CURSIVE names is are on continuous piece (with the exception of brittany, chicago, & city street fonts), PRINT FONT names will be individual letters as they are pictured & stated in the description above. PRINT letters are all separate pieces as the preview will show Note* This is made from real maple wood, in some cases (depending on color as well) where a wood knot or wood grain may be visible, this DOES NOT mean defective, it's simply a natural occurrence in the wood. Larger names are more likely to incur this as they take up larger sections of the wood. Knots faced to back, if any We recommend longer names to be in the longer widths. First & Middle name included. Brittany & Chicago fonts will be as pictured, where there is separation of letters. This is so that they are still legible (all quarter inch thickness for those two fonts). They are not legible when moved & attached. Separate letter fonts will be individual pieces. All dots connected. Measurements listed in the drop down menu is the width (left to right span) of the 1st name or word in inches. approx 1/4" thick maple mdf wood. Recommendation To hang: nails, rest from nails, mounting putty or double sided mounting tape (NOT INCLUDED) Unpainted signs can be left in their natural state. But they are also ready for finish once they arrive. Sand smooth & ready for paint. All letters of a CURSIVE font name will be connected, dots are connected, & font is thickened for durability/quality. Personalized Wooden Name sign with first & middle names. Brittany, Chicago, City street fonts will be as pictured (separated where preview shows for legibility purposes). Custom Wood Cut out Name, handwritten modern font, laser cut perfection. Listed sizes are by WIDTH (approx 1/4 inch thick) WIDTH is the left to right / end to end measurement of the the first name. WIDTH is NOT height. PRINT font names are not connected to the first name, PRINT Font letters are individual letters as pictured, sized as reflected in our listing photos design template. Pictured Jacob is 24" wide & DEAN is 10" wide, 19.33" tall from the top of the b to the bottom of DEAN. Double sided mounting strips/tape/putty (available at local department stores) is recommended for hanging (best for middle names). OR Resting the loops/swirls/crevices of the letters from small nails (works best for first name, mounting tape works as well) *We suggest the most secure way that works for you & the sign's location. We also suggest to use the proper amount of mounting tape, as well as following the instructions to use the double sided mounting tape (properly clean all surfaces -sign & wall - prior to adhering mounting tape)