How to Make a Reversible Porch Sign

This lovely porch sign can be decorated on both sides to celebrate more than one holiday or season. I’m also adding a hook for a hoop wreath on each side to make it easy to transform as the seasons change.

Read the step-by-step instructions below and scroll down for a list of tools, materials, and cut list needed for the project.

Steps for Making a DIY Reversible Porch Sign

1. Size the Frame Pieces

Starting with the 1×12 board at its full 6-foot height, measure and miter the 1×2 frame pieces on edge so that they wrap around the corners of the board.

2. Apply the Finishes

• Using a foam roller, cover one side of the board with two coats of white paint, and the other side with two coats of black paint.
• Finish the letters with two coats of a contrasting paint color starting with their edges, and then working across the flat sections.
• Lastly, coat the 1 x 2 frame pieces with stain followed by a protective coat of polyurethane.

3. Add the Letters

• Measure and mark the location of each letter on one side of the board, leaving a gap for the “O” where the wreath will hang.
• Apply glue to the backside of each letter and then nail it into place with 5/8″ nails.
• Fill and touchup the nail holes as needed.
• Repeat to attach the letters to the opposite side of the sign.

4. Attach the Frame Pieces

• Apply glue to one edge of the board. Place the coordinating frame piece centered on the thickness of the 1 x 12 board so that it overhangs its face equally on each side.
• Nail through the frame and into the edge of the board with 1 ¼-inch nails to secure the board in place.
• Apply glue to an adjacent edge and to the exposed miter, and secure the next piece.
• Repeat to attach the remaining frame pieces.

5. Install the Cup Hooks

• Drill a small pilot hole for the cup hook centered on the width of each side.
• Twist a cup hook into each pilot hole.

6. Add a Wreath

Purchase a wreath at the store or make your own like I did using an inexpensive embroidery hoop and a sprig of faux stems or branches. RELATED: How to Make an Embroidery Hoop Wreath

Tools

• Pencil
• Tape Measure
• Drill/Driver
• Miter saw
• Pneumatic Nailer
• Combination Square

Materials

• 1 x 12 x 6′ Board
• (2) 1 x 2 x 8′ Boards
• (2) Cup Hooks
• 5/8-inch nails to secure the letters
• 1 ¼-inch nails to secure the frame boards
• Craft Letters
• Paint or Stain
• Polyurethane
• Paintbrush
• Small Paint Roller

Cut List

• 1 x 2 Frame – 2 @ 73 ½” (mitered on edge at 45-degrees)
• 1 x 2 Frame – 2 @ 12 ¾” (mitered on edge at 45-degrees)