Business Details
41 Years
experience
Award-Winning Custom Sign Solutions in Keene, NH
Keene Sign Worx was founded in 1985 by Peter Poanessa, a self-taught craftsman with a background in wooden boat repair, home building, and commercial art. Our company specializes in creating custom commercial signs that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern CNC technology. Over 35 years, we have evolved from a 600-square-foot workshop to a 3,000-square-foot facility, producing award-winning dimensional signs using materials like 23K gold leaf, mahogany, and bronze. We prioritize conceptual design, engineering precision, and durable fabrication to help businesses establish credibility through impactful signage.Our team combines decades of experience with innovative techniques to deliver weather-resistant, visually striking signs tailored to client needs. Mary McCord, our partner since 2007, oversees painting and finishing, ensuring every project meets our high standards. We serve local clients in New Hampshire while shipping globally, maintaining a commitment to quality that has earned us national recognition. Our process includes site-specific engineering, material selection, and installation, ensuring each sign enhances brand visibility and community identity.
Services
Custom Sign Design
CNC Routing
Gold Leaf Signage
Dimensional Sign Fabrication
Sign Installation
Award-Winning Signage
Boat Building Signs
City Logo Designs
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of experience in custom sign design and fabrication.
- Our team combines traditional craftsmanship with advanced CNC technology.
- We use premium materials like 23K gold leaf and clear grain mahogany.
- Our signs have won 11 national awards for design excellence.
- We handle full-service sign projects from concept to installation.
What people say
Award-winning designs
Exceptional craftsmanship
Durable signage
Professional installation
Creative solutions
Services
Custom Sign Design
Our custom sign design service combines artistic vision with technical precision to create unique signage solutions. We develop conceptual designs tailored to brand identity, incorporating engineering details for structural integrity. Using both hand-drawn techniques and digital tools, we ensure each sign enhances business visibility while meeting local regulations and environmental conditions.
CNC Routing
CNC routing enables precise creation of dimensional signs from complex materials. We utilize 3D modeling software and advanced machinery to produce intricate designs that maintain durability and aesthetic quality. This technology allows efficient production of custom shapes while preserving the craftsmanship standards established in our traditional methods.
Gold Leaf Signage
Gold leaf application adds luxury and permanence to commercial signage. Our artisans apply 23K gold leaf to dimensional signs using time-tested techniques that ensure long-lasting brilliance. This premium option provides exceptional visual impact while maintaining resistance to weathering and environmental wear over time.
Dimensional Sign Fabrication
We specialize in creating three-dimensional signs that stand out through texture and depth. Using materials like mahogany, bronze, and synthetic panels, our fabrication process ensures structural integrity and weather resistance. Each piece undergoes meticulous finishing to achieve both artistic quality and commercial durability.
Sign Installation
Our professional installation service ensures proper mounting and alignment of all sign types. We handle structural considerations, electrical connections for illuminated signs, and compliance with local ordinances. The process includes site assessment, hardware selection, and final adjustments to guarantee optimal visibility and safety.
People
Peter Poanessa
Owner & Founder
Peter founded Keene Sign Worx in 1985 after studying commercial art and gaining diverse experience in boat repair and construction. With over 35 years in sign-making, he has designed 7,200+ commercial signs and pioneered the adoption of CNC technology while maintaining traditional craftsmanship.
Mary McCord
Partner
Mary joined Keene Sign Worx in 1997, bringing expertise in painting and finishing. As a partner, she oversees quality control of surface treatments and contributes to daily operations, combining technical skill with artistic precision to maintain the company's high standards.
Questions
What types of signs do you specialize in?
We specialize in custom dimensional signs using materials like mahogany, bronze, and gold leaf. Our expertise includes carved, sandblasted, and CNC-machined signs for commercial businesses, churches, and public spaces.
Do you handle both design and installation?
Yes, we provide full-service sign solutions from conceptual design and engineering to fabrication and professional installation, ensuring complete project oversight.
How long does the sign creation process take?
Timeline varies by complexity but typically takes 4-6 weeks. This includes design approval, material sourcing, fabrication, and scheduling for professional installation.
Are your signs weather-resistant?
Yes, we use durable materials and protective finishes to ensure signs withstand New England weather conditions while maintaining visual quality for decades.
Can you create signs for businesses outside New Hampshire?
While based in Keene, we serve clients nationwide and offer worldwide shipping for custom sign orders.
Do you offer sign repairs or maintenance?
We focus on custom sign creation but can assess existing signs during consultations to determine if restoration would be more effective than replacement.
Reviews (5)
Bart Cushing
May 20, 2022
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SignWorx has been taking care of our lettering needs for a couple years now. Prompt and fair priced, work is excellent.
Bryan Louisell
Apr 24, 2019
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Keene Sign Worx consistently delivers a first class product and the service to go along with it. We have worked with them on several occasions. Their experience and knowledge helps save time and money and makes us look good! (Sprout Brattleboro VT, Sprout Burlington VT, Marina Restaurant Brattleboro VT)
Geri
Jun 14, 2017
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The sign that we ordered is beautiful. The reason for the low rating is entirely related to the installation process. The installer did not contact our representative to arrange a time to meet as requested and to be shown the planned location for the sign. Dig Safe was not contacted and the sign not only was not aesthetically placed, but it was placed in the danger zone for digging. Additionally the posts were of uneven height and the sign components were not level.
It took 6 months to get the installer back to make corrections. The customer experience was terrible causing delays to other project scheduling. The owner was unapologetic for the original problems and arrogant.
It took 6 months to get the installer back to make corrections. The customer experience was terrible causing delays to other project scheduling. The owner was unapologetic for the original problems and arrogant.
Madan Pria
Aug 24, 2015
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I had them design and build a sign for my business and they were very easy to work with and did exceptionally good work. I will use them again for sure.
Malaise L.
Mar 29, 2011
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I will write a review for Keene Signworx because I can. This business has done three signs for my various businesses in Marlborough (Zeppelin and Kaleidoscope, Inkubus Haberdashery and Suds to be you). The only negative I could think of is the time the projects take but I'll have to say it's probably due to the fact that they are indeed creative. All my signs are beautiful, well made and arty. As an owner of several businesses I full heartedly recommend them.
