Guide
Product Guide Hy-Ko Building Materials

Hy-Ko BK-40/4 4-Inch Black Zinc House Numbers

Solid coated zinc construction with a corrosion-resistant satin black finish — that’s what sets these house numbers apart from the plastic junk that fades and cracks after two Montana winters. The BK-40/4 gives you 4-inch character height in a nail-on mounting type that actually holds up to temperature swings, moisture, and UV exposure.

Worth it for contractors handling multiple properties or anyone who wants address numbers that’ll outlast the siding they’re mounted on. 4.9 out of 5 stars at Do It Best and True Value tells you working folks appreciate the quality.

Skip the plastic numbers if you’re doing a quick flip or temporary signage. They cost less and work fine for short-term needs. But zinc delivers when durability matters.

Exterior view of the Western Building Center store in Evergreen, featuring a modern building with wood siding and stone venee

Zinc Construction and Weather Performance

The solid coated zinc material handles Montana’s freeze-thaw cycles without the brittleness issues you get with plastic numbers. Zinc doesn’t warp in summer heat or crack when temperatures drop below zero. The satin black finish resists fading better than painted plastic, and it doesn’t show water spots or mineral deposits like glossy finishes do.

That satin finish matters more than most folks realize. Bright snow reflects sunlight like a mirror, and glossy numbers create glare that makes addresses hard to read. The low-glare surface stays visible whether you’re looking at it in full sun or under porch lights at night.

Corrosion-resistant material suitable for outdoor environments — Hy-Ko’s coating protects the zinc base from moisture penetration. You won’t see the white oxidation that raw zinc develops, and the numbers won’t pit or flake like cheap chrome-plated options.

Installation Specifications

SpecificationValue
Character Height4 inches
Overall DimensionsApproximately 6-3/4 in H x 3 in W (including mounting hardware/packaging context)
Mounting TypeNail-on
Model NumberBK-40/4

Mounting nails are provided with each character, so you’re not hunting for the right fasteners. The nail-on installation works on wood, brick, metal surfaces — though brick might need pilot holes depending on hardness.

Installation steps stay simple: Position the character on the desired surface, secure using the included mounting nails, ensure alignment with other characters in the address. The 4-inch height reads clearly from the street while staying proportional on most residential entries.

Exterior view of Western Building Center's Evergreen location showing the front facade with wood and stone siding

Bulk Packaging Options

Single unit (BK-40/4), 5-pack (BK-40/4-XCP5), or 50-pack (BK-40/4-XCP50) packaging serves different project scales. Single units work for homeowner repairs or small jobs. The 5-pack handles typical residential projects — enough for a standard address with a spare. The 50-pack makes sense for contractors doing subdivisions or commercial properties where consistent numbering matters.

Compatible with other characters in the Hy-Ko BK-40 series (0-9, A-Z where applicable), so you can match existing numbers or complete full addresses without style mismatches.

Exterior view of the Western Building Center Evergreen location showing a single-story commercial building with wood siding a

Quick Verdict

Zinc beats plastic for any installation you want to last. The corrosion resistance, UV stability, and temperature tolerance justify the higher upfront cost. These numbers look professional, mount easily, and stay readable through years of Montana weather.

The standard manufacturer warranty for decorative hardware backs the product, though specific terms weren’t detailed in available documentation. Return policies vary by retailer: McGuckin Hardware offers 90-day returns, while DK Hardware and Walmart/Do It Best provide 30-day returns.

Get the multi-packs for volume work. Stick with singles for repairs. Either way, you’re installing numbers that’ll outlast most of what they’re mounted to.

This image shows the exterior of a Western Building Center store with prominent WBC logo signage on the wood and stone facade

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do these numbers work on cedar shake siding?

A: Yes. The nail-on mounting type works fine on cedar shakes. Position carefully since the irregular surface might require longer nails than what’s included. Wood is listed as a compatible surface.

Q: How do these compare to floating mount numbers?

A: These mount flush against the surface with nails, while floating mount numbers use standoffs for a shadow effect. The BK-40/4 gives you a cleaner, traditional look. Floating mounts cost more and need precise drilling but create more visual impact. The nail-on mounting type installs faster.

Q: Will the black finish fade in direct sun?

A: The satin black finish holds up better than glossy painted finishes. Corrosion-resistant material suitable for outdoor environments includes UV protection in the coating. You might see slight fading after many years, but nothing like the chalking and color shift you get with plastic numbers.

Q: Can I mount these on stucco?

A: Stucco isn’t specifically listed in the suitable surfaces, but the nail-on system can work with proper technique. Pre-drill to avoid cracking the stucco. Consider adhesive mounting as an alternative for stucco applications, though that means sourcing your own adhesive.

Q: What’s the actual zinc thickness?

A: Specific material thickness wasn’t provided in the documentation. The solid coated zinc construction indicates it’s not hollow or zinc-plated steel, but actual gauge measurements aren’t available.

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