Jaime Costiglio

build - paint - sew

DIY Marquee Numbers

Kicking off the graduation season with a big fun DIY project that makes a huge impact.  These marquee numbers are definitely something you can make yourself and then share with friends as kids graduate throughout the years.

self standing marquee

A DIY tutorial to build large self standing marquee numbers. Make a statement with these marquee numbers for your event.

It’s party time and that means big decor with lots of lights and what’s better than giant marquee numbers?  They are a perfect fit for almost any celebration and you can customize them for any occasion.

marquee numbers with wood trim

Marquee Numbers

I made these marquee numbers using 3/4″ plywood so they are sturdy and solid.  Plus I took advantage of the natural 4′ plywood width and made my numbers 4′ tall.  Go big or go home right?

giant marquee lights

plywood marquee numbers

Below I’m sharing the tutorial so you can make these marquee numbers too.  The plans include three numbers – 2, 0 and 1.

light up marquee

More Numbers

Plans for more numbers are available:

marquee number 2 plans

Click here for a printable PDF version of the plans including numbers 2, 0 and 1.

Supplies

cutting out number with jigsaw

Step 1: Using the plans here and a pencil and framing square sketch out each number on a piece of 3/4″ plywood (48″ x 30″).  Then use a jigsaw to cut out each number shape.

drilling holes for light sockets

Light Sockets

Step 2: Mark the placement of each light socket then drill a 7/8″ hole using a forstner bit.

holes for light sockets

painting marquee number

Paint

Step 3: Apply the first coat of paint now before you attach the light sockets.

string lights attached to back

Marquee Lights

Step 4: Determine which end of the light string goes at the top and bottom (male or female) depending on how you are attaching all the numbers.  Then secure each socket into a hole with a staple on either side.  Also staple down any excess cord.

attaching wood trim

Trim

Step 5: Rip the 1/8″ underlayment into 5 1/2″ wide strips.  Then cut the strip to fit each portion of the number.  Begin with the longest side and work your way around securing the underlayment to the plywood letter using wood glue and pneumatic staples.

This step goes relatively fast but still it’s a bit tedious cutting each piece of trim to fit.  I promise it will be worth it in the end!

attaching base to number

To give the marquee numbers a base with stability cut a 2×10 to 30″long then attach to the plywood number using 2 1/2″ spax screws. (I’m using a 2×6 here because these will be sitting up on a table secured with a clamp at the back.)

marquee number self standing base

Lastly line up the numbers and plug everything it!

large marquee numbers

Thanks for joining me for this marquee numbers project.  Please leave any questions in the comments below and be sure to follow me on social media for sneak peeks, tools and project inspiration:

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marquee numbers tutorial

diy marquee numbers

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Comments

  2. Holly Harnisch says

    I love how these marquee numbers came out! Would you be able to help with the measurements for a number 4? I have tried, and unsuccessfully, been able to figure it out! lol

    Reply

  7. Jennifer Phinney says

    Love! I would love the plans for a 6 if you have one, I need a 16 for my daughters sweet 16. Thanks!!!

    Reply

  9. Ashley Andre says

    So glad I found this, and it seems to be the most thorough explanation but I have been trying to manipulate the numbers to make a 4 with a fail each time, are you able to assist?

    Reply

  10. Cris says

    I love these! I noticed you had commented that you were working on measurements for the remaining comments. We are working on a 50…have you powered the remaining measurements somewhere? Or do you have the measurements available for purchase?

    Reply

  14. Jane Noonan says

    the #2 only has 20 lights, what do you do with the excess? Also, do you connect the lights to each other in one circuit continuous circuit? do they reach and connect between numbers?

    Reply

    • Jaime says

      Hi Jane, for the excess light sockets just staple them securely in the back cavity (with no light bulbs). Yes you connect all the cords together. They reach but it all depends on how much space you want between your numbers. You can always run them together with extension cords if you want more space between numbers.

      Reply

  23. jakub lakomski says

    For the sides its 5.5 inch rips.. its right down the middle on the install…so 2.5 inches on both sides? Or offset?

    Reply

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