3D built-up letters and fabricated signs

Built-up letters give a sign real depth: a face, returns around the sides and a back, fixed off the wall so they cast their own shadow. We have made them at every scale, from reception letters to the lettering on an international airport terminal.

Spec your sign Call 085 860 0150

Dixy Chicken in Cork: white 3D built-up letters with red returns on a navy fascia. — Cork · Dixy Chicken, built-up letters

Royal blue 3D block letters reading International Airport on a steel frame above an airport terminal canopy. — Afghanistan · airport terminal lettering

Brushed aluminium panel with raised red letters reading Tasty Fast Food and Restaurant. — Afghanistan · letters on aluminium

What we make

Built-up letters with folded aluminium or stainless returns
Layered and solid acrylic letters
Flat-cut letters in acrylic, PVC foam, aluminium and steel
Letters on stand-off locators or rails
Large-format letters on steel frames for rooftops and canopies
Illuminated or non-illuminated versions of any of these

How built-up letters are made

Faces and backs are cut on CNC from the vector artwork. Returns, the sides of each letter, are folded from aluminium or stainless strip and welded or bonded to the face, then finished in paint, powder coat or polished metal. If the letters are lit, LED modules and wiring go in before the back is closed.

Fixing at scale

Small letters fix to the wall on stand-off locators using a paper template. Large letters, such as rooftop or canopy lettering, sit on a fabricated steel frame designed for the wind loads at that height.

Areas we cover

We are based in Ballinora, Co. Cork, and regularly work in Cork city, Ballincollig, Ballinora, Bishopstown, Douglas, Carrigaline, Blarney, Glanmire, Midleton, Cobh, Kinsale, Bandon, Macroom, Mallow and Youghal. Our own team also installs anywhere else in Ireland.

Questions

What are built-up letters?

Built-up letters are hollow three-dimensional letters made from a face, a back and returns around the edge. They are lighter than solid letters at large sizes and can hold LED lighting inside.

Which material is best for outdoor 3D letters?

Aluminium and stainless steel are the most durable outdoors. Acrylic works well for coloured or illuminated faces. PVC foam is economical for indoor or sheltered signs.

Can you make very large letters?

Yes. We have fabricated roof-mounted lettering for an international airport terminal, on a steel support frame.

Updated 2026-10-01