When it comes to boosting curb appeal, small details can make a huge difference! One of the easiest ways to make your home feel more personalized and welcoming is by updating your house numbers. Instead of buying a standard set, I decided to take on a fun DIY project and create a custom DIY modern house number sign. I wanted something that was modern and contemporary that would stand out. This was a super easy DIY project and beginner friendly. All you need is a few tools and materials. Here’s how I did it, step-by-step!
Materials used to make DIY modern contemporary house number sign
- A piece of wood (I used pine) size of your choice
- Sandpaper- I used 220 grit
- Wood conditioner
- Wood stain (in your preferred color) - I used weathered oak and early american combined
- Floating house numbers
- Power drill
- Drill bit set
- Hardware for hanging
Here is a link to my LTK (Like To Know It) where I link all of the products I used in this project for you. (this link does include affiliate links)
Step 1 to creating an easy DIY house number sign: Cut the wood to size
First, I chose a solid piece of wood that would complement the style of my home. I already had some leftover pine wood from another project so I opted to use that. After measuring the dimensions I wanted, I cut the wood to size by placing the floating numbers on the piece of wood to see what I liked best. This step allows for flexibility—you can keep it simple or go for a more decorative look depending on your taste.
Step 2: Sanding
To ensure the wood was smooth and free from rough edges, I sanded it down, I just used 220 grit sandpaper that I already hard. The smoother the surface, the better the stain will take, and the more professional your sign will look. Once sanded, be sure to wipe it down with a damp clean cloth to ensure all of the dust is removed then wait for it to dry before proceeding to the next step.
Step 3: Apply Wood Conditioner
To ensure I have a professional finish, I applied a wood conditioner to prep the wood for staining. This step helps the wood absorb the stain evenly, preventing blotches or uneven coloring, which is especially important with certain types of wood.
Step 4: Staining The Wood
After letting the conditioner dry, I applied the wood stain in thin, even coats, wiping away any excess as I went along. For this step you can choose any stain of your choice. I mixed Weathered Oak and Early American. I started with one coat of Weathered Oak, once dried I went over it with an additional coat of Early American and was happy with the color then ensure to allow the stain to fully dry before moving on to the next step.
Step 5: Drilling Holes For Floating Numbers
Once the wood was dry, it was time to add the numbers! I used the templates that came with my floating house numbers to mark exactly where the screws would go. Using a power drill and the correct drill bit, I carefully drilled holes into the wood at the marked spots.
Step 6: Attaching The Floating Numbers
With the holes in place, attaching the floating numbers was simple. I followed the instructions, which involved screwing in small spacers between the wood and the numbers to give them that cool "floating" effect. You can hammer them in but I used my hands to just apply pressure and push them into place. The screws were longer than the width of my sign but not by much so I did not worry about them sticking through on the back.
Step 7: Add Hanging Hardware
Finally, I attached hardware to the back of the sign so it could easily hang on the exterior of my house. To ensure it was durable, I used sturdy hardware to ensure it would hold up against outdoor elements. When it comes to hanging options, you can choose keyhole brackets, sawtooth hangers, or D-rings depending on how you want your sign to hang.
The Finished Product
After hanging my new house number sign, I couldn’t be more pleased with how it turned out. The project was not only affordable, but it also gave me the chance to create something completely custom for my home. It’s always satisfying to see a DIY project come to life, especially when it adds such a personal touch to your home’s curb appeal.
Here is the link to all of the products I used for this project. Please note I will earn a small commission if you purchase through the link. Here is also a link to a video I made walking through the steps mentioned above for this project!
If you’re looking for a quick and rewarding project to spruce up your home’s exterior, I highly recommend making your own house number sign. You can tweak the design in so many creative ways!
Have you ever tried making your own house numbers? Let me know in the comments if you give this project a try or have any creative twists on it!
