Address for Success

Make your house easy to find with a super-simple woodworking project using craft boards and big, easy-to-read numbers. The pizza delivery driver will thank you.

A large, easy to read house number ensures that emergency crews and delivery people have no trouble finding your home, day or night. This simple woodworking project uses precut numerals to simplify construction.

Before you begin, contact your local zoning board or post office to review house number regulations. Also, have your sheet of plywood cut to size in the lumber cutting department at Lowe's.

Then download the Project Diagram and follow these easy instructions:

Build It

Cut a piece of 1/2-inch plywood to size for the backer.
Place the 24-inch craft board rails on the plywood as shown, leaving a 1/2-inch space between the rails. Use small pieces of double-stick tape to secure the rails to the backer.
Turn sign over and pre-drill and drive 3⁄4-inch wood screws through the backer into the rails as shown.
Turn sign back over and drill four countersunk holes in the 1/2-inch spaces between trim boards -- these will be used to secure the sign to your home. Remove screws and sand all parts with 120-grit sandpaper.
Prime all surfaces; let dry. Apply two coats of paint to all surfaces; let dry.
Secure rails by reinserting and driving screws.
Attach house numbers with the screws provided. (Example shown has the numbers positioned 1 inch from the end and 1/2 inch from the bottom.)

Install It

Find a helper to hold the sign where you want to mount it. Stand back and assess its position. Use a level to adjust final position; mark the screw hole locations on the siding.
For wood or engineered-wood siding, drive mounting screws directly into the surface. For brick, stucco, or other masonry walls, drill with a masonry bit and use expansion anchors for the screws. For a cleaner look, paint the mounting screw heads to match the backboard.

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Estimated cost: $68.00*

Lumber: $12

Hardware and supplies: $56

Skill Level: Beginner

Lowe's List*

Lumber**:

1 1/2x24x24-inch plywood (#7705)
2 1/2x2x24-inch craft boards (#50246)
1 1/2x4x24-inch craft board (#50257)
1 1/2x3x24-inch craft board (#50249)

Hardware and Supplies:

2 pkgs. #8x3/4-inch flathead wood screws (#57231)
#8x1-1/2-inch stainless steel flathead Phillips-drive sheet metal screws (#82651)
1 quart stain-blocking primer (#45663)
1 quart paint for backboard (#6003-1c)
1 quart paint for craft boards (#6007-1b)

House numbers shown:

7 (#214384)
4 (#214371)
3 (#214370)

Tools

Tape measure
Paintbrush
Drill and #8 countersink
#2 Phillips screwdriver or driver bit
Builder's level
Sanding block with 120-grit sandpaper

Project Finished Dimensions:

Height: 10-1/2 inches
Depth: 1 inch
Width: 24 inches

*Does not include taxes, which vary by market, or the cost of tools. Pricing for commodity items may vary due to market conditions. **Availability varies by market for lumber species and sizes.