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How to Make Custom DIY Farmhouse Rustic Wood Signs

Apr 4, 2023 · Modified: Aug 28, 2024 by Brooke Larsen · This post may contain affiliate links · 43 Comments

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How to Make Custom DIY Farmhouse Rustic Wood Signs

Add character to your home with customized rustic wood signs.

Adding a personalized touch to your home has never been easier than with a DIY reclaimed wood sign. Not only does making one yourself give you the freedom to create something completely unique, it also adds warmth and character to any room.

Now you can learn all the details you need to create your own custom wood sign. It only takes a few basic materials to complete this design, from picking out the perfect piece of wood to adding the finishing touches. In just a few steps you can create a beautiful and unique sign to impress your family and friends!

How to Make Custom DIY Farmhouse Rustic Wood Signs

Creating a custom sign with a more rustic look is a great way to create a one of a kind sign. If you have been here long enough you may remember when I made these custom orders out of my home and sold them. They went viral on Pinterest and we couldn't keep up with the demand.

However, all good things must come to an end. Unfortunately, my designs got knocked off in China. Before I knew it my farmhouse rustic wood signs were showing up in large chains across the USA. I soon couldn't compete anymore. After many tears, we decided to shut the shop down and build our dream home instead.

Use reclaimed wood to make a fun sign

This has turned into one of the best things for us. It's funny how trials can turn into the biggest blessings. As a DIY'er, I like to encourage others to create their own pieces.

However, I didn't take pictures of the back of my signs before I sold them all. Hopefully this tutorial below can still help you create your own sign to love.

Supplies for Rustic Wood Signs

  • Old large frame - I used to buy mine at thrift stores for around $10
  • Primer spray paint - my favorite is Zinnser
  • 100% Clear silicone caulk
  • Reclaimed wood
  • Reclaimed moldings
  • Word cutout
  • Miter saw
  • Tape measure
  • Hanging wire
  • Chippy paint

How to Make the Perfect Custom Sign

Find the Ideal Frame

The first step is to find a frame that meets your desired look. And you don't want a simple frame either. Try to find something with curved corners or beautiful details. The thicker and more ornate the frame the better they turn out.

Remove everything from the frame, including the glass and staples on the back. Then paint the frame with 2 coats of the Zinnser primer. I usually leave the frame just like this, but sometimes distress it a little bit.

Find Rustic Wood and Moldings

To make a rustic wooden sign you can use almost anything for your wood boards inside the frame. I found the more variety in the slats the better, though it's preferred to not use new wood. My favorite option is to use real reclaimed wood with chippy paint.

reclaimed wood

However, I couldn't always find the style I needed so sometimes I created my own. To create my own chippy paint I liked to use milk paint. To weather old wood I used the technique in this blog post.

Putting Together Rustic Wood Signs

Cut your wood or moldings down to the size of the frame. Then place the wood into the grooves on the back of the frame and use LOTS of silicone on the top and bottom to hold the sign in. Use your finger to push the silicone down and spread it out. It doesn't matter if the back isn't flat, it will still hang on the wall just fine.

Adding Hanging Wire to the Back

Since the back is not flat, picture wire is the best for back board supports to hang. Attach the wire loops to each side of the frame and then string the wire through. Pull it VERY tight and make sure it is secured well. These signs can be heavy.

Adding Wood Letters

Although you can leave your sign blank if desired, I always added a word cutout that I designed and cut out on my machine. You can achieve this same look with buying a separate cutout, using wood letters to make a word or even using a wood cutout like a home. A store that has craft supplies would be a great place to check for a cutout.

Favorite Reclaimed Wood Signs

The natural beauty of reclaimed wood signs is that they offer a unique story for each and every one. They add a touch of rustic charm to any home décor, whether in the kitchen, dining room, or living room. You can’t go wrong – each one will provide a unique, one-of-a-kind look.

The wood for this sign in our entry way was an old cedar fence that was painted white. We had a terrible wind storm and it blew over, so my neighbors gladly let me haul it away. I love the grain of the wood.

chippy rustic sign

If you can't find moldings or like the more uniform look, try using pallet wood. This is what I used for this sign below. I also place the cutout in the center of the board.

How to Make Custom DIY Farmhouse Rustic Wood Signs

I love the combination of teals together and this frame is the perfect mixture of that. Look at that gorgeous cedar. All the weathering is just perfection for reclaimed wood signs!

How to Make Custom DIY Farmhouse Rustic Wood Signs

One of the best parts of rustic wood signs is you can mix and match so many different ways. I used weathered cedar, white vintage moldings and spray painted some new molding navy for the perfect combo.

Navy and white rustic wood sign

If you need a BIG accent piece rustic signs are perfect for that. I used a vintage gold frame with naturally weathered cedar.

Start at Home Decor's Reclaimed Wood Signs with Wood Word Cutouts.

Not only are these signs the perfect accent for your home, but they are a wonderful gift to give to someone else too. This sign was made from painted reclaimed wood moldings. Look at all the unique chippy goodness!

How to Make Custom DIY Farmhouse Rustic Wood Signs

And I LOVE this chunky frame around this beautiful wood.

Start at Home Decor's Reclaimed Wood Signs with Wood Word Cutouts.

The Benefit of Custom Rustic Wood Signs

The beauty of DIY rustic wood signs is that they can enhance any home or office space without breaking the bank. With some old wood, a few tools and a little creativity, you can create a statement piece aligned with your style preferences and budget. From choosing the right type of wood to finishing it off with a protective coat, the possibilities are endless when it comes to creating your own rustic wood sign.

Life is too short to settle for something mediocre - express yourself and be proud of the breathtaking results. So grab some wood and get creative. You never know what you can create until you give it a try.

Even More DIY Sign Ideas

  • Use canvas vinyl prints to cover up an old wood sign.
  • Use wallpaper to create a beautiful sign
  • Napkins are fun to use on a sign

Happy DIYing!

BrookeSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave

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About Brooke Larsen

Hello Friends! I love anything DIY and home decorator! On my blog I hope you will find home inspo. Whether it is for your next DIY project or home decor. If I can do it, anyone can!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Robin says

    June 15, 2016 at 7:43 am

    Love your work! Do you mind telling how you made the words from wood? I thought they were vinyl.

    Reply
    • startadmin says

      June 19, 2016 at 8:22 pm

      Hi, All of my words are cut out of MDF by my commercial CNC machine

      Reply
    • Tonia Bolayog says

      January 17, 2017 at 7:36 am

      I love the the wood work. Specially reclaimed wood. Thank you for your idea. Keep up the great work.

      Reply
  2. Robin James says

    June 16, 2016 at 5:06 am

    Do you sell your work? I'm interested in the sign that says family in those blueish colors. If so how much?

    Reply
    • startadmin says

      June 19, 2016 at 8:21 pm

      Hi Robin, I do sell my signs you can find them in my Etsy Store startathome.etsy.com

      Reply
  3. Kimberly Michelle says

    June 22, 2016 at 2:23 pm

    Hi. I love your work. Is there any way I could order one custome made? Like with somone's name?

    Reply
  4. Mette Hansen says

    June 23, 2016 at 2:06 am

    I just love your pictures!!! May I ask what kind of CNC machine you have?

    Reply
  5. Lisa Bracken says

    June 24, 2016 at 1:28 am

    Hi! I am amazed by your work. You definitely have a wonderful. I am a teacher too and think this is a great way to spend your summer. 🙂 I absolutely love the family in teal and mixed wood behind word. The frame is gold. I saw that you were sold old. Will you be making more of that kind? Thank you

    Reply
    • Lisa Bracken says

      June 24, 2016 at 1:29 am

      Darn spell check changed words. ?

      Reply
    • Lisa Bracken says

      June 24, 2016 at 1:30 am

      Wonderful...talent and sold out instead of old

      Reply
  6. Frances Savoy says

    June 24, 2016 at 11:40 am

    Can I purchase just the cut out words?
    If so, let me know how!
    Thank you,
    Frankie

    Reply
    • Amy says

      July 22, 2016 at 11:46 pm

      I would love to know this too!

      Reply
    • Sara says

      July 30, 2016 at 12:13 pm

      I'm also interested in knowing if you sell just the letters.

      Reply
  7. Jen says

    June 25, 2016 at 3:03 am

    I'm interested in a CNC machine. How much do they cost, in general? Do you have a favorite brand? Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

    Reply
  8. Traci Koehler says

    June 28, 2016 at 12:21 am

    Do you just sell the words?

    Thank you.

    Reply
  9. RusticWishes says

    June 30, 2016 at 5:16 pm

    Very nice looking signs. I really like the cut out letters over the reclaimed wood. You don't see too many people doing that.

    Reply
  10. Hannah says

    July 26, 2016 at 2:37 am

    I love th family one with the teal, white and wood frames behind the word but I can't find it on your etsy page! Could I buy one?

    Reply
  11. Sheryl Smith says

    July 30, 2016 at 2:49 am

    I would like to purchase a sign..... How do I purchase?

    Reply
  12. Ali Garcia says

    July 30, 2016 at 8:28 pm

    Hi! Do you do custom signs, I want it to say something specific

    Reply
  13. John C. Coonradt jr. says

    August 11, 2016 at 1:12 am

    I do a lot of work with pallet wood and would love to purchase a CNC machine . Where can I get one I know nothing about the machine. Your work is beautiful I have some ideas you might like to here about . Would help you a lot . Please get back to me. Jack

    Reply
  14. Angela wallace says

    August 15, 2016 at 11:09 pm

    I too am interested in the wording. Do you sell it by itself?

    Reply
  15. Patricia Saylor says

    August 17, 2016 at 2:31 pm

    If you have anymore aqua family signs please send me an email at psaylor34@gmail.com?I would Love to purchas one. Thanks a bunch

    Reply
  16. Bobbie says

    August 20, 2016 at 10:48 am

    Love your signs

    Reply
  17. Randi says

    August 28, 2016 at 6:22 am

    I really like the large turquoise family frame. What's the measurements and how much?

    Reply
  18. Mary says

    September 15, 2016 at 6:30 pm

    Hello maam for some reason i cannot find pricing on your "Family" sign on the website. Do you mind telling me the pricing on that please .

    Reply
  19. Gina says

    September 16, 2016 at 7:51 pm

    Hello!!
    Do you do custom projects?

    Reply
  20. Rebecca says

    September 26, 2016 at 12:23 am

    What is the name of this font?

    Reply
  21. Chelsea says

    October 25, 2016 at 12:54 am

    I love the family sign you are holding on your website. Is this something you would make again, and if so, ship??

    Reply
  22. Erica says

    October 30, 2016 at 3:44 pm

    I would like to buy the big white frame with family on it. Please contact me.

    Reply
    • startadmin says

      November 04, 2016 at 4:47 pm

      Hi Erica it has already sold. I am sorry..but we have more in our Etsy shop http://www.startathome.etsy.com

      Reply
  23. Nadine says

    January 17, 2017 at 12:41 am

    Hello, do you take custom design requests? Looking to get a wood cut out of our business name to take with us to bridal shows!

    Reply
    • startadmin says

      February 10, 2017 at 9:38 pm

      we do! You can view the listing in my Etsy shop. Startathome.etsy.com

      Reply
  24. Erin says

    February 16, 2017 at 10:50 pm

    Hello! Love this project! I am working on the frame now. I just got done cutting the wood. How do you attach the wood to the frame?

    Reply
  25. Rachel says

    March 12, 2017 at 1:55 pm

    Will there be anymore family signs with the teal accents?

    Reply
  26. Kelly Short says

    May 18, 2017 at 8:35 pm

    Do you mind me asking how you attached the boards to the inside of the frames?? I am trying to use some old barnwood that our family had to make a gift for my family and not sure how to attach the boards. Thank you 🙂

    Reply
  27. kim says

    May 31, 2017 at 12:18 am

    ive been looking at the CNC machines but they are really expensive, I was looking for a low cost one but I don't know what is good. would you be willing to share what type of machine u use ?

    Reply
  28. Shelley Keever says

    July 11, 2017 at 8:09 pm

    Hello!
    Do you have a family sign for sale like the one at the top of this page with the white chunky frame and aqua pieces in it? If so how much is it and how can I buy it? Thank you!

    Reply
  29. Kristie says

    August 27, 2017 at 11:00 pm

    Do you sell the wood words? Love them.

    Reply
    • startadmin says

      September 08, 2017 at 9:53 pm

      yes we do! They are in our shop startathome.etsy.com

      Reply
  30. Becky says

    October 23, 2017 at 8:29 pm

    Lovely work! How do you attach the reclaimed wood to the frame? Glue, screws, nails? What does the back look like?

    Reply
  31. amy says

    November 14, 2017 at 5:59 pm

    Do you do customized wall art?

    Reply
  32. Katie says

    January 07, 2018 at 7:02 pm

    Hi, I wanted to purchase the large family sign you are holding in that picture but in the turquoise colors and frame that is lower. How do I go about doing this? I tried your etsy page, but can't find it. Thanks!

    Reply
  33. Alisha says

    January 27, 2018 at 2:50 am

    Hello,
    I am interested in your white chunky frame that has the family sign in it. I am only looking for the frame only. Would you have one available or do a custom order for one. If you could let me know if that's possible I would appreciate it. Your work is lovely!

    Reply

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Hi I am Brooke I am an avid DIY-er and home decorator! I share home inspo and all of my DIY projects with step-by-step directions. I sprinkle in a few recipes to help out all of us busy moms too. If I can do it, so can you!

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