A sign tray is the neat, solid-looking sign you see above many of the best shop fronts. It’s clean, crisp and built to last. From our base at Cardigan Mills in Leeds LS4, our team designs aluminium sign trays to measure, manages every stage of the job and fits them for shops, cafes, salons, offices and trade units across the city.

What is a sign tray?

A sign tray starts life as a flat sheet of aluminium composite (ACM). It’s cut to size, then the edges are folded back to form a shallow tray, a bit like the lid of a biscuit tin, which is what many sign makers call them. The folded edges, called returns, give the sign depth and a sharp, finished edge, and they hide the fixings behind the face.

Why choose a tray sign for your shop front?

It looks solid. The returns give a tray sign a proper three-dimensional edge, so it looks more substantial than a flat panel.
No visible fixings. The fixings sit behind the returns, so the face stays clean.
Made for the weather. ACM won’t rot, swell or rust, which matters on a Leeds high street in January.
A perfect fit. Because every tray is made to measure, it fits your fascia properly rather than being a standard size that nearly fits.
A fresh start for tired fronts. We take down the old or damaged sign and fit your new tray in its place, so the shop gets a clean new look rather than a cover up.

If you just need a flat sign on a wall or post, a flat ACM panel is the simpler option.

Finishes and options

Colour and finish

Choose a matt or gloss finish from a wide range of colours, or have the whole tray face covered in printed vinyl to match your branding.

Lettering and logos

Most trays carry cut or printed vinyl graphics. For extra impact we can add flat-cut acrylic letters or built-up letters that stand proud of the face. See our flat cut and built-up letters.

Illuminated sign trays

A tray can be lit so your shop stands out after dark and your name is still clear on winter evenings. We’ll talk you through the lighting options when we quote. See our illuminated signs for more options.

Fixing kit

Every sign tray comes with a fixing kit of aluminium angle and fixings, so it’s ready to go up whether our team fits it or you use your own fitter

Tray sizes and made-to-measure

There’s no standard size for a sign tray. Each one is made to fit your fascia or wall. For fitted signs you can send us sizes or we can measure up on a site survey (sometimes subject to survey fee). If you’re arranging your own fitting, we can work from your measurements. Very long fascias may be made in more than one section and joined neatly on site.

Sign trays for all kinds of Leeds businesses

Tray signs suit almost any business with a fascia or a wall to fill: independent shops, cafes and restaurants, hair and beauty salons, takeaways, offices, trade counters, surgeries and community buildings. We fit across Leeds, from Kirkstall, Meanwood, Headingley and the city centre to Horsforth, Chapel Allerton and Morley, and further out into West Yorkshire.

We fit sign trays for businesses all over Leeds, from single shop fronts to whole parades. Browse more of our shop signs in Leeds.

Looking after your sign tray

Sign trays are low maintenance. A wipe with warm, soapy water a couple of times a year keeps the face and lettering clean, and it’s worth checking the sign when your windows are cleaned. Avoid pressure washers and solvents close to the lettering. If you rebrand later, we can reface the tray with new vinyl rather than replace it.

Do you need planning permission?

Many unlit shop signs are covered by what’s called deemed consent, so they don’t need a separate application. Illuminated signs, and signs on listed buildings or in conservation areas, sometimes do. It’s always worth checking with Leeds City Council if you are unsure.

Get a free sign tray quote

Send us a photo of your shop front and rough measurements and we’ll come back with a free quote, usually the same day.

How it works

1. Survey and quote

Send us a photo of your shop front and rough measurements, or we can visit to measure up if needed. We’ll send a free quote.

2. Design and proof

Our sign design team prepares a proof showing your tray, colours and lettering. Nothing is made until you approve it.

3. Made to measure

Once you approve the proof, your tray is cut, folded and finished to your exact size. Sign trays usually take 7 to 10 working days from artwork approval, and we’ll give you a date when you order.

4. Fitted

Our installers take down the old sign and fit the new tray at a time that suits your trading hours. They hold CSCS, IPAF and PASMA cards and bring the access equipment for fascia work. See sign installation in Leeds.

If you just need a flat sign on a wall or post, a flat ACM panel is the simpler option.

FAQs

How much does a sign tray cost?

It depends on the size, the finish, the lettering, whether it’s lit and whether you need it fitted. Send us your measurements and a photo and we’ll give you a free, no-obligation quote.

Are aluminium sign trays OK outside?

Yes. ACM is weatherproof and won’t rot or rust, which is why sign trays are one of the most popular outdoor signs for shop fronts.

Can a sign tray be illuminated?

Yes. We offer illuminated sign trays, and we’ll suggest the best way to light yours when we quote. Lit signs usually need advertisement consent, so check with Leeds City Council first.

Can you add raised or built-up letters to a tray?

Yes. We can fix flat-cut acrylic or built-up letters to the tray face so the lettering stands out.

How is a sign tray fixed to the wall?

Each tray comes with a fixing kit of aluminium angle and fixings, and is fixed behind the returns, so no fixings show on the face. We’ll check the fascia or wall when we survey.

Can a tray go over my old shop fascia?

We don’t fit trays over old signs. We remove the old fascia sign and fit the new tray in its place, so it sits flat, fixes securely and lasts. We’ll check the wall behind when we survey.