Pole Signs

You know those giant gas station, store, and restaurant signs you see from the interstate, letting you know that food, gas, or supplies are nearby?

That is a Pole Sign!

Nothing attracts business like a custom pole sign, working as a beacon to let customers know you are open and ready to assist them. If you are looking to install permanent, freestanding signage onto your business location that will have the greatest impact and widest range of visibility, then a pole sign is the sign you are looking for.

Milwaukee Sign Company is the local leader in Pole Sign design, manufacturing, and installation. With fast, friendly customer support and a dedicated team of fabricators and installers, we design the right pole sign for your business and location, assisting you in increasing your business traffic and ultimately adding more money to your bottom line.

Call Milwaukee Sign Company today at (262) 372-4030 for a Free Consultation with a Pole Sign Expert!

Illuminated Pole Signs

Created by essentially hoisting a giant cabinet sign high in the air on a pole, illuminated or lighted pole signs are great for businesses open late. Towering 20 feet or more into the air, you can attract weary travelers to your facilities from miles away, like a moth to a flame.

These impressive, durable signage elements may seem like a large investment, but considering the amount of traffic they are able to draw into your facility, they typically pay for themselves in increased sales quite quickly.

If you are uncertain about whether or not a pole sign is right for your business, we can conduct an on-site evaluation to determine feasibility for your business.

Call Milwaukee Sign Company at (262) 372-4030 for a free consultation!

Pylon & Tenant Signs

Similar to Pole Signs, Pylon Signs and Tenant Signs rise above the rooftops of businesses, but typically provide more information than a single pole sign. While typically not as tall as a Pole Sign, Pylon signs are usually constructed of heavier materials and have a dual or wide base support structure rather than a single pole.

Tenant Signs are a type of Pylon Sign that advertises all of the different businesses within a facility or complex, ideal for business parks, open-air malls, and shopping centers.

Not sure what you need? We can assist you with determining the right signage mix for your business or storefront.

Call Milwaukee Sign Company at (262) 372-4030 for expert advice and assistance!

Free Pole Sign Consultation

The Pole Sign experts at Milwaukee Sign Company are ready to get to work for you! From concept design through installation of your final sign, we handle everything, including clean-up. If you are looking for a dedicated and experienced local signage partner, Milwaukee Sign Company is the right choice for all of your business sign needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a pylon sign and a pole sign?

Pole signs are mounted on one or two visible vertical poles, typically with a sign cabinet at the top. Pylon signs are similar in function but the structural pole is concealed within a wider sign body, giving a more architectural appearance. Both are designed for high-visibility roadside placement; pylons tend to be used in newer commercial zones where a more refined look is preferred.

What’s the maximum height for pylon signs in Wisconsin?

Maximum height varies significantly by municipality, but most Wisconsin commercial codes allow pylon signs between 20 and 35 feet tall. Some highway-frontage commercial zones permit taller signs to remain visible from the roadway. We confirm the maximum allowed height with the local zoning office before designing the sign.

Do pylon signs require special engineering?

Yes. Most municipalities require stamped engineering drawings for any sign over a certain height — typically 20 feet — because of wind load and seismic considerations. Engineering covers the foundation depth, pole structure, and connection details. We coordinate with a licensed structural engineer as part of our pylon sign projects so all drawings are permit-ready.

How are pylon signs illuminated?

Most pylon signs use internally illuminated cabinets with LED modules behind translucent acrylic faces. The face panels are typically removable for service access. Some installations also incorporate external lighting or LED edge accents along the pole structure. We size the electrical service based on total LED draw and ensure the wiring routes through the pole are accessible for future maintenance.

Can a pylon sign feature digital messaging or LED panels?

Yes — many modern pylon installations include a programmable LED message center as part of the sign body. These display rotating text, hours, prices, or promotions, and can be updated remotely. Wisconsin municipalities have specific rules about brightness, message hold times, and animation that we work within during the design phase.

What’s the installation process for a pylon sign?

Pylon installation begins with a foundation excavation and concrete footing — typically 6 to 10 feet deep depending on sign height and soil conditions. The pole is set with embedded anchor bolts, the cabinet is craned into position, and electrical service is connected. Most pylon installations take 2 to 4 days on-site, plus 7 days of footing cure time before the sign goes up.

What’s the typical lifespan of a pylon sign?

A properly built pylon sign should last 20 to 30 years. The structural components (pole, foundation, cabinet) are extremely durable. Faces and graphics may need refreshing every 7 to 10 years as colors fade from UV exposure. LED modules typically run 50,000+ hours and are replaced as needed, usually one or two at a time.

What’s the typical cost of a pylon or pole sign?

Most pylon and pole sign projects in Greater Milwaukee fall between $10,000 and $60,000 fully installed, depending on overall height, single- vs. double-sided cabinets, illumination type, engineering and permit requirements, and foundation depth. A simple single-pole non-illuminated sign sits at the lower end; a tall double-sided pylon with internal illumination — especially one paired with an integrated LED message center — sits at the upper end. We provide itemized quotes after a site visit and zoning check so you know exactly what’s driving the price.

Call Milwaukee Sign Company today at (262) 372-4030 for a Free Consultation with a Pole Sign Expert!