Good Value Slate House Sign in Natural Slate
Slate Name Plate - Deep Engraved or Printed

What is a standard slate house sign?

Our standard slate house signs are made from natural grey slate that has already been cut to a range of popular sizes. Because the slate is pre-cut, these signs are more economical than our made-to-measure slate signs while still being individually designed and personalised for you.

What is the difference between deep engraving, laser etching and UV printing?

Deep engraving cuts the lettering or design into the slate and is normally finished with hand-painted lettering. It gives a traditional appearance and excellent durability.

Laser etching marks the surface of the slate to create a lighter design without cutting deeply into the stone. It is ideal for fine detail and a more subtle appearance.

UV printing prints specialist inks directly onto the slate and cures them instantly with UV light. This allows us to reproduce full-colour designs, detailed logos and photographs.

Which type of slate sign is the most durable?

For maximum outdoor longevity, we recommend deep engraving. Because the lettering is physically engraved into the slate and then paint filled, the design remains even after many years of exposure to the weather.

Are UV printed slate signs suitable for outdoors?

Yes. Our UV printed slate signs can be used outdoors. Specialist UV inks are printed directly onto the slate and cured immediately to create a durable finish. As with any surface-applied print, however, deep engraving remains our preferred option where maximum long-term durability is the main priority.

When should I choose a UV printed slate sign?

UV printing is particularly useful when you want full colour, photographs, detailed logos, illustrations or intricate artwork that would be difficult to reproduce using traditional engraving. It combines the character of natural slate with much greater freedom in the design.

When is laser etching a good choice?

Laser etching is ideal for customers wanting a clean, understated slate sign. It can reproduce fine lettering and detailed designs without the need for paint filling and creates an attractive contrast against the dark natural slate.

Can I choose my own wording?

Yes. Every sign is personalised for you. You can include a house name, house number, family name or other wording. Our designers will adjust the size and layout of the lettering to make the best use of the slate you have chosen.

Can I have both a house name and number?

Yes. We can combine names and numbers and make the house number larger if you would like it to be particularly easy to see from the road. Just tell us how you would like the sign to look.

Can I add an image to my slate house sign?

Yes. Images can be included with all three processes, although the possibilities vary. Simple motifs work particularly well with engraving, while laser etching is excellent for fine monochrome detail. UV printing gives the greatest flexibility and can reproduce detailed and full-colour images.

Can you print a photograph onto slate?

Yes. UV printing allows suitable photographs to be printed directly onto the surface of the natural slate. We will prepare the image carefully to achieve the best possible result from the photograph supplied.

What lettering colours are available on deep engraved slate signs?

Engraved lettering can be paint filled in colours including white, silver, gold, black and several attractive natural shades. Other colours are also available if you would like the sign to complement your door, windows or property.

Is every piece of slate identical?

No. Slate is a natural stone, so variations in colour, grain, texture and markings are completely normal. These differences are part of the character of genuine natural slate and mean that every slate house sign is slightly different.

Can the slate be made darker?

Yes. Natural slate can be treated with oil to produce a darker, richer appearance and enhance the natural colour and markings within the stone.

Can I choose the font?

Yes. We have a very large selection of traditional and contemporary fonts. Some fonts work better than others for particular engraving methods, so our designers can advise you if necessary.

Can I add a border?

Yes. Borders can be added to many of our engraved slate signs, including simple line borders and more decorative options. The border will be incorporated into the overall design so that it suits the lettering and size of the sign.

Can you drill fixing holes in the slate?

Yes. We can supply your slate house sign with standard or countersunk fixing holes. The number of holes required will depend on the size and shape of the sign and where it is going to be fitted.

Why are standard slate signs cheaper than made-to-measure signs?

The slate for our standard signs is purchased and prepared in popular pre-cut sizes. This reduces the cutting and preparation required, allowing us to offer them at a lower price than individually cut made-to-measure slate.

What if none of the standard sizes are suitable?

We also make bespoke slate signs to virtually any size and layout. Our made-to-measure slate signs are available in a choice of thicknesses and can be cut specifically for your property or application.

Are slate signs suitable for businesses as well as homes?

Yes. Although very popular as house name and number signs, natural slate is also an excellent choice for holiday cottages, offices, farms, workshops, entrances and small business signs.

Where are your slate house signs made?

Our slate signs are individually designed and finished at The Sign Maker's workshops in North Devon. Whether you choose engraving, laser etching or UV printing, your sign is created specifically for you rather than being a mass-produced finished sign.