Welding vs. Bolting Your LED Sign Frame: Which Is Best?
When it comes to mounting an LED sign, the frame structure matters just as much as the foundation and poles. Two main approaches are used: welding the steel members together, or bolting them with structural fasteners. Both methods are widely used, and the best choice depends on your project.
Welding the Frame
What It Is:
Steel members are joined permanently by welding.
Advantages:
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Strong, seamless connection — welded joints behave as if the steel is continuous.
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Less hardware required — no bolts, nuts, or plates to loosen over time.
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Cleaner look — welds can be ground smooth for a professional finish.
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Great for permanent installs — ideal when the frame is not intended to be disassembled.
Considerations:
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Requires a qualified welder — bad welds can be weak spots.
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Harder to adjust once fabricated — frame dimensions must be correct up front.
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Field welding requires proper safety and power setup.
Bolting the Frame
What It Is:
Steel members are drilled and connected with bolts, nuts, and washers.
Advantages:
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Easier to assemble/disassemble — good for modular or DIY-friendly installs.
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Adjustable — allows for small tweaks during installation.
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No special welding equipment needed on-site — only drills and wrenches.
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Can simplify transportation — frame can be shipped in pieces and built on location.
Considerations:
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Requires precision drilling — bolt holes must align perfectly.
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More parts to manage — bolts must be tightened correctly to avoid loosening.
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Can look less “clean” if hardware is visible.
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Long-term vibration or wind load may loosen bolts without proper lock washers.
Which Should You Choose?
Go welded if:
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The sign is large, heavy, or permanent.
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You want the strongest and cleanest possible structure.
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You want to avoid the cost and complexity of drilling multiple precision holes.
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You have access to professional welding services (or can bring a welder to the site).
Go bolted if:
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The project may need to be relocated or upgraded later.
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The frame must be shipped in sections and assembled on-site.
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You want adjustability during installation — bolted frames allow small corrections that welded frames don’t.
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Your engineering design calls for modularity (e.g., connecting double-sided cabinets or tying into unusual structures).
Hybrid Approach
Many LED sign installations use a hybrid method:
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Weld the main structural frame for strength.
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Use bolts for secondary connections (like attaching L-brackets or cover panels).
This gives you the strength of welding with the flexibility of bolting where adjustments may be needed.
Important Disclosure
Never weld directly to the LED sign cabinet itself.
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All LED cabinets are designed to be bolted to their mounting brackets, not welded.
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Welding directly on the cabinet can damage components, void warranties, and compromise structural integrity.
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Instead:
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Bolt the sign cabinet to its bracket.
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Then weld or bolt the bracket to the supporting structure (poles or beams).
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This ensures your LED sign stays safe, serviceable, and compliant with manufacturer guidelines.
Final Word
Both welding and bolting can create strong, safe frames for your LED sign — as long as they are engineered and installed properly. Welding offers strength and simplicity; bolting offers flexibility and modularity. The right choice depends on your long-term needs, but in every case:
Don’t skip engineered drawings. Whether welded or bolted, your frame’s design must be engineered to ensure safety, compliance, and long-term durability.