Custom Monument Lettering and Etching Services

Custom Lettering

Laser-Etched Artwork

Portraits

QR Digital Memorials

#1. Size

Size considerations are: the size of the cemetery lot; the amount of inscriptions and design elements you want; the size of surrounding memorials; and price. Naturally, the larger the monument, the more it will cost.

#2. Material

Most memorials today are made from granite. Granite is the most durable, and the most expensive stone used in memorials. Quality granite and other stone, (such as marble), used for memorials is purchased from major stone quarries in the U.S. and around the world. Bronze plaques, such as Veteran's Markers, can be set in cement, or attached to granite monuments.

#3. Color

The rule of thumb is that darker color granites, such as dark red or black, are more expensive. Medium gray granite is the most commonly used when price is an important concern.

#4. Finish

There are three surface finishes you may choose for a granite monument: rock pitch, steeled, and polished. You may also choose any of these in combination.

Rock pitch finish: A rock pitch finish is a natural, rough-hewn finish used only on the edges or backs of monuments.

Steeled finish: A steeled finish is a matte or satin finish on a smooth stone.

Polished finish: A polished finish is a smooth, mirror-like surface.

#5. Design

This includes lettering, borders, and even illustrations. First, of course, are the inscriptions where lettering styles are an important consideration. Some dealers may have limited selection of styles of lettering available. Others can provide virtually unlimited choices of type styles. Some dealers charge a flat fee for all inscriptions, while others may charge you "by the letter".

Flat carving: Borders and other decorations are often done as flat carvings, in which shapes are carved into the stone at a uniform depth.

Shaped carving: Some dealers may be able to create shaped carvings, which provide a more realistic three-dimensional image, usually for an additional cost.

#6. Artwork

Monuments can be highly personalized by adding scenes, symbols, and even portraits to the monument. These can be applied in two ways: Scenic & Etching.

Scenic carving: Our images are carved into the stone by the sandblasting process, which is most effective with simple shapes.

Etching: By far the most striking method of personalizing your memorial is by etching the image into the stone with a diamond-tipped tool. These images are more delicate and more realistic. Black granite is recommended for etching. Adding an etching to your monument will also add at least $200 or more to your monument price, with more for more complicated images, such as portraits.