Almost every business owner who calls us about a new outdoor sign ends up choosing between two options: channel letters or a light box sign (also called a cabinet sign). Both light up at night, both can carry your logo, and both are common all over Los Angeles. But they look different, cost different amounts, and fit different buildings. Here is how we help customers decide.
What is a light box sign?
A light box is one metal “box” with LED lights inside and a flat plastic or vinyl face on the front. Your logo and text are printed or cut in vinyl on that face, and the whole face glows at night. Light boxes can hang on a wall, sit on top of a pole (a pylon or pole sign), or stick out from the building as a blade sign.
A big advantage: when your business changes, you usually only replace the face, not the whole sign. That is why shopping centers and multi-tenant buildings use them so much, with one panel for each tenant. You can see examples in our Kabob Bowl pylon face and Booze Brothers pole sign projects.
What are channel letters?
Channel letters are separate 3D letters (and logo shapes), each one built on its own with LED lights inside. They are mounted on the wall one by one, or on a metal rail called a raceway. There are a few styles:
- Front-lit: the face of each letter glows. This is the most common and easiest to read from far away.
- Halo-lit (reverse): the light shines out the back of the letter onto the wall, which makes a soft glow around it. It looks high-end and works well for offices, salons and restaurants.
- Front and back lit: both at once, for the most visibility.
Learn more on our channel letter signs page.
Channel letters vs. light box: side by side
- Look: channel letters look more custom and premium. A light box looks simpler, like one lit panel.
- Cost: a light box usually costs less than channel letters of the same size, because it is one box instead of many separate letters.
- Changes later: a light box is easier to update, since you only swap the face. Channel letters usually need new letters if your name or logo changes.
- Readability: both read well at night. Channel letters often look cleaner from the street during the day.
- Landlord and city rules: some shopping centers and city areas only allow channel letters on the building wall. Others allow light boxes or require all tenants to use a shared pylon. Always check your lease and local sign rules first.
- Repairs: both use LED lighting today, which lasts a long time and uses little power. If an old sign still has fluorescent tubes or neon, it can usually be converted to LED.
Which one should you choose?
Choose a light box if you need a lower-cost lit sign, you are a tenant on a shared pylon or pole sign, you may rebrand or move soon, or you have an existing box that just needs a new face.
Choose channel letters if you want a premium look on your storefront or building wall, your landlord or city requires them, or you plan to stay in the space for years.
Many businesses use both: channel letters on the building and a light box panel on the shared street sign.
Permits in Los Angeles
Both types are electrical signs, so in the City of Los Angeles and most nearby cities they need a sign permit, and sometimes landlord approval too. Replacing only the face of an existing light box is usually simpler. We handle the drawings and paperwork for you. See our sign permits page for details.
Get a free recommendation
Not sure which one fits your building? Send us a photo of your storefront and we will tell you what will work, what the city and landlord allow, and what it will cost. Global Signs & Graphics designs, builds and installs both channel letters and light box signs from our shop in Pacoima, serving all of Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley.
Call (818) 723-4047 or request a free quote.