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Modern house numbers can make an entryway easier to identify while adding a personal touch to a porch or exterior wall. This DIY project places address numbers in a shallow box filled with faux grass, creating a distinctive display that is also easy for visitors to spot.
The box can be built from wood or adapted from a shadow box with its glass removed. Before starting, choose numbers and a box size that work together, and decide where the finished sign will be mounted.
Materials for modern house numbers
Gather the following supplies before assembling the display:
- House numbers
- Faux grass
- 3/4-inch wood, if building the box
- 2 1/2-inch wood screws
- Wood glue
- Exterior paint
- Multi-surface glue
A shadow box of a suitable size can replace the homemade wooden box. Remove its glass before painting and installing the grass. If making a box, select wood dimensions based on the size of the numbers and the available mounting space.
Build and paint the display box
For a homemade box, cut the wood to create a back panel and side panels. The dimensions shown in the project images were selected to suit the house numbers used for that display. Measure your own numbers before cutting so they fit comfortably inside the finished frame.
Apply wood glue along the bottom inside edge of each side panel. Position the panels against the corresponding edges of the back panel, then secure them in place. You can use a nail gun, or wait for the glue to dry before hammering in nails.
Once the box is assembled, fill the nail holes with wood filler. Let it dry, then sand the surface smooth. Paint the box in your chosen color. Because the sign is intended for outdoor use, exterior paint is a sensible choice. If the display will be sheltered under a deep porch, interior paint may be suitable; exposure to rain and sunlight can affect how well a finish lasts.
Add the faux grass and house numbers
While the paint dries, trim the faux grass mats to fit inside the box. Test the fit before applying glue so the edges sit neatly within the frame.
Spread multi-surface glue across the bottom inside surface of the box, place the grass on top, and allow the adhesive to dry according to its instructions.
Arrange the house numbers on the grass. Position screws in line with the mounting holes on the backs of the numbers. Choose screws that will extend into the grass but remain slightly shorter than its height when installed. This helps the numbers sit nestled into the faux greenery.
Mount the finished address sign
There are a couple of ways to hang the completed display. Attach hangers to the back of the box and use vinyl siding clips on vinyl siding or brick clips on a brick wall. Alternatively, fasten the box directly through the siding with screws. Check that the sign is secure and clearly visible from the street before finishing the installation.
A personalized welcome for your home
A front porch is one of the first parts of a home that guests notice. A grass-filled sign can complement the entryway and make the address easier to find, especially when the numbers contrast clearly with their background. For practical modern house numbers, choose a location with good visibility and use materials suited to the amount of outdoor exposure.
— Laura
