Double Sided Options in Templates: When It’s Worth It (and When It Isn’t)

Introduction

In the world of carved signage, visual impact and practicality go hand in hand. Businesses want signs that are eye catching, durable, and aligned with their brand identity. One key design choice that often comes up when ordering a sign, especially a template based carved sign, is whether to go single sided or double sided.

At first glance, a double sided option may seem like an automatic upgrade. After all, two sides mean double the visibility, right? Not necessarily. The right choice depends on where and how your sign will be displayed, who needs to see it, and what message you want to communicate.

This guide explores when double sided template signs are worth the investment and when sticking to a single side makes more sense. We’ll look at visibility factors, mounting methods, cost efficiency, design balance, and maintenance considerations to help you make an informed decision before placing your order.

Double Sided Options in Templates: When It’s Worth It (and When It Isn’t)

Understanding Double Sided Template Signs

A double sided carved sign features design elements, lettering, or graphics engraved and painted on both sides of the substrate. The goal is to ensure that no matter which direction people are coming from, they can view the message clearly.

Template based carved signs make this process easier, as the base design, lettering style, and layout are pre configured. However, choosing a double sided option means the sign must be engineered for balance, stability, and legibility from both directions, a process that requires more than simply flipping the design over.

Before you decide to go double sided, it’s essential to evaluate where the sign will be located and how traffic moves around it.

When a Double Sided Template Sign Is Worth It

Double sided signs excel in settings where two way visibility is essential. Here are the most common and effective scenarios:

1. Freestanding or Post Mounted Signs

If your carved sign will be mounted between two posts or on a freestanding frame, a double sided layout is often ideal. Pedestrians and drivers approaching from both directions can read your message without obstruction.

For example:

• A business along a road or driveway with two way traffic.

• A shop at the entrance of a plaza where people approach from either side.

• A restaurant or inn with a hanging sign perpendicular to the building façade.

In these cases, a double sided option increases exposure and ensures your brand presence is consistent from all angles.

2. Roadside and Directional Visibility

If your location depends heavily on roadside recognition such as retail stores, professional offices, or lodging, then maximizing readability is key. A single sided sign facing only one direction could miss half the potential viewers.

A double sided template sign helps capture attention from both lanes or directions of travel. Businesses located on curves, corners, or intersections especially benefit, as each side can face a distinct angle of approach.

3. Shared Entrances or Multi Unit Properties

When multiple businesses share an entryway or complex, a double sided carved sign can act as a central marker. Each side can either mirror the same layout or highlight different information (for example, one side for business names, the other for navigation or hours).

This setup is common in professional plazas, shopping centers, and mixed use developments, where visibility in both directions matters for multiple tenants.

4. Pedestrian Focused Areas

For walkable environments such as historic downtowns, art districts, and coastal towns, a double sided hanging sign provides charm and function. Visitors strolling from either direction can discover your business naturally. The craftsmanship of a carved sign draws the eye, and when it’s readable on both sides, it encourages curiosity and foot traffic.

5. When Brand Presentation Is Critical

If your sign is part of a brand experience or architectural identity, consistency on both sides enhances professionalism. Think of boutique hotels, real estate offices, wineries, or high end retail shops. These businesses benefit from balanced visibility and aesthetic symmetry.

A double sided template design allows for professional precision while keeping the classic, handcrafted look of a carved sign.

When a Double Sided Sign May Not Be Necessary

Not every installation benefits from a second face. In some settings, opting for a single sided sign is more practical, budget friendly, and equally effective.

1. Wall Mounted Signs

If your sign will be mounted flat against a wall, façade, or gate, only one side is visible. Adding a second face adds unnecessary cost and weight without improving visibility.

Wall mounted single sided signs are often best for storefronts, offices, or entrances where viewers approach from one main direction.

2. Signs Placed Close to Walls or Fences

Even if a sign isn’t directly attached to a surface, close proximity to a wall, hedge, or fence can block one side from view. In such cases, the back face may never be seen, making a double sided option redundant.

3. Interior or Reception Signs

Indoor carved signs such as lobby displays, office identifiers, or interior branding pieces typically need visibility only from one approach. A single sided design allows for deeper carving, more intricate paintwork, and a cleaner back finish suitable for interior décor.

4. Budget or Weight Considerations

Double sided carving adds material, design, and painting time. The sign must also be thick enough to handle routing on both sides without structural compromise. For some small businesses or simple installations, a single sided option achieves the same impact at a lower cost and lighter weight, making it easier to mount and maintain.

5. Narrow Walkways or One Directional Traffic

If your audience consistently approaches from one side such as a hallway, path, or one way street, a second face won’t add value. Assess how people move around your property; if there’s only one dominant viewing direction, keep the focus on maximizing quality and contrast on the visible side.

Design Considerations for Double Sided Template Signs

If you decide a double sided design makes sense, it’s worth planning a few important details to ensure balance and beauty.

1. Matching Alignment and Symmetry

Template based designs should be mirrored precisely so that lettering, borders, and icons align perfectly on both sides. Professional sign makers use alignment jigs and routing systems to guarantee that both carvings share the same centerline.

2. Thickness and Material Choice

A double sided carved sign requires additional thickness to prevent warping or translucence from light penetration. High Density Urethane (HDU) is a popular material for this purpose due to its strength, weather resistance, and ability to maintain crisp edges even when carved from both sides.

3. Mounting Hardware Compatibility

Ensure that your hanging brackets or post mounts are rated for the added weight of a double sided panel. Reinforced brackets or thicker posts may be necessary for structural integrity.

4. Lighting and Visibility

Exterior lighting plays a major role in visibility. Double sided signs often benefit from symmetrical illumination, either through gooseneck fixtures on both sides or strategically placed ground lights that highlight both faces evenly.

5. Finishing and Sealing

The edges and surfaces of a double sided sign are more exposed to the elements. Each side must be primed, painted, and sealed with equal care to prevent moisture infiltration and fading over time. Professional grade finishes extend longevity, especially in coastal or high sun areas.

Comparing the Two Options: A Practical Breakdown

This table highlights that while double sided signs enhance reach, single sided ones are more efficient for direct view settings. Choosing between them comes down to how your audience approaches your space.

Longevity and Maintenance Differences

A double sided sign exposes more painted surface area to sun, wind, and rain. To maintain color and clarity, both sides must be cleaned, repainted, or re coated at similar intervals.

If the sign is hung from a bracket and allowed to swing, the constant motion can also create stress at mounting points. Periodic hardware checks help prevent damage.

Single sided signs, particularly those mounted flush to a wall, generally experience less wear and tear, as one side remains shielded from weather exposure.

When Template Based Signs Make the Decision Easier

Template carved signs simplify the customization process by offering pre tested layouts that work beautifully for both single and double sided options. The symmetrical designs, balanced fonts, and proportions are engineered for clarity from all directions.

If you’re unsure, templates make it easy to visualize both options before committing. Many sign providers can render a 3D preview, showing how your chosen design would appear as a double sided panel mounted on posts or hanging hardware.

These previews help you assess whether the added exposure will truly impact foot traffic or brand visibility at your specific location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Are double sided carved signs heavier than single sided ones?

Yes, a double sided sign typically weighs more because it requires extra material thickness for structural support. This added weight means the mounting system, posts, brackets, or hangers must be strong enough to handle the load safely.

Q2: Can I use the same template for both single and double sided signs?

Absolutely. Most templates are designed to be mirrored easily. The same layout can be duplicated on both faces, ensuring perfect symmetry and consistent branding.

Q3: Are double sided signs more expensive to maintain?

They can be, since both sides are exposed to weather and UV light. Regular cleaning, repainting, and resealing will be needed on both surfaces to maintain a polished, professional look.

Q4: What materials work best for double sided carved signs?

High Density Urethane (HDU) and premium grade redwood are popular choices. HDU is lightweight, durable, and resistant to rot and moisture, making it ideal for double sided designs that need to endure outdoor conditions.

Q5: Can I have different designs on each side of the sign?

Yes, but it’s important to ensure both sides remain balanced in weight and layout. Some businesses choose to display the same logo on one side and service information or directions on the other.

Q6: How do I decide if a double sided sign is worth the extra cost?

Evaluate your location. If customers approach from multiple directions or your sign stands in an open area, a double sided option offers better visibility and brand exposure. If your sign sits against a wall or faces one main entry point, a single sided sign will be more cost effective and practical.

Conclusion

Choosing between a single sided and double sided carved sign comes down to how people interact with your business space. A double sided option can dramatically increase visibility and reinforce brand recognition in the right environment, but in other cases, it may add unnecessary cost and complexity.

When using template based designs, you already start with a balanced foundation that works well either way. The key is to match your sign’s visibility needs, mounting style, and location with the right design format.

By thinking strategically, considering how your audience moves, where your sign stands, and how it fits your budget, you can ensure your carved sign not only looks stunning but also performs exactly as intended. Whether you choose one face or two, the craftsmanship, materials, and finish will ultimately define how lasting an impression your sign makes.

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