How to Make an Easy DIY Picket Fence Coastal Directional Sign

Make Your Own Easy DIY Picket Fence Signpost

This project was so much fun to make!

This all started when I found the old picket fence that had served as a headboard in our daughter’s middle school bedroom (she’s 25 now).  We’ve moved this headboard multiple times and it was time for it to go or find a new purpose.

We decided to give it new life as a directional signpost.

We’ve always admired the fun directional signs we see in the keys, but never wanted to spend the $100 or more to buy one.  So we decided to make our own.

Grab a picket fence, some paint and your tool belt and let’s make a fun coastal signpost.

DIY Picket Fence Signpost Cost

This project cost about $10 (using the old picket fence + random leftover paint and our 4 x 4 post was part of the fence) and took about 3 hours and a pitcher of mojitos.  A lot of the project time is waiting for paint to dry, that’s where the pitcher of mojitos comes in 🙂

 

We love the Florida Keys, we love dive bars and old Florida and our backyard reflects that love.  It’s a little bit nautical, a little beachy, a little old Florida, and a lot dive bar. 

This sign was just what our yard needed.  We love it! 

I bet your yard could use a fun and easy picket fence signpost, so grab your tools, some apint and a pitcher of mojitos and get to it.

 

Uses for Easy Picket Fence Signpost

There are so many reasons to make a signpost.  My number 1 reason is they are so cute, but there are actually lots of practical reasons to make a signpost.

 

  • Backyard art – Pick locations that remind you of milestones and memories
  • Use as a directional sign – this way to the pool, this way to the beach, etc.
  • Make one for an outdoor, beachy wedding to direct guests.
  • Fun gift for anyone, but awesome for a new grad or newlyweds.
  • Makes the perfect housewarming gift.
  • This picket fence signpost is also a great gift for Dad.

 

Picket Fence Sign Post Finishing Touch

To finish off the signpost my husband grabbed an old prop that he had saved (who knows why he saved it, but…) sprayed it a pretty yellow and used it to top the post instead of a boring post cap.  There are so many cute ideas for finishing the post.  Look around the house of shed to see what you have that would add a touch of personality to your picket fence signpost.

How to Make an Easy Picket Fence Signpost

Make An Easy DIY Signpost in 3 Easy Steps

It’s amazing what you can create with a couple of hours and a few easy to use tools.  Let’s get to work!  Here’s a quick look at the process.

Grab your Supplies

The first step in any DIY project is to gather everything you will need to complete the project before you get started.  This will significantly reduce the amount of time required to complete the project + will save you lots of frustration.

Check out the supply list below.

Get to Work

Read the instructions – I’m not good at this part, but I’ve learned that reading the instructions all the way through BEFORE I start saves me a ton of time, frustration and rework.

Follow the step-by-step instructions detailed below and you’ll be admiring your new picket fence signpost in no time.

Sit Back and Admire Your Signpost

Time to enjoy your handy work.  You’ll be ready to Instagram or Facebook your finished project in a couple of hours.  Just remember to take some fun pictures of the work-in-progress and the pitcher of mojitos.

I always get lots of likes on my cocktail pics.

Easy to Follow Step-by-Step Instructions for Making An Easy DIY Signpost

Experience Tip:  READ ALL THE DIRECTIONS BEFORE BEGINNING. Before you get started, make sure you have everything you need to complete the project.    This will save you time and frustration.

What you’ll need:

  • Pickets or an old picket fences or old boards
  • Drill
  • Paint
  • Post – to screw the pickets to a 2 x 4 will be perfect for most signposts (we used a 4×4 which was overkill, but we live on the water in Florida and wanted something hurricane proof)
  • Paint, 1 color per picket.  + white paint for distressing and weathering.  I use whatever paint I have laying around.
  • Paint brush
  • Lettering brush
  • Clear protective non-yellowing spray
  • Screws
  • Safety glasses or goggles
  • A Pitcher of Mojitos
  • Optional – a bag or 2 of concrete.  If you want your post to stay put I highly recommend this option.
  • Optional – Something to top your sign post – like the prop we spray painted.

Easy to Follow Step-by-Step Instructions for Making A Picket Fence Signpost

Stress-Free DIY Experience Tip: 

Read all instructions before beginning. Make sure you have all your tools and materials assembled BEFORE you begin the project.

 

Step 1 - Plan & Paint

 

  • Plan your destinations.  Choose places that mean something to you or choose bucket list destinations.
  • Use google maps find the mileage from your current location.
  • Paint 8 – 10 pickets, with the colors of your choice.
  • Let the pickets dry.  I found that by the time I painted all the pickets the first pickets were dry and ready for lettering, but if not just grab a mojito.
  • Add your destinations and miles – paint or use a giant paint pen or extra large Sharpie to add your locations.
  • You can hand-letter or use a stencil.
  • Add accent colors to the lettering.
  • Let the lettering dry.
  • Optional – Dry brush with white paint + some of your other paint colors for a distressed look.
  • Don’t get too hung up on perfection – this is supposed to be fun and sometimes the mistakes become the favorite part of a project.

Step 2 - Attach your Pickets to Your Posts

  • Lay out your pickets on your post before screwing them to the post.
  • You want them to be random and point in different directions.
  • Once you’ve decide on the correct placement attach to the post with 2 screws.
  • Grab a mojito, you deserve it!  

Step 3 - Set Your Picket Fence Sign Post in The Yard

  • Dig a hole about 1 ft across and 2 ft deep
  • Dump a bag of concrete into the hole.
  • Add water per concrete package directions.
  • Let it begin to set-up just a little then place your post into the concrete.
  • Let concrete set completely then backfill with dirt.
  • Your sign post looks amazing!  So go ahead and post your first Instagram pic letting everyone know just how awesome you are at this DIY stuff.
  • Finally grab a Mojito – You deserve it.  Your signpost looks amazing!
  • Sit back and admire your new diy picket fence signpost, snap a few selfies with you a mojito and your signpost, post to Instagram and Facebook.  

 

You rock.  I’m so proud of you.  

 

DIY Picket Fence Signpost Final Results

Beautiful DIY Picket Fence Signpost

With Just $10 and 3 Hours you can Build this Easy DIY Picket Fence Signpost

Simple & Easy Picket Fence Signpost

Time to Make Your Own Easy DIY Picket Fence Signpost

1 Comment

  1. Frank
    Frank on September 24, 2019 at 12:45 pm

    This is sooooo cool. Really sets that tropical mood!

    Reply

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