Nantucket Quarterboard Company
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about custom Nantucket quarterboards — from materials and craft to ordering, shipping, and HDC rules.
About Quarterboards
What is a quarterboard sign?
A quarterboard is a handcrafted wooden sign with carved, painted, or gilded lettering, traditionally mounted horizontally above a door or along the roofline of a home. They originated as ship name boards on Nantucket's whaling vessels and evolved into a beloved island tradition for identifying family homes and estates.
What makes a Nantucket quarterboard different from a regular sign?
Quarterboards are crafted with each letter cut into a premium hardwood, then painted and often finished with 23.5-karat gold leaf. The result is a one-of-a-kind heirloom piece with depth, texture, and character that standard flat-painted signs simply cannot match.
What is the history of quarterboards on Nantucket?
Quarterboards trace their origins to Nantucket's 18th and 19th century whaling era. The curved name board mounted on the stern quarter of a whaling ship — called a quarterboard — was carved to identify each vessel. As the whaling industry declined, returning captains and families repurposed this tradition by mounting carved name boards on their homes. Today the quarterboard is a proud symbol of Nantucket heritage.
What sizes are available?
Quarterboards are custom-made to fit your space. Standard lengths range from 24 inches to 72 inches or more. Width (height of the board) typically runs 4 to 8 inches depending on the number of lines of text and letter size. Contact us with your dimensions and we'll recommend the right proportions for your sign.
Materials & Craft
What wood and materials are used?
All quarterboards are made from premium, kiln-dried hardwood — typically white oak or mahogany — chosen for its durability and ability to hold crisp, clean carved edges. The wood is sealed, primed, and finished with exterior-grade paint. Gold leaf options use genuine 23-karat gold leaf applied by hand.
How durable are quarterboards outdoors?
Quarterboards are built for New England weather. The hardwood is sealed and finished with exterior-grade paint. With normal care, a well-maintained quarterboard will last decades. Many Nantucket families have quarterboards that are 30–50+ years old and still beautiful.
How do I care for and maintain my quarterboard?
Keep the sign out of standing water if possible. Inspect it once a year and touch up any chips or bare spots with exterior paint. A coat of UV-protective clear finish every few years will extend the life of the paint and any gold leaf. Avoid pressure washing — a soft cloth and mild soap is all you need to clean it.
Design & Colors
What colors are available for quarterboards?
Any exterior paint color is available. Popular choices include Nantucket-traditional combinations like a black background with white or gold lettering, navy with gold leaf, or cream with green. You can browse popular color combinations in our Design Studio or contact us to discuss a custom palette.
Can I choose a custom color?
Yes. If you have a specific paint color in mind — a Benjamin Moore or Sherwin-Williams color, or a color that matches your home's trim — we can match it. Share the color name, code, or a photo and we'll work with you to get it right.
Can I design my own quarterboard online?
Yes. Our Design Studio lets you preview different text, fonts, colors, and layouts in real time before you order. It's the fastest way to explore options and see how your finished sign will look.
Can I add a logo, crest, or custom artwork?
Yes. Custom artwork — family crests, nautical motifs, house numbers, anchors, whales, and more — can be carved or painted into the board. Share your design or describe what you have in mind when you reach out, and we'll discuss what's possible.
Ordering & Pricing
How do I order a custom quarterboard sign?
Start in the Design Studio to preview your design, then contact us with your specs — text, size, colors, and any special requests. We'll confirm details and provide a quote before production begins.
How much does a custom quarterboard cost?
Pricing depends on the size of the board, number of lines of text, complexity of the design, and finish (paint vs. gold leaf). Contact us with your dimensions and design ideas for an accurate quote. We're committed to fair, transparent pricing for heirloom-quality work.
Do you offer any standard or pre-made designs?
While every quarterboard is made to order, you can browse completed examples in our sign gallery for inspiration. If you see a style you love, we can recreate it with your own text and colors.
Production & Shipping
How long does it take to make a quarterboard?
Production time is typically 3–6 weeks depending on the complexity of the design and current order volume. Rush orders may be possible — contact us to discuss your timeline.
Do you ship outside of Nantucket / nationally?
Yes. We ship anywhere in the continental United States. Signs are carefully packaged to arrive safely. Shipping costs and transit time will be discussed as part of your order.
Do you ship internationally?
International shipping is available on a case-by-case basis. Contact us with your location and we'll look into the best shipping option and provide a cost estimate.
HDC & Nantucket Rules
What are the HDC sign rules for Nantucket Island?
See our HDC sign rules guide or contact us if you have questions about your specific property. We also designed an A.I. powered chatbot to answer questions that includes over 50 Sign Committee meeting notes.
Does my quarterboard need HDC approval?
If the sign is for a business you will always need HDC approval before mounting it, homeowners do not have to apply. See our HDC sign rules guide or contact us if you have questions about your specific property.
Still have questions? We're happy to help.
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