Designing a high-end custom headstone is as intricate as building a home. At UN Stone Monument, we know that losing a loved one is never easy, and making decisions during such a difficult time can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created this guide—to walk you through the entire process, making it as simple and stress-free as possible.
Choosing the Type and Style of a Headstone
Size:
The size of the headstone depends on your budget and the cemetery rules. If you have already purchased a burial plot, we recommend consulting cemetery staff about the permitted dimensions and requirements for headstones. If you have not yet chosen a cemetery, you can select a headstone style based on your family’s preferences and then find one that accommodates your chosen design.
Style:
Common headstone styles include:
Flat Marker – A simple, flat stone lying flush with the ground.
Bevel Marker – A slightly raised stone with a gently sloping face.
Slant Marker – A headstone with a steeply angled front face.
Upright Headstone – A traditional standing monument.
Mausoleum – A private family tomb structure.
At UN Stone Monument, we offer full customization on all these base designs, ensuring that every memorial is unique and meaningful.
Material:
Granite is the most popular material for headstones due to its durability and resistance to weathering. Our website features an extensive collection of granite options; local customers are always welcome to visit our showroom in Columbus to select the perfect stone personally. Explore our granite selections here: Granite Colors. We offer various colors, including black, grey, red, green, blue, purple, etc.
Designing the Headstone
Shape & Appearance:
To help you make your decision, UN Stone Monument provides a large selection of design examples on our website, Headstone Gallery. Within the cemetery rules, you can select from thousands of styles, including options with intricate carvings and sandblasting techniques. Our experts can guide you in selecting the best design based on your needs and preferences.
Engraving Style & Details:
Surface Finishes:We offer a variety of surface treatments, including polished, sandblasted, natural, and flame-treated finishes, to match your desired aesthetic.
Engravings: Personalize your headstone with engravings such as religious figures, symbols, floral patterns, landscapes, family crests, etc.
Sandblasting Techniques: We offer customized sandblasting options, including 3D designs, incised carvings, raised carvings, and combination techniques, which allow for a truly unique and artistic tribute.
Font & Lettering:
We support any font, size, and depth you prefer for the inscription. We use V-sunk (deep-cut) engraving to ensure long-lasting clarity. You can choose a font color from natural stone, various paint options, or even real gold for a more distinguished appearance.
Inscription Content:
Most headstones include the deceased’s name, birth and death dates, and an epitaph or memorial quote.
Etching Options:
We offer hand etching and laser etching to create intricate designs and portraits. To help you choose between these options, read our detailed guide here: Choosing Between Laser Etching & Hand Etching.
Memorial Portraits:
For memorial portraits, we work with Paradise pictures for high-quality ceramic portraits.
Finalizing the Design
Our designers work closely with you to ensure every detail meets your expectations. Once the final design is approved, we will handle the cemetery’s monument order application process and consult them about foundation requirements and pricing.
Production Process
After final approval, we begin producing the headstone:
For highly customized sculptures, we first create a clay model or provide a 3D-printed resin model for confirmation.
Once approved, production begins, including cutting, engraving, and polishing.
Production and shipping usually take 3 to 6 months, but expedited services and air shipping can be arranged upon request.
Before shipping, we pre-assemble the monument, take detailed photos, and send them for your final approval.
Headstone Installation
After the cemetery completes the concrete foundation, we will install the headstone, ensuring it is securely placed to withstand weather conditions.
Inspection & Maintenance
Once installed, families can inspect the headstone to ensure everything meets expectations. Regular maintenance—such as cleaning and checking the engravings—will help preserve its condition over time.
If you have any questions or need assistance, contact UN Stone Monument Inc. by phone or email. We can typically offer a quote within five minutes during business hours if you provide us with specific granite types and dimensions.
Our showroom is located in Columbus, Ohio. You can visit in person or schedule a virtual consultation. We offer shipping across the U.S. and Canada.
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