Surface-by-surface instructions, tools, safety tips, and compatibility tables.
Metal signs can be mounted on almost any surface using the right hardware and technique. Timber and Colorbond are the easiest — a simple screw installation takes under 10 minutes. Brick and concrete require wall anchors or dynabolts. Plasterboard needs hollow-wall anchors. Glass should always use professional stand-off mounts installed by a specialist.
| Surface | Hardware | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timber | Wood screws | Easy | Fences, posts, gates, sheds |
| Brick | Wall anchors + screws | Moderate | House walls, pillars, letterboxes |
| Concrete | Dynabolts / masonry screws | Moderate | Walls, driveways, foundations |
| Plasterboard | Hollow wall anchors | Moderate | Interior walls, offices, apartments |
| Colorbond | Self-tapping metal screws | Easy | Fences, sheds, carports |
| Glass | Stand-offs + adhesive | Hard — professional recommended | Shopfronts, offices, display windows |
Timber is the easiest surface for mounting metal signs. Fences, gate posts, timber cladding, and pergolas all provide a solid fixing point.
Hold the sign against the timber surface and mark the hole positions with a pencil.
Pre-drill pilot holes slightly smaller than your screw diameter to prevent the timber from splitting.
Position the sign and drive stainless steel wood screws through the mounting holes into the timber.
Do not overtighten — stop when the sign sits flush against the surface.
Use stainless steel screws to prevent rust stains bleeding into the timber over time. For hardwoods like jarrah or ironbark, pre-drilling is essential.
Brick walls are common for house facades, letterbox pillars, and garden walls. Always drill into the brick itself, not the mortar joints, for the strongest hold.
Mark hole positions on the brick face using the sign as a template.
Fit a masonry drill bit to your hammer drill. Use a bit diameter matching your wall plugs.
Drill into the brick to the depth recommended on the wall plug packaging.
Insert wall plugs flush with the wall surface.
Hold the sign in place and drive screws through the mounting holes into the plugs.
For signs over 2 kg, use heavy-duty masonry anchors rather than standard wall plugs. Expansion anchors rated for 20+ kg are readily available at hardware stores.
Concrete provides an incredibly strong mounting surface but requires the right hardware. Dynabolts (also called sleeve anchors) are the standard choice for concrete walls and foundations.
Mark your hole positions on the concrete surface.
Using a hammer drill with a masonry bit, drill holes to the depth specified for your dynabolts.
Clean dust from the holes using a vacuum or compressed air.
Insert dynabolts through the sign holes and into the concrete.
Tighten the bolts with a spanner until snug. The sleeve expands inside the concrete, creating a permanent anchor.
Be cautious of embedded rebar. If your drill bit hits metal, move the hole slightly. A stud finder designed for concrete can help locate reinforcement before drilling.
Plasterboard walls are common in offices, apartments, and modern homes. Standard screws will pull straight out, so hollow-wall anchors are essential.
Mark hole positions on the wall.
If possible, locate timber studs using a stud finder and screw directly into them for maximum strength.
If no stud is available, drill pilot holes and insert hollow-wall anchors (toggle anchors or wall mates).
Insert the screw through the sign and into the anchor, then tighten until secure.
Do not overtighten — plasterboard is soft and can crush around the anchor.
Aluminium signs are strongly recommended for plasterboard due to their lighter weight. Steel signs should always be anchored into studs rather than relying on plasterboard fixings alone.
Colorbond steel fencing and cladding is popular across Australia. It is thin but strong, making self-tapping metal screws the perfect solution.
Mark hole positions on the Colorbond sheet.
Pre-drill with a metal drill bit slightly smaller than your screw diameter.
Position the sign and drive self-tapping metal screws through the holes.
Apply gentle, steady pressure. Let the screw cut its own thread rather than forcing it.
Avoid over-tightening, which can dimple or distort the Colorbond panel. Stainless steel screws prevent galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals.
Glass mounting creates a stunning modern effect but is the most technically demanding surface. We strongly recommend hiring a professional glazier or sign installer for glass applications.
Stand-off mounts designed for glass use a combination of adhesive bonding and mechanical fixings. The process involves:
Never attempt to drill into glass yourself. Tempered glass will shatter if drilled, and even annealed glass requires diamond-tipped bits and professional technique.
Having the right tools makes installation safer and easier.
Cordless drill, masonry and metal drill bits, spirit level, tape measure, pencil, safety glasses, work gloves
Hammer drill for concrete/brick, stud finder, vacuum for dust removal, Allen key set for stand-offs
Always wear safety glasses when drilling. Use hearing protection with hammer drills. Check for electrical cables and plumbing before drilling into walls.
We include stainless steel screws for timber and masonry. For other surfaces, purchase appropriate anchors from your local hardware store.
Every Metal Marvel sign includes pre-drilled holes and stainless steel screws. Design your sign now and have it ready to mount within days.
House number sizing guide — Choose the right size for maximum visibility.
Choosing a metal — Which material suits your climate and aesthetic.
Cleaning & maintenance — Keep your sign looking perfect for decades.
By the Metal Marvel Team
Last updated: May 2026
Custom laser-cut metal signs from $99 AUD. Free shipping on orders over $150. Pre-drilled holes and mounting hardware included.