 15,000 - 80,000 | Yes | 10-15 years | Usually |
| Pylon | NOK 20,000 - 120,000 | Optional | 15-25 years | Always |
| Projecting sign | NOK 5,000 - 25,000 | Optional | 10-15 years | Often |
| Banner | NOK 800 - 10,000 | No | 1-3 years | Rarely |
| A-board | NOK 1,500 - 8,000 | Optional | 5-10 years | No |
| Window vinyl | NOK 500 - 3,000/m² | No | 3-7 years | No |
| Vehicle advertising | Varies | No | 3-7 years | No |
What affects the price of advertising signs?
Size. The most important price factor. A sign twice as large doesn't cost twice as much, but size drives material consumption, weight and installation complexity.
Material. Aluminium and stainless steel cost more than PVC and dibond. They also last longer. A cheap sign that needs replacing after five years costs more over time than a quality sign that lasts fifteen.
Illumination. An illuminated sign costs 50-100% more than an equivalent non-illuminated one. In return, it's visible around the clock, which matters in Norway where winters are dark.
Installation. A sign that can be mounted from ground level is considerably cheaper to install than one requiring a cherry picker or scaffolding. The facade material also plays a role: concrete and steel are straightforward, while sandwich panels or glass require special solutions.
Building permit. If the council requires a permit, add NOK 12,000-20,000 for the application process. The waiting time is 3-8 weeks. Simple, non-illuminated signs under a certain size are often exempt.
Quantity and complexity. A long company name with many letters costs more than a short one. Logos with special curves, multiple colours or unusual materials increase the price.
Which advertising sign is right for you?
Shop in a high street: Lightbox or LED letters on the facade, combined with a projecting sign and an A-board on the pavement. Window vinyl for campaigns and opening hours. Total budget: NOK 20,000-60,000.
Office building: Facade sign with routed letters or LED letters with halo effect. Optionally a wayfinding sign in reception. Total budget: NOK 15,000-50,000.
Restaurant or cafe: Projecting sign with illumination, A-board with daily menu, window vinyl with logo. Optionally a neon sign indoors for atmosphere. Total budget: NOK 15,000-40,000.
Industrial building or warehouse: Large facade sign in aluminium, optionally with illumination. Pylon at the entrance for visibility from the road. Total budget: NOK 30,000-100,000.
Construction site: Project sign with information about the developer, contractor and project details. See our calculator for construction site signs for exact prices.
Tips for saving money on advertising signs
Start with what matters most. You don't need everything at once. Prioritise the facade sign, then add projecting signs, window vinyl and other elements over time.
Combine illuminated and non-illuminated. Illuminate the logo, and use non-illuminated elements for additional information such as address or tagline.
Order together. Need a facade sign, door sign and wayfinder? Order everything from the same supplier in one go. You save on design, production and installation.
Choose the right material. Dibond is cheaper than aluminium and works well for many applications. But for very exposed locations with high wind or salt air, investing in aluminium may be worth it.
Avoid unnecessary building permits. A non-illuminated sign under a certain size may be exempt from permit requirements. That saves you NOK 12,000-20,000 and several weeks of waiting.
We can help you with advertising signs
Show Off supplies advertising signs to businesses in Stavanger, Sandnes and throughout Norway. We produce and install all types of advertising signs from our workshop in Sandnes. Read more about sign production in Stavanger and Sandnes.
All projects include:
- Site survey and assessment of the facade
- Design with 3D visualisation
- Production in our workshop in Sandnes
- Professional installation
- Warranty on materials and LED
Need a building permit? We assist with the entire application process.
Contact Jan Tore Råen for a no-obligation chat about your sign project:
- Phone: 919 22 332
- Email: jt@showoff.no
You can also send an enquiry via the contact form or see examples of signs we have delivered.