Business Details
46 Years
experience
Custom Signage Solutions in Salinas
Signs by Van has been crafting custom signage solutions for over four decades, establishing itself as one of the longest-running sign shops in Central California. Our expertise spans dimensional signs, electrical signage, and specialty fabrication, serving businesses across Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur, Salinas, and beyond. We combine traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to deliver durable, visually striking signs that elevate brands. With over 85% of materials sourced locally, we prioritize community support while maintaining exceptional quality. Our two in-house design artists collaborate closely with clients to ensure 100% satisfaction, guiding projects from concept development through permitting, fabrication, and installation.Recognized as a top 5 sign company in the US and Salinas' Small Business of the Year, we maintain rigorous standards in both artistic execution and technical precision. Our comprehensive services include electric sign maintenance, custom wedding decor, winery signage, and large-scale displays, with a dedicated team ensuring every project meets exact specifications. Backed by decades of experience and a commitment to innovation, we provide tailored solutions for businesses, events, and private clients seeking impactful visual communication.
Services
Custom Signage
Electrical Signage
Wedding Decor
Winery Signage
Restaurant Signage
Commercial Metal Signs
Sign Carving
Murals
Iron Fabrication
Vehicle Wraps
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- 40+ years crafting custom signage with locally sourced materials
- In-house design artists ensure 100% client satisfaction
- Full-service process from concept to installation
- Specialize in electrical sign maintenance and restoration
- Award-winning craftsmanship recognized nationally
Associations and certifications
- Small Business of the Year (Salinas)
- Top 5 Sign Company in the US
What people say
Exceptional craftsmanship
Reliable service
Creative solutions
Timely delivery
Expertise in signage
Services
Custom Signage
We create tailored signage solutions combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. Our process includes concept development, permitting, design, fabrication, and installation. Clients receive durable, visually striking signs that enhance brand visibility and withstand environmental challenges. Projects range from small business signs to large-scale displays.
Electrical Signage
Our electrical signage services include neon, LED, and custom illuminated displays. We provide maintenance, repair, and retrofitting for businesses requiring 24/7 visibility. Solutions suit storefronts, restaurants, and events with weather-resistant materials ensuring long-term functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Wedding Decor
We craft bespoke wedding signage including arbors, cake stands, and directional signs. Each piece is customized to match event themes with options for table numbers, bride/groom signage, and keepsake displays. Our team ensures unique, high-quality decor that complements special occasions.
Winery Signage
Specialized signage for wineries using wood, metal, and dimensional lettering. Designs enhance brand identity while withstanding outdoor conditions. Services include rustic wood carvings, elegant metal signs, and sandblasted markers that highlight vineyard aesthetics and improve visitor navigation.
Sign Carving
Our carved signs use advanced bas relief techniques for 3D effects. Materials include weather-resistant wood and rust-proof metal with premium sealants. Ideal for restaurants, wineries, and businesses seeking distinctive, long-lasting signage that combines artistic detail with durability.
People
Phil VanderKraats
Owner and Operator
With over 40 years in the sign industry, Phil VanderKraats leads Signs by Van as owner and operator. He oversees daily operations and ensures quality control across all projects. Phil's expertise in sign fabrication and business management has established the company as a regional leader.
Questions
What types of signage do you create?
We specialize in custom business signs, electrical signage, wedding decor, winery signs, restaurant displays, and large-scale installations using wood, metal, and illuminated elements.
Do you handle sign permits and approvals?
Yes, our team manages the entire process including city permitting, design adjustments, and compliance documentation to ensure hassle-free installations.
Can you repair existing signs?
We offer maintenance, restoration, and retrofitting services for electrical signs, including neon and LED systems, ensuring longevity and functionality.
What areas do you serve?
We operate throughout California, including Monterey County, Salinas, Carmel, Big Sur, San Diego, Sacramento, and San Francisco.
How long does sign production take?
Timelines vary by project complexity but typically range from 2-6 weeks, with expedited options available for urgent needs.
Do you create custom wedding signs?
Yes, we offer bespoke wedding signage including arbors, cake stands, directional signs, and personalized keepsakes tailored to event themes.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Rick A.
Sep 01, 2021
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Best full service sign company in Monterey! I have just had the worst two months trying to get a design I liked for my business that my customers and coworkers liked and something that actually suited us. After literally giving up on two different sign companies I was ready to give up before I asked our neighbor who has a gorgeous sign, and they reccomended signs by van. The design was perfect, they listened, they cared, and they delivered! 100/10 would reccomended!!!
Oscar R.
May 15, 2020
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Blown away by their work. I was referred by numerous companies. After discovering some of their achievements, awards, and seeing some of their masterpieces, it was an easy decision. Their communication is excellent too! As a business owner, I acknowledge and appreciate the heart they put in their work, and it shows. Thanks, guys, for your amazing work!
Cristina D.
Dec 19, 2018
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One word. Amazing. I came in looking for a personal sign as a gift for my fathers ranch. From the design specialist, the assistant and everyone who works there, phenomenal. They quickly turned my idea into an amazing piece of art with a quick turnaround time. I'm absolutely in love with the custom sandblasted wood sign they made. Chris, thank you for being so kind and professional. The design you made was a dream come true!! The colors are extremely beautiful and the design itself is beyond magnificent! I look forward to working with them again!! Thank you Signs By Van for rockin' it
Supa B.
Nov 23, 2016
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I had to get a sign made for my son's preschool really fast and on a really tight budget. Jeremy at Signs By Van was great. They turned around the sign SO fast at a really reasonable price. It was probably about a year an a half ago that the sign went up and it still looks beautiful. I walk by it almost everyday and I think, Signs By Van did such a good job!
Gary K.
Aug 29, 2014
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The signs for Hana Coast Gallery in Maui became faded and worn from the Hawaiian sun and Hana rain, so I searched sign makers on Maui and near my Carmel home only to rediscover one of the area's greatest hidden secrets: the hand-crafted work at Signs by Van. Once the graphic designer had provided the layouts, the sign maker sand-blasted the background that in turn raised the lettering, but the Ali'i Helmut Logo at first did not have much dimension, so the sign maker cast the logo separately with an innovative material which he then laminated to the sign, the effect of which is a stunning
Chris J.
Mar 11, 2014
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I had the pleasure of working with Phil and his son Jeremy in making a new sign for my business. Phil pays so much attention to detail and worked with me to come up with a design and catch phrase. He took care of paperwork and kept me informed of the progress of the sign, then put it up in a flash. It looks great! He told me that putting up a new sign would attract new business, I wasn't too sure, but he was right, I have had new people walking in the door that hadn't noticed us before. Phil does a lot of the signage on the peninsula, they last and look good throughout the years
Madalynn A.
Feb 25, 2014
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Best company to work with! I was so impressed by their customer service skills and willingness to go above and beyond for me! I priced out a few different sign companies and not only was Signs by Van the most reasonable but also the most helpful and easy to work with. They came out and took photos of the front of my space so that they could photoshop and super impose an image of what my sign would look like onto the photo. I could see exactly how everything would look. And let me add, they came out to do this without me asking!! He sent me photos of the progress and kept me in the look the entire
