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Rye, New Hampshire · Est. on the Seacoast

Custom signs & woodwork, built to last.

Hand-carved signs and expert carpentry

Thirty years at the workbench, carving signs and custom wood pieces that hold their character for decades. Your storefront is the first thing people notice — we make sure it speaks well of you.

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Signs crafted for businesses across New England
Coastal Jewelers Exeter Jewelers Garland Stables Breaking New Grounds Gram's Homemade Ice Cream Lincoln Hill Coastal Jewelers Exeter Jewelers Garland Stables Breaking New Grounds Gram's Homemade Ice Cream Lincoln Hill
Serving the NH Seacoast for over 30 years

A family shop with sawdust in its blood


At A Sure Sign & Design, good work is about more than a quick fix — it's about building things that last. Based in Rye, New Hampshire, our family-owned shop has spent three decades perfecting the craft of carpentry and hand-carved signage.

Trained by New England masters

Our skills were developed alongside some of the best craftsmen in the region — including a master instrument maker known for his lathe work. We bring that same focus and detail to every sign and carpentry project, blending time-tested techniques with modern tools.

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Years of craft
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Service radius of Portsmouth
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Genuine gold leaf, the real thing
Carved oval Garland Stables sign with gold-leaf lettering, held by a young family member

Your sign is the first thing people see. We make it worth looking at.

A Sure Sign & Design
What we do

Old-world craft, modern durability

From hand-painted signs to full storefront renovations, we mix traditional woodworking and hand-lettering with modern methods — a look that stands out and stays in great shape for years.

01

Custom Woodworking

From hand-lettered murals to carved clockfaces and welcome signs, everything we make is custom — designed, carved, and finished in our shop using high-grade timber.

  • Hand lettering & carved 3D signage
  • Genuine 22k gold leaf or budget-friendly vinyl
  • Small items shipped nationwide
02

Restoration & Renovation

We bring tired signs and storefronts back to life — professional stripping, scraping, and repainting, with finishes built to take on the New England weather.

  • Signage & facade restoration
  • Structural repairs within 50 mi of Portsmouth
  • Original character preserved
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Storefronts & Carpentry

Standalone or attached, your storefront reads as one unit and decides whether customers walk in. We build new fronts and repair existing ones, down to the fine details.

  • New builds & structural repairs
  • Heavy carpentry plus fine signage
  • Built to make a first impression
1

Start with a talk

A detailed consultation, on-site or by phone, to get your vision and budget exactly right.

2

The right materials

Traditional woodworking and hand-lettering paired with modern equipment and real 22k gold leaf.

3

Built to last

Every piece is finished for its environment, indoors or against wind, rain, and salt air.

4

Where we work

Full carpentry within 50 miles of Portsmouth; custom signs shipped anywhere in the country.

Thirty years. One workbench. Built to outlast the weather.

Rye, New Hampshire
Made to order

Handcrafted signs & custom wood products


Restoration and renovation work on a carved wooden sign
01 — Restoration & Renovation

New life for tired signs

Has your business sign seen better days? We fix carved signs with incised or 3D extruded letters and restore the wood itself when possible — with the methods and solvents to bring back that brand-new look. Scraping and repainting available for aged signs too.

Custom business sign with gold-leaf lettering
02 — Business Signs

A sign that earns the doorway

Have us design your sign or bring your own. Old-school woodworking and lettering alongside modern technique for exactly the look you want. On a budget? Our 22k leaf vinyl is an affordable alternative to traditional gold leafing — without cutting corners on quality.

Storefront signage on a brick building
03 — Storefronts

The whole front, as one

We work on standalone storefronts and those attached to other buildings. Your storefront is seen as a single unit and has a lot to do with whether customers decide to walk in. We create new storefronts and repair existing ones.

Round carved residential property sign reading Lincoln Hill
04 — Residential

Signs for home, too

While much of our work is commercial, we're glad to craft residential signs for homeowners in the area. Ask to see past projects for ideas — and to see our dedication to detail for yourself.

Custom carved woodworking piece
05 — Custom Woodworking

Almost anything in wood

After more than three decades, we can provide completely customized woodwork and carpentry. Small shippable items can go to clients anywhere; larger carpentry needs are handled locally within 50 miles of our shop.

Thirty years of traditional craftsmanship

Let's build something that lasts

From hand-carved signage and 22k gold leafing to full storefront repairs — built to last, with pride in every detail. We'd love to talk through your next project.

Get in touch

Let's talk about your project

Call or text for the fastest response, or fill out the form and tell us what you have in mind. With over 30 years of experience, we'll work alongside you from concept to completion.

Request a custom quote

Call or text for fastest response, or fill out the form below.

A Sure Sign & Design

Custom handcrafted signs and woodworking based in Rye, New Hampshire. Serving New England and clients nationwide.

Phone & text
(914) 374-6255
Hours
Mon–Sun · 5:30 AM – 8:00 PM
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