OUR PROCESS

At Blade & Burnish, we turn your vision into stunning custom wood signs through a detailed and collaborative design process. From initial concepts to final installation, each step ensures your sign is crafted to the highest standards.

OUR PROCESS

At Blade & Burnish, we turn your vision into stunning custom wood signs through a detailed and collaborative design process. From initial concepts to final installation, each step ensures your sign is crafted to the highest standards.

Close-up of a small sample piece of cherry wood engraved with the word "cherry," with additional wood samples blurred in the background.

1. Inquiry & Collaboration

Every project begins with a conversation. We’ll discuss your ideas, explore design options, and figure out the best wood, size, shape, and installation details for your space. After providing a quote, a 10% deposit secures your spot and moves us into the design phase.

Detailed blueprint of a custom wood sign with pencil markings, measurements, and element planning, illustrating the design approval process in our sign-making journey.

2. Blueprint to Approval

Once we’ve narrowed down the design, we’ll create detailed blueprints and sketches to visualize your custom wood decor. These drafts will be sent to you for review, and we’ll go back and forth as needed until every detail is perfected. We won’t begin crafting your sign until you are fully satisfied and give your final approval on the design.

Woodworking clamps holding a poplar frame onto a cherry wood sign as it dries, showcasing the precision and craftsmanship involved in the production process.

3. Crafting & Production

With the design finalized and approved, we begin the crafting process. Using precise woodworking and high-quality materials, we bring your vision to life with exceptional craftsmanship. Please note that production timelines can vary based on the complexity of your design and our current waitlist, but most signs are completed within 3 to 5 weeks.

Close-up of a handcrafted cherry sign with a poplar frame, showcasing meticulous attention to detail, smooth wood grain, and precise craftsmanship. Highlights the quality assurance process for durable, flawless custom signs.

4. Quality Assurance

Before your custom sign leaves our workshop, it undergoes a meticulous quality check. We ensure that the wood is moisture-free and protected with a finish that suits its intended environment, whether indoors or outdoors. This helps prevent warping and guarantees long-lasting durability.

Cherry wood sign with poplar frame, wrapped in a moving blanket and ready for shipping, showcasing the burned logo and laminated blueprints on the back as part of the delivery preparation process.

Once your sign has passed our quality assurance, we prepare it for delivery. For local clients, we’re happy to help connect you to professional sign installation services to ensure that your sign is expertly placed and securely mounted. If you are outside our local area, we provide shipping with all necessary mounting hardware included.

5. Delivery & Installation

Back of a cherry wood sign with laminated design sketches showcasing the custom signature touch to every sign.

Signature Touch

The original blueprints are laminated to the back of the sign, adding a timeless touch to each piece.

Blade & Burnish logo hand-burnt into the back of a cherry wood sign as a signature of authentic craftsmanship.

The original blueprints are laminated to the back of the sign, adding a timeless touch to each piece.

A hand-burned signature marks each sign as an authentic, crafted original.

A hand-burned signature marks each sign as an authentic, crafted original.

From concept to completion, your custom sign is made to last and leave a lasting impression.

From concept to completion, your custom sign is made to last and leave a lasting impression.

 FAQs

  • From start to finish, the process typically takes between 3 to 5 weeks. However, lead times can vary depending on our current waitlist and the complexity of your design. Feel free to reach out to inquire about current turnaround times.

  • Rush orders may be possible depending on the current workload and project complexity. If you're on a tight deadline, we encourage you to discuss this with us during the initial inquiry so we can plan accordingly.

  • That’s completely fine! We’re here to guide you. We can start with your ideas or general preferences, and from there, work together to shape a custom design that suits your needs and space. Share you ideas here to get started.

  • Yes, we can recreate or replicate designs, logos, or specific elements from an existing sign or picture. While we specialize in unique handcrafted wooden decor, we’re happy to bring your vision to life by adapting or replicating a design you love, ensuring the final piece meets our high standards of craftsmanship and attention to detail.

  • Yes, for outdoor signs, we use weather-resistant wood species such as Cedar, White Oak, Redwood, and Teak. We also apply multiple coats of a spar urethane to protect against the elements. Click here to learn more about the best wood types and finishes for outdoor signs.

    Please note that outdoor signs are exposed to natural wear over time, so our warranty policy differs. For full details, see our Terms of Service.

  • Minor changes may be accommodated before production begins, but significant alterations after design approval might impact the timeline and pricing. We’ll work with you to ensure satisfaction, but it’s important to finalize details early.

  • Absolutely! We provide regular updates throughout the production process, including photos of the work in progress, to ensure you’re satisfied with every step.

  • We stand by the quality of our craftsmanship and materials. While specific warranties may vary based on the sign location and materials used, we are committed to addressing any issues related to defects or workmanship. Please see our Terms of Service for more details.