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Custom signage

Totem Signs
UK manufactured.

Free-standing monolith signs for car parks, business parks, retail parks, and corporate entrances. Single-tenant or multi-tenant tower formats.

A totem sign is a free-standing pillar — typically 2-5 metres tall — used to mark business entrances, identify multi-tenant complexes, or provide directional information at car park entrances. Direct Signs designs and manufactures totems for retail parks, corporate campuses, hospitality venues, and individual businesses.

Totems can be single-tenant (one organisation's branding on a pillar) or multi-tenant (a stacked directory of all businesses on the site). Construction is typically powder-coated steel or aluminium, with vinyl-applied or built-up letter graphics. Internal illumination is the default for retail and hospitality contexts where visibility after dark matters.

What's included

  • Powder-coated steel or aluminium construction
  • Single-tenant or multi-tenant directory layouts
  • Internally illuminated (LED) or non-illuminated
  • Concrete foundation included
  • Heights from 2m to 5m+
  • Site survey, design, manufacture, install

Common questions

Totem Signs FAQs

Do totem signs need planning permission?
Most do. Free-standing signs over a certain size require advertisement consent under the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (England) Regulations 2007. Conservation areas and listed buildings have stricter rules. We can advise during the site survey.

How are totems installed?
A concrete foundation is poured (typically 1m × 1m × 1m for a 3m totem) with anchor bolts. The totem is craned into position, secured, and electrical connected (illuminated versions). Standard install takes 1-2 days plus foundation curing time.

How long do totems last?
Powder-coated aluminium totems typically 15-20 years before significant refurbishment. Internal LED panels typically need replacement at 8-10 years. Maintenance is straightforward.

Need totem signs?

Tell us about your project and we will respond with a quote within 24 hours. Free site survey for larger installations.

Get a custom quote Talk to our team