Build a Complete Decorative Post Assembly
The right post, cap, and base can turn functional signage or lighting into a cohesive part of your streetscape. From post size and profile to decorative finials, bases, mounting methods, and finishes, each component contributes to the appearance and performance of the finished assembly.
Signature Streetscapes offers aluminum sign posts and decorative light poles in a variety of sizes, shapes, and lengths, along with coordinating cast aluminum bases and finials. Follow the steps below to create a complete post assembly for street signs, traffic signs, lighting, wayfinding, and other streetscape applications.
STEP 1: DETERMINE YOUR POST INSTALLATION NEEDS
Choose the Right Mounting Method for Your Project
Start by determining how your post will be installed. The appropriate mounting method will depend on the type of post, application, installation surface, and project requirements.
Direct Burial (for light or sign posts)
Direct burial provides a straightforward installation method for sign posts and light poles by extending a portion of the post below grade. Signature Streetscapes recommends approximately two feet of burial for stability, meaning an 8-foot post would provide approximately six feet of height above ground.
Surface Mount (for street light poles)
Surface mounting allows compatible street light poles to be secured to an existing concrete foundation or other prepared surface rather than buried directly in the ground.
Breakaway Anchors & Bolts
For applicable sign installations, breakaway mounting components provide another option for securing posts while accommodating the specific installation requirements of the project.
STEP 2: CHOOSE YOUR POST SIZE & STYLE
Find the Right Profile for Your Streetscape
Post dimensions and profile have a significant impact on the finished appearance of your sign or lighting assembly. Signature Streetscapes offers round and square posts in multiple widths, along with smooth and fluted profiles that can complement everything from traditional neighborhoods to contemporary developments.
Current options include 2-inch square, 3-inch round fluted, 3-inch round smooth, 3-inch square, 4-inch round fluted, 4-inch round smooth, and 4-inch square posts. Standard lengths include 8, 10, 12, and 13.5 feet, with longer posts available when needed.
Post Size & Style Options
STEP 3: CHOOSE YOUR DECORATIVE POST CAP (FINIAL)
Finish Your Post with Architectural Detail
A decorative post cap, or finial, adds the finishing touch to your sign or lighting assembly. Choose from a variety of round and square designs to complement the architectural character of your community and coordinate with other streetscape elements.
Signature Streetscapes finials are made from cast aluminum and finished with durable powder coating. Many styles are available for both 3-inch and 4-inch posts, depending on the post shape and finial selected.
Round Finials
Choose from decorative styles designed to coordinate with round posts and add a distinctive architectural detail to the finished assembly.
Square Finials
Complete a square post assembly with a coordinating cap or finial designed to create a polished, finished appearance.
Custom Finials
Looking for something unique to your community? Signature Streetscapes can create custom finials incorporating logos or special characters, giving municipalities, neighborhoods, campuses, and developments another opportunity to reinforce their identity.
STEP 4: CHOOSE OPTIONAL DECORATIVE POST BASE
Add Character from the Ground Up
Decorative post bases provide a more substantial, architectural transition between the post and the surrounding streetscape. Pairing a base with your post and finial creates a complete, coordinated appearance that can help standard signage or lighting feel more integrated into the overall community design.
Signature Streetscapes currently offers decorative bases for 3-inch round, 4-inch round, and 4-inch square posts.
Decorative Post Base Options
STEP 5: Optional Color Changes
Coordinate Every Detail of Your Streetscape
Finish your post assembly with a durable powder-coated color that complements your signage, lighting, architecture, or community branding. Black is the standard finish for Signature Streetscapes decorative sign posts and light poles, with additional standard colors available for projects that call for a different look.
Posts, bases, finials, and sign frames can be coordinated in the same finish or combined with contrasting colors to create a more distinctive assembly. Signature Streetscapes uses Tiger Drylac powder coatings and can also accommodate specified RAL or Pantone color matching.
Designed to Work Together
Create a Cohesive Streetscape from Top to Bottom
Posts, caps, bases, signs, frames, and lighting don't have to be specified as disconnected components. Signature Streetscapes offers complementary products designed to help you create coordinated assemblies throughout a neighborhood, municipality, campus, commercial development, or public space.
By selecting compatible components together, you can simplify the specification process while creating a consistent visual language across street signs, traffic signs, wayfinding, and decorative lighting.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT POSTS, CAPS & BASES
What sizes of decorative sign posts are available?Signature Streetscapes offers 2-inch square posts along with 3-inch and 4-inch round and square options. Smooth and fluted profiles are available on select round posts.
What post lengths are available?Standard lengths listed on the current page are 8, 10, 12, and 13.5 feet. Longer decorative sign posts and light poles are also available, although additional shipping costs may apply.
How deep should a direct burial post be installed?Signature Streetscapes recommends approximately two feet of burial for stability. Installation requirements can vary by application and site conditions, so project-specific requirements should also be considered.
Can I add a decorative finial to my post?Yes. A variety of round and square cast aluminum finials are available. Compatibility depends on the size and shape of the post and selected finial.
Can you create custom post caps or finials?Yes. Signature Streetscapes can design custom finials incorporating logos or special characters for projects that require a more personalized look.
Are decorative post bases required?No. Decorative bases are optional and can be added to create a more substantial, finished appearance.
Can posts, caps, and bases be ordered in custom colors?Yes. In addition to standard finishes, Signature Streetscapes can accommodate custom color matching using specified RAL or Pantone colors.
NEED SOMETHING CUSTOM?
WNeed help selecting compatible posts, caps, bases, colors, or other components? Our team can help you create an assembly that fits your project's functional requirements while complementing the character of your community.
Through our Signature Design Service, current and prospective customers can also receive conceptual design assistance to visualize product combinations and make it easier to present options to stakeholders before moving forward.