Pylon Signs – What You Need To Know

This was originally written November 16, 2021, and was updated September 27, 2025.

Pylon signs have established themselves as a popular choice for businesses to create a great first impression. They are strategically used for advertising to garner prospective customers’ attention. A well-designed pylon sign is the perfect solution to keeping your business visible. This blog will explore what a pylon sign is, discuss the various types available, delve into their applications, offer design and installation tips, highlight their benefits, and provide maintenance advice to ensure longevity.

What Is a Pylon Sign?

Unlike monument signs that typically rest at eye level, a pylon sign is pole-mounted, allowing it to stand tall and visible from a distance. Having signs mounted in a high position helps grasp the attention of drivers passing by and pedestrians. Pylon signs are constructed from materials like aluminum or plastic, but modern pylon signage includes LED lighting to enhance visibility at night. This signage option provides a flexible solution for outdoor advertising.

Types of Pylon Signs

There is a range of pylon sign types to suit different needs and budgets. Some of the most common variations include:

• Single-Pole Mount: This type is installed on a single pole fixed into the ground. It offers an economical solution for smaller signs or locations with limited space, ensuring your message is visible without extensive structural requirements.
• Twin-Pole Mount: A twin-pole mount provides added stability and support for larger or heavier signs. This configuration is ideal for high-traffic areas or locations exposed to strong winds, ensuring your sign remains secure and prominent.
• Covered-Pole Mount: Instead of displaying an exposed metal pole, a covered-pole mount conceals the support within a decorative structure. This option is perfect for businesses that want their sign to blend seamlessly with the surrounding architecture while maintaining a professional appearance.
• Internally Illuminated Pylon Signs: These signs feature built-in lighting elements, such as LED panels, that illuminate the sign from within. Often referred to as led pylon signs, they offer energy efficiency and consistent brightness, making your message stand out during the day and at night.
• Externally Illuminated Pylon Signs: In this design, the sign is lit by external light sources like strategically positioned floodlights. This approach can create dramatic visual effects and is particularly effective when internal wiring poses a challenge.
• Single-sided and Double-sided Signs: Single-sided pylon signs are designed for locations where traffic flows from one primary direction, while double-sided signs cater to areas where visibility from both sides is essential.
• Digital Pylon Signs: With dynamic content capabilities, digital pylon signs can display multiple messages, promotions, or real-time updates. They are ideal for businesses that wish to capture the attention of a tech-savvy audience.
• Architectural Pylon Signs: These signs are designed to complement the style of the building or landscape they adorn. Custom shapes, materials, and finishes ensure that the sign not only advertises the business but also enhances the area’s overall appearance.

Applications of Pylon Signs

Pylon signs are versatile tools suitable for various business environments. They are particularly effective for locations that need to attract attention from a distance. Common applications include:

Shopping Centers

A pylon sign can serve multiple businesses in busy retail environments at once. A double-sided or twin-pole mount sign is often ideal here, as it allows simultaneously displaying several names or logos. For shopping centers looking to modernize their look, a digital pylon sign can provide dynamic content to highlight promotions or events.

Restaurants and Retail Stores

These businesses benefit from high-impact visuals that draw in customers. An illuminated pylon sign, particularly a led pylon sign, works well in this context. Its brightness and energy efficiency ensure that menus, promotions, and brand messages are visible day and night.

Car Dealerships

With the need to showcase current deals and reinforce brand identity, car dealerships often require a robust and visually appealing sign. A large, illuminated, or digital pylon sign is recommended to display rotating messages about sales and special offers, ensuring the dealership stands out in competitive markets.

Apartment and Condo Complexes

For residential complexes aiming to attract new tenants, pylon signs offer a great way to showcase leasing opportunities and move-in specials. A non-illuminated sign might suffice during the day. Still, an illuminated or led pylon sign is beneficial for nighttime visibility, making sure prospective tenants see important information regardless of the time of day.

Industrial Areas and Business Parks

A rugged pylon sign made of sturdy materials such as aluminum or steel is best in environments where durability is key. A double-sided sign provides optimal visibility for areas with significant traffic from multiple directions. Additionally, if the area requires flexibility in messaging, a digital pylon sign could serve well by allowing for regular updates on business services or events.

Design and Installation Tips

Design is an essential component of an effective pylon sign. Consider the following tips to create a visually appealing and functional sign:

• Size and Scale: Ensure the sign is proportionate to the distance from which it will be viewed. A general guideline is that for every 10 feet of viewing distance, the lettering should be approximately 1 inch tall.
• Shape and Color: The shape of the sign should reflect your brand’s personality. Use contrasting colors to enhance readability, ensuring that the sign stands out against its background.
• Font and Logo: Choose fonts that are legible from a distance, and ensure that your logo is prominent but not overpowering. The overall message should be clear and concise.
• Location and Height: Install the sign in a spot that maximizes visibility while adhering to local zoning and building regulations. The height of the sign should correspond with the speed of the nearby traffic; faster traffic generally requires a taller sign.
• Foundation and Wiring: Proper installation is key to the longevity of a pylon sign. A solid foundation appropriate for the local soil and weather conditions is critical. For illuminated models like LED pylon signs, professional wiring ensures both safety and optimal performance.

Benefits of Pylon Signs

Pylon signs have a reputation for being a cost-effective advertising tool for businesses in high-traffic areas. Their large height allows people passing by in cars or on foot to notice and recognize the business. Since they are free-standing, they can be placed in different locations instead of building-mounted signage. When adding LED to pylon signs, businesses can conserve energy while maximizing exposure for their business without the high energy costs.

Maintenance and Longevity

Regular maintenance is essential to keep your pylon sign in prime condition. Periodic cleaning and inspections can help identify any issues, from minor wear to structural concerns, before they become significant problems. Replacing individual LED components as needed for illuminated models such as LED pylon signs can ensure continuous performance. Choosing durable materials during the design phase will also contribute to the sign’s longevity, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.

Conclusion

Businesses are continuing to choose pylon signs due to their dynamic options and versatility when advertising their business. From adjustable height to LED lighting, pylon signage has diverse options to suit any business type. Retail stores, shopping centers, or industrial complexes can adjust their pylon signage to suit their individual needs.

To learn more about how a pylon sign can suit your business, contact Action Services Group today. As a national provider of signage services, our experts can help you design the sign that suits your needs and goals. Speak to one of our signage experts today by calling 610-558-9773, emailing [email protected], or scheduling a call that fits your needs by clicking the button below.