How Much Does a Facade Sign Cost? Prices, Materials and Smart Choices
"How much does a sign cost?" is the question we get most often. The answer depends on type, size, materials and installation. Here we give you an honest overview of what to expect.
The short answer
A facade sign typically costs between NOK 5,000 and 80,000. The range is wide because there are many variants. A simple flat sign for a small office can cost under NOK 10,000, while a large illuminated sign system with pylons can easily exceed NOK 100,000.
Let's break it down.
Price examples by sign type
Flat signs (non-illuminated)
Flat signs in aluminium, acrylic or dibond. The simplest and most affordable solution.
| Variant | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Door sign / name plate (A4-A3) | NOK 1,500 - 4,000 |
| Facade sign in dibond (100×50 cm) | NOK 4,000 - 8,000 |
| Large facade sign in aluminium (200×80 cm) | NOK 8,000 - 15,000 |
| Acrylic sign with routed letters | NOK 6,000 - 20,000 |
Prices include design, production and simple installation. Flat signs rarely require a building permit, saving both time and money.
Lightbox signs
Illuminated signs where the entire surface is lit from within.
| Variant | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Small lightbox (100×40 cm) | NOK 10,000 - 18,000 |
| Standard lightbox (200×60 cm) | NOK 15,000 - 30,000 |
| Large lightbox (300×80 cm) | NOK 25,000 - 45,000 |
| Double-sided lightbox (projecting) | NOK 12,000 - 25,000 |
Lightboxes are a popular choice because they offer good visibility at a manageable price. For shops in shopping centres or along high streets, this is often the best balance between cost and impact.
LED letters (3D letters)
Freestanding letters with built-in LED illumination. The most exclusive option.
| Variant | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Small letters (15-20 cm tall, 5-8 pcs) | NOK 20,000 - 35,000 |
| Medium letters (30-50 cm tall, 5-8 pcs) | NOK 30,000 - 55,000 |
| Large letters (60-100 cm tall, 5-8 pcs) | NOK 50,000 - 80,000 |
| 3D logo symbol with LED | NOK 15,000 - 40,000 |
LED letters cost more per letter, but give a premium look that many businesses consider worth the investment.
Pylons and freestanding signs
Larger sign structures placed at entrances.
| Variant | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Simple pylon (2-3 metres tall) | 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 often foundation work, which adds to the cost.
What affects the price?
1. Size
Larger signs mean more material, heavier construction and often more demanding installation. Doubling the size doesn't necessarily double the price, but it is the single factor that affects it most.
2. Material
Stainless steel and solid aluminium cost more than dibond and PVC. But they also last longer. Over a 15-year period, the cheapest material may become the most expensive because it needs replacing.
3. Illumination
An illuminated sign costs 50-100% more than an equivalent non-illuminated sign. But the visibility you get in return, especially during the winter months, means most businesses see it as a good investment.
4. Installation
Installation costs vary widely. A sign that can be mounted from ground level costs far less to install than one requiring a cherry picker or climbing. The facade material also plays a role: concrete and steel are straightforward, while insulated sandwich panels or glass require special solutions.
5. Building permit
If the council requires a building permit, you should add NOK 12,000-20,000 for the application process, plus a waiting time of 3-8 weeks. Simple, non-illuminated signs under a certain size are often exempt from permit requirements.
6. Quantity and complexity
A sign with many letters costs more than a short company name. Complex logos with special curves, multiple colours or unusual materials also increase the price.
How to save money without compromising
Combine lit and unlit. Illuminate the logo or company name, and use non-illuminated elements for additional information like address or tagline.
Choose the right size. Bigger is not always better. A precisely sized sign that is well placed can give the same impact as an oversized sign.
Think long-term. A cheap sign that fades after three years costs more over time than a quality sign that lasts fifteen. Installation costs in particular are the same regardless of sign quality.
Bundle your sign needs. Need a facade sign, door sign and wayfinder? Order everything together and save on design and installation.
What's included in the price at Showoff?
When you order signs from us, the price includes:
- Site survey to assess the facade and possibilities
- Design with visualisation of the sign on the building
- Production in our workshop in Sandnes
- Installation carried out by our own team
- Warranty on materials and LED lighting
Need a building permit? We provide a separate quote for that. We handle the preparation and submission, so you don't have to navigate the regulations yourself.
You don't have to coordinate between designer, manufacturer and installer. We handle the entire process.
Ready for a quote?
Every sign project is different, and the prices above are indicative. To give you an accurate price, we need to know a bit about the building, desired sign type and placement.
Send us an enquiry with a photo of the facade and a description of what you have in mind. You'll receive a no-obligation quote within a couple of days.
You can also see examples of signs we have delivered for inspiration.