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Wednesday, April 12, 2017

How to Make a Modern House Number Sign

Create the perfect modern house number sign with affordable dowel rods! 


It's Monthly DIY Challenge Day!  

Since spring is officially here and the weather is slowly warming it was high time I created a project to spruce up the outside of our home.  For months, I've had a DIY house number sign on my "to do" list and this month's dowel theme was the perfect opportunity to get it done.

Modern house number sign, spring porch


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I headed to Home Depot in search of the perfect size dowels to give my house number sign depth and dimension and settled on 3/8" and 5/8" square dowels.  
square wood dowel rods
 While I was there I also picked up the house number signs.  I ended up going with the more expensive numbers, but there are lots of less expensive options as well.
Black house number signs

Supplies for modern house number sign
After I gathered my supplies I cut a piece of scrap wood and all the dowels in half (18 inches), which allowed me to get two rows out of each dowel. 
measuring wood dowels

cutting square wood dowels

cutting scrap wood
I applied a row of Dap Rapid Fuse wood glue to the scrap wood and started laying my dowels, alternating sizes as I worked up the board.
glueing square dowels to scrap wood
The wood dries super fast, but I still found it helpful to use clamps to hold each dowel in place for a few minutes.
adding glue to scrap wood for house number sign

clamping wood in place
Once I had all my dowels glued to my scrap wood I cleaned up the ends with my mitre saw then sanded the edges.
trimming modern house number sign
I added a light coat of espresso stain and water based poly then glued my numbers in place once the stain was dry.  (I used wood glue over the nails provided with the numbers due to the nail placement and variation of my wood.)
Staining house number sign
Since I wasn't ready to go drilling holes in our brand new siding I opted to use heavy duty velcro to hang the number sign instead.  This is the first time I've used this brand of velcro strips and I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised at the hold strength.
Adding velcro to modern house number sign

modern house number sign

Modern house number sign
While I was at it, I also picked up an inexpensive eucalyptus wreath from HomeGoods, two ferns from Home Depot and a crinkle diamond doormat from Target to finish off the mini porch makeover.  
Modern house number sign, spring porch

eucalyptus wreath

modern house number sign, spring porch

spring porch fern

modern house number sign, spring porch

Our porch is now a nice representation of my style and a good mix of modern, vintage and my love of black, white and wood tones.  
Modern house number, spring porch

Wanna see more awesome wood dowel projects?  






      

Would you like to comment?

  1. So stylish! Love it. Now, where did your source your crate with the fern in it?

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    1. Thanks Sharon! They were actually in my parents garage and I snagged them :) I would keep an eye out for some at local vintage/antique shops.

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  2. it looks really good, I have been looking for ideas about house numbers, I have already purchased the same numbers (3 years ago...) that you used, but I had not found a cool way to use them. I think your way might be perfect with my modern 1960 house....just wondering how it would survive the rain.

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  3. I just LOVE this! Perfectly modern farmhouse :) I also love how it fits in with your mini porch makeover - so inviting!

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  4. This is perfect! Such a fun idea using the squared dowels, and it all looks so great with your beautiful porch!! :)

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  5. Love this idea! And I love the color of your door! Any idea what paint color it is? So pretty!

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    1. Thank you! The door is painted Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore in their Emerald line. It's my favorite color :)

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    2. Love the color of the front door with the wreath. What color is your siding? Great picture

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  6. Thank you Katie! I'm looking to paint my door soon! I love yours!

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  7. It looks great but a good place for bugs to nest and dust to collect because of the uneven boards. But I live on a busy road and my front porch gets filthy. I hope you don't have that problem.

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  9. Love it! What color paint on the siding?

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  10. Thanks for posting this info. I just want to let you know that I just check out your site and I find it very interesting and informative. I can't wait to read lots of your posts. Daniel Henderson very interesting keep posting.

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  11. Beautful! What paint color is the siding?

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  12. Katie, How is the Velcro holding up with the sign?

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    1. Hi Jill! I did have to replace the original velcro with heavy duty exterior velcro (also purchased from Home Depot), but so far it's been holding up great.

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