A box sign is usually illuminated. It consists of a metal cabinet that contains the wiring, fluorescent lamps and ballasts. It can be single faced or double faced. A box sign can take many forms. It can be a simple single sided box mounted over a storefront with an acrylic face decorated as desired. It can be mounted high upon a pole as a double or single sided pole sign. It can be mounted a foot or two off of the ground with skirt to hide the pole(s) as a pylon sign.

The box sign is extremely versatile as it can be the starting point for so many different sign designs. The designs and mounting methods can be so creative that it is unlikely that you would ever think of these creations as box signs.

The faces are usually acrylic or polycarbonate (see sign basics). Depending on the design, they can contain flat faces or pan faces. A pan face is formed to keep the face away from the lamps in a “thin profile” box sign. A pan face is more expensive to replace. Another type of face used in higher end applications is the routed metal face that is backed with acrylic. In the routed face, the letters and/or graphics are routed out of the metal and the light then passes only through the routed areas.

Simple box signs frequently cost less than other illuminated alternatives of the same size. Another advantage is the face is usually changeable without replacing the entire sign. This is particularly attractive in properties that are being leased or rented. It is much less start up cost for the new tenant to get a sign.