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. Discover how we bring your ideas to life with precision woodworking techniques and high-quality craftsmanship, creating unique wooden creations tailored to your vision.

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. Discover how we bring your ideas to life with precision and care.

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

1. Collaboration & Design

It all begins with an idea. Whether you have a clear vision or just an initial concept, we’re here to bring it to life through open communication. In this collaborative stage, we’ll dive into the details—exploring detailed design options, selecting the perfect type of wood, and determining the ideal size and shape of your custom sign. Together, we ensure every aspect aligns with your vision and discuss practical details like how and where the sign will be mounted or installed. This foundation sets the stage for the personalized wood sign to come.

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 artisan wood crafts, precise woodworking, and high-quality materials, we bring your vision to life with exceptional craftsmanship. Please note that production time can vary depending on the complexity of the sign design and materials, but typically takes between 2 to 4 weeks. During this stage, your made-to-order wood sign becomes a reality.

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. Every detail is inspected to meet our rigorous standards, ensuring that the final product is flawless and ready to make a lasting impression.

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.

5. Delivery & Installation

Once your sign has passed our quality assurance, we prepare it for delivery. For local clients, we offer 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, so your personalized wood art arrives ready to be installed.

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. The initial inquiry, design, and blueprint stage will take about a week, followed by 1 to 3 weeks for production and shipping, depending on the size and complexity of your sign.

  • 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.