LED Channel Letters
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What Are They And Why Are They Important?
A channel letter sign is a type of signage that is made up of individual letters or shapes that are cut out of metal or plastic. These letters are then illuminated from behind with either neon or LED lighting. Channel letter signs are an important type of signage for businesses because they are very visible and can be seen from a long distance. They are also very versatile and can be customized to fit any branding or marketing needs.
From manufacturing to installation
How Are Channel Letter Signs Made?
Production Time 2-3 Weeks
A channel is created from a sheet of aluminum
The first step in making a channel letter sign is to create a channel from a sheet of aluminum using hydraulic pressure to bend the metal to shape. This channel will act as the frame for the sign which will also be power coated with the appropriate paint.
A piece of acrylic or another type material is then cut to shape
The next step is to cut a piece of acrylic or another type of material that will be inserted into the channel. This part will be used for the face color of your logo or letters, depending on the style light will be able to pass through it. The face can be colored acrylic or vinyl applied.
Next step is wiring the LED modules to the channel letter frame
In this step is where the sign comes to life and we put the led lights, wires and transformer together to complete the production.
The channel is then placed on the wall or surface that the sign will be displayed on
At this step the sign will be mounted typically using a bucket truck and the assistance of a template to get everything aligned or a raceway. This completes the channel letter sign!
Custom Channel Letter Signs: Complete Guide to Types, Components & Mounting
Custom channel letters combine vivid colors, bright LEDs, and precision-cut materials to turn any storefront into a landmark. Use them as stand-alone sign letters or pair them with dimensional logos to make your brand the one customers remember.
Why Businesses Choose Channel Letters
• Visibility – front- or back-lit letters shine day and night.
• Durability – aluminum returns, UV-stable acrylic faces, sealed LEDs.
• Custom signs – nearly any font, size, and brand color.
• Energy savings – modern LED modules cut power costs 60 % vs neon.
Types of Channel Letter Signs
Front-Lit (Standard)
Aluminum returns, acrylic faces, internal LEDs. Our LED channel letters can match unlimited colors from 3-inch minis to 12-inch metal letters for high-rise installs.
Back-Lit (Reverse Halo)
Light glows behind each letter for an upscale halo—perfect for boutiques and hotels seeking elegant solutions.
Front/Back-Lit Combo
The best of both worlds: a colorful face plus white halo glow—popular for national franchises that want one signature look everywhere.
Exposed Neon-Style LED Letters
Clear faces reveal faux-neon LEDs, delivering retro flair with modern efficiency.
Key Components of a Channel Letter
Return (Channel)
Formed aluminum walls create depth and direct the light.
Face
Typically UV-stable acrylic; metal faces for halo versions.
Trim Cap
PVC or painted-aluminum strip bonding the face to the return.
Back
Aluminum or clear polycarbonate, depending on lighting style.
Lighting Source
LEDs rated 50 000 hrs—safer and cheaper than neon.
See construction standards in the International Sign Association guidelines.
Mounting & Installation Solutions
Flush Mount
Letters attach directly to the wall; wiring runs through each stud—ideal when rear-wall access is available for installation.
Raceway Mount
An aluminum box houses wiring and transformers; simplifies mounting on tilt-wall or masonry façades.
Stand-Off / Backer Panel
Letters mount to an ACM backer panel that hides studs and spreads weight—great for complex cladding.
Why Channel Letters Matter for Business
Channel letters boost curb appeal, build trust, and stay readable in all lighting—helping your custom signs pull traffic long after glass or vinyl graphics fade.
Choosing the Right Style & Design
Match letter style to your brand personality: traditional serif fonts for institutions, sleek halo lighting for high-end retail, or exposed LEDs for nightlife venues.
Benefits at a Glance
- Highly visible 3-D profile attracts drivers and pedestrians.
- Customizable size, color, and illumination.
- Durable aluminum construction rated for decades.
Typical Cost Range
Most channel-letter projects run $2 000 – $5 000, driven by letter height, run length, and lighting complexity.
Buying Considerations
- Check local sign code for letter-height caps and raceway rules.
- Ensure night-time legibility with adequate stroke width and contrast.
- Confirm installer liability & crane fees up front.
City permit rules often override this guide—always verify allowable letter height before fabrication.
1. What are channel letter signs?
Channel letter signs are three-dimensional letters that are usually LED illuminated. They are a popular choice for businesses because they are eye-catching and can be seen from a distance.
2. How much do channel letter signs cost?
The cost of channel letter signs varies depending on the size, material, and complexity of the design. However, they are generally more expensive than other types of signs.
3. Are channel letter signs worth the investment?
Yes, channel letter signs are an excellent way to grab attention and make your business stand out. They are also durable and long-lasting, so you won’t have to replace them as often as other types of signage.
4. What considerations should I keep in mind when choosing channel letter signs?
Some things you may want to consider include the size, color, and font of your sign. You’ll also need to decide whether you want illuminated or non-illuminated channel lettering.
5. What are the different kinds of channel letter signs?
- Front-lit channel letters that have the lighting inside the channel illuminating the face
- Back-lit channel letters where a halo of light is created behind the letters
- Open face channel letters that are not lit from the front the front typically with neo or led neo style lights.
- Side-lit channel letters are lit from the sides through acrylic layer.
6. Are permits required?
All laws will vary from county to county but yes they normally are especially if you are including LED lights as this would be consider electrical hazards and channel letters are considered items that can fall on people.
7. Do you pull permits?
Yes we can handle the whole process from mockup to engineering, permit service, production and installation.
Areas we install signs: Kendall, Pinecrest, South Miami, Coral Gables, Kendall Lakes, Sweetwater, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay, Homestead, Florida City, The Keys, Miami, Key Biscayne, Downtown Miami, South Beach, Miami Beach, Boca Raton, Doral, Miami Springs, Hialeah, Miami Lakes, Palm Springs, North Miami, Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Aventura, Hollywood, Davie, Weston, Plantation, Sunrise, Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach and all of South Florida areas.
Not local? We can ship it to you, send instructions, a template, show a video and help you through the process.
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