How to make a tile number house sign

Tired of people not finding your number street address? Does the number painted on the curb get missed a lot? Here’s a way to insure that people can see your street number from a distance. Learn how to make a number plaque and attach it to your exterior wall so it can be seen from the street.  This is what the author has on his home.

See slide show How to make a tile number house sign

Things You’ll Need:

1×4 wood for frame for tile numbers
ceramic tile numbers
glue or Liquid Nails for outdoor use
eyebolt ring screw fasteners, galvanized , ss, or brass
wall anchors, screw expansion shield type
galvanized washers
saw, screwdriver & hammer
power drill & bits
paint & brushes

See also How to make a recycled door moveable workbench/table

Assemble the things you’ll need. Go online to find tiles you need if you can’t purchase them locally at a ceramic tile supplier, Hobby Shop, or Crafts Store like Michael’s. Samples here are from Spanish Tiles, an online supplier. The author used the tiles he purchased during a trip to Naples Italy.

See also How to avoid splintering when sawing wood

Layout your house numbers plaque sign full size on graph paper. Measure the size of the numbers that you purchase, length and width. Use the graph paper as a template, lay out tiles on paper. Allow about 1/32 inch extra dimension overall from tile dimensions. Use this overall dimension for template to cut wood plague on which numbers will be glued. Be sure you write in the exact numbers in proper order on graph paper after you remove tiles. This graph paper will be your working template.

See also How to build an inexpensive Garden/Patio Table

Cut wood frame. Use miter joint at corners of 1x4s. Tiles do not have to be fully backed with wood. You do have the option to make a solid wood plaque, however. Use the graph paper template from Step One for overall cut size. Miter frame corners and glue and screw or use straight staples hammered in across joint. Sand smooth all sides and wipe off sawdust with clean white cloth. Paint entire exposed frame prior to attaching tiles. Caution: Do not paint where tiles will be glued to wood.

See also How to make a portable paint spray booth

Glue number tiles to frame. Use heavy-duty exterior glue like Gorilla Glue or Liquid Nails for exterior use. Place continuous beads on back of each tile number, wait a few seconds per glue manufacturer’s instructions then set each number in its proper number on wood frame. Let glued numbers set overnight until well secured.

See also How to make tissue box firestarter

Fasten screw eyes to frame. About one inch in from left and right ends of top frame, screw in eye bolts for hanging purposes. Pre-drill screw holes so wood does not split. Make sure eye bolts are both in same relative position to frame, horizontally and vertically.

Secure frame to wall. Determine type of anchor to use on wall of house. Simple screws with washers if wood, lead expansion shield anchors for masonry, concrete or stucco. Secure to wall and then wave at envious neighbors. Tell them to look for this article on eHow! Then smile at them while you sip on your Southern Sweet Tea or other favorite beverage! 

Tips & Warnings

Use Home Store to cut your miter by purchasing piece of wood and other materials there.
Use Liquid Nails or strong outdoor glue.
Lead anchors should be used in masonry or grout locations. Use plastic anchors if location not permanent.
Caution: Do not paint where tiles will be glued to wood.
Take care when using power tools! Don’t stand on wet walk, driveway, or  lawn!