DIY Installation Guide: Fitting Signs in Minutes
Installing dementia-friendly signage does not require a specialist contractor. This practical guide walks you through the tools, techniques, and best practices for fitting signs quickly and correctly on any wall surface in your care home.
One of the great advantages of modern acrylic signage is how easy it is to install. Our DSDC 1A-accredited signs are manufactured from 5mm solid white acrylic with pre-drilled mounting holes and all necessary fixings included. Most signs can be fitted in under five minutes per sign, and a complete care home installation can be accomplished in a single day by your maintenance team -- no specialist contractor required.
Tools You Will Need#
Essential tools for sign installation:
- Electric drill with masonry and wood drill bits (6mm for wall plugs)
- Spirit level (or a smartphone level app)
- Tape measure
- Pencil for marking fixing positions
- Screwdriver (Phillips or Pozidrive, depending on fixings supplied)
- Wall plugs appropriate to your wall type (usually included with signs)
- Masking tape (useful for holding the sign in position while marking)
Step-by-Step Installation#
Step 1: Determine the correct mounting height. The DSDC recommends a centre height of 1.4 to 1.5 metres for door signs. Measure from the floor and make a light pencil mark on the wall at the centre point. Step 2: Hold the sign against the wall at the marked height. Use a spirit level to ensure it is perfectly horizontal. Use masking tape to temporarily hold the sign in position. Step 3: Using the pencil, mark the wall through the pre-drilled fixing holes in the sign. Step 4: Remove the sign and drill holes at the marked positions. Insert wall plugs. Step 5: Reposition the sign, insert screws through the fixing holes, and tighten securely. Step 6: Check the sign is level and firmly attached. Repeat for each sign.
Pro Tip
For consistency, cut a piece of string or a wooden batten to exactly 1.45 metres. Use this as your height gauge for every sign, measuring from the floor to the centre of the sign. This is much faster than measuring each sign individually and ensures perfect consistency throughout the building.
Wall Types and Fixings#
Solid brick or block walls require masonry drill bits and standard wall plugs. Plasterboard (drywall) walls require specialist plasterboard fixings such as spring toggles or hollow-wall anchors -- standard wall plugs will pull out of plasterboard under load. Timber-framed walls (common in older care homes) can accept standard wood screws directly, though pilot holes prevent splitting. If you are unsure of your wall construction, tap the wall: solid walls sound dull, plasterboard walls sound hollow.
Common Mistakes to Avoid#
Avoid these common installation errors:
- Mounting too high -- signs above 1.6m are difficult for wheelchair users and shorter residents to see
- Mounting on the hinge side of the door -- always mount on the lock (handle) side
- Inconsistent heights -- use your height gauge for every single sign
- Drilling into hidden pipes or cables -- use a cable/pipe detector before drilling, especially in bathrooms
- Over-tightening screws on acrylic signs, which can crack the material -- tighten until snug, then stop
- Forgetting to clean the wall area first -- dusty or greasy walls prevent good adhesive bond for decals
For adhesive-mounted signs and door decals, ensure the surface is clean and dry before application. Wipe the area with isopropyl alcohol, allow to dry completely, then apply firm, even pressure. Avoid fitting adhesive products in temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius, as the adhesive requires warmth to bond properly.
Recommended Products
Every sign in our range comes with all necessary fixings and clear installation instructions. Our 5mm solid white acrylic signs are pre-drilled for easy mounting. If you need advice on wall types or fixing methods, our team is available to help.
Installing signage is one of the simplest maintenance tasks in a care home. With the right tools and a methodical approach, your maintenance team can fit a complete set of signs in a single day, transforming your wayfinding environment with minimal disruption to residents and staff.
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