How to Install a Post-Mounted Tray Sign

A quick guide to assembling a single-sided 'Plaza' sign tray and mount it in the ground for an effective, professional finish.

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What’s included -

• Sign tray

• Two posts with nut inserts to align with tray fixing holes

• Bolts & washers

• Post caps or finials

Tools you’ll need -

Spanner (for tightening the bolts)

Spirit level & tape measure

Post-hole tools (spade/auger), aggregate/concrete (as required)

PPE: gloves/eye protection

Before you start -

Check ground conditions and utilities before digging.

Plan post centres to match the tray width, allowing for plumb alignment.

Lay out components and verify fixing hole alignment with post inserts.

Step-by-step assembly -

1. Offer up the posts

Place a post on each side of the tray so the nut inserts in the posts align with the tray holes.

2. Bolt the assembly

Insert bolts with washers and tighten with a spanner until snug; do not over-tighten.

3. Set the posts in the ground

Dig the post holes at the required positions and mount the assembled sign. Plumb both posts, back-fill or concrete as needed, and re-check level while curing.

4. Finalise

Once secure, fit the post caps and give all fixings a final torque check. Installation complete.

Pro tips -

Level twice, tighten once: Bring fixings up evenly after confirming level both across the tray and down each post.

Footings: In exposed sites, consider deeper footings; follow local guidance and substrate good practice. We always recommend baseplates.

Protection: Keep the tray face on soft pads or a sheet during assembly to avoid scuffs.

Troubleshooting -

Holes won’t align: Loosen bolts slightly, re-seat the tray, then re-tighten progressively from the centre out.

Rattle after cure: Add a thin nylon washer at the fixing points and re-torque.

Need Help?

Contact our team weekdays 8am–6pm on 0118 981 5343, or email sales@ashbytrade.co.uk.