Let’s Create a Custom Shaped Memorial Together

Frequently Asked Questions About Upright Headstones

How Much Do Most Headstones Cost? The typical cost of a conventional flat headstone for sale is roughly $1,000, although it can range from $1,000 to $3,000 depending on size, granite color, and engraving styles. Depending on the shape, size, granite color, and carved pattern, more ornate upright headstones can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $10,000.

What is the difference between a headstone and a headstone? The term “headstone” dates from the late 1300s, while “headstone” dates from the mid-1500s. A headstone was a grave monument put at the head of a grave, as the name suggests. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, it is the newest of the three words, appearing in 1676.

Will There Be Any Additional Fees When I Purchase A Headstone For Sale? Your cemetery will have its own separate fee, which will cover the cemetery pouring the concrete foundation that your headstone will sit on once installed.

Is It Cheaper To Buy A Headstone Online? At a glance, comparing prices only may in fact seem like it is cheaper to buy a headstone online. However, there is usually a reason. Oftentimes, when you buy a headstone online, there is not installation process in place, so it is up to you to find an installer and coordinate the installation with the cemetery yourself. If your cemetery does not accept shipped headstones for liability purposes, then you will need to make additional arrangements when it comes to finding a destination for your headstone once it is completed with the online company.

What Is The Cheapest Headstone You Can Buy? Flat burial markers are the least expensive of all the headstone options. Flat grave markers made of granite typically cost between $1,000 and $3,000 on average, depending on a few factors.

Do Your Headstones Have A Warranty? Our granite headstones come with a lifetime warranty that covers any non-man-made damages, such as a small fissure or crack forming in the granite over time. Although we have never had to honor this warranty due to the strength and durability of granite, you can rest assured that if anything should happen to compromise the structure of your stone, it will be covered at no cost to you.

Custom shaped memorials are a powerful way to create a lasting tribute that is as distinctive as the life it honors. These memorials break away from traditional forms: embracing creativity, symbolism, and personal significance. At Stoltz Memorials, we specialize in designing and crafting custom-shaped headstones and monuments that reflect identity, values, and legacy with unmatched precision and elegance.

A custom shaped memorial is a monument designed in a non-traditional silhouette: crafted to reflect a loved one’s personality, passions, or faith. Rather than conforming to standard rectangles, ovals, or slants, these memorials might take the form of a heart, angel, guitar, cross, butterfly, book, or other meaningful shapes. Custom memorials can be crafted from premium granite or marble, allowing for detailed carving, engraving, and sculptural elements. These memorials are most commonly placed in cemeteries, family plots, private gardens, or memorial parks: and serve as an unforgettable focal point for remembrance.

A custom shape makes the memorial entirely unique. Whether it's a hobby, belief, or family symbol, the chosen design tells a story at a glance: offering a deeply emotional and visual connection to the loved one being honored.

Custom shaped memorials stand out with elegant silhouettes and sculptural artistry . The combination of form, detail, and texture captures attention while honoring the memory with dignity and creativity.

The shape can reflect: Faith (e.g., a cross or angel) Love (e.g., intertwined hearts) Nature (e.g., tree of life, rose, or bird) Passions or professions (e.g., fishing pole, piano, or sports emblem) Each piece becomes a symbol of legacy, crafted to endure.

One of the most cherished custom styles, heart-shaped memorials express deep love and emotional connection. They are ideal for spouses, children, or anyone remembered with profound affection. These designs often include etched portraits, roses, or angel carvings.

For families wishing to honor spiritual values, angel-shaped headstones , cross silhouettes , or Bible-shaped monuments offer meaningful beauty. We offer hand-carved angels in prayer, kneeling, or embracing the marker.

Memorials shaped like leaves , trees , butterflies , or birds can reflect the harmony of life, transformation, and peace. These shapes pair beautifully with inscriptions or poems.

Whether your loved one enjoyed music, gardening, fishing, or sports, we can create custom memorials in the shape of: Guitars or musical notes Fishing rods or boats Books or open scrolls Baseballs or footballs Every design begins with your story and is translated into lasting granite form.

Granite is the most popular choice for custom memorials due to its strength, versatility, and wide range of colors. It allows for clean carving, smooth polishing, and intricate laser etching. Available colors include: Jet Black Georgia Gray Bahama Blue Morning Rose India Red Mahogany

While less durable than granite, marble offers a soft, sophisticated appearance . We recommend marble for shaded areas or indoor memorial installations where weathering is less of a concern.

Polished for a reflective, formal look Rock-pitched or steeled for a natural, rustic texture Etched or carved for intricate designs and deep symbolism

We offer custom inscriptions in a variety of fonts, languages, and layouts. Common epitaph styles include: Religious verses or Psalms Personal quotes or sayings Song lyrics or poems Descriptions of character or legacy

Laser-etched images or porcelain photos can be added to polished granite surfaces. Whether it’s a wedding photo, family portrait, or peaceful landscape, these visuals bring the story to life.

We can carve raised elements such as: Flowers or vines Scrolls or banners Praying hands or doves 3D designs such as open books or hands holding hearts

Every cemetery has specific rules regarding memorial shape, size, and materials . At Stoltz Memorials, we manage all communication with your chosen cemetery to ensure: Size and shape compliance Proper foundation requirements Permitting and approval processes Respectful and secure installation We provide delivery and installation services across Ohio, Indiana, Northern Kentucky and surrounding regions, ensuring that your memorial is placed with precision and care.

Single Custom Memorial : 24 –36 wide Companion Custom Memorial : 42 –72 wide Height Range : 18 –48 depending on design complexity Base Height : 6 –10 We offer layout mockups, digital previews, and scale drawings so you can visualize every aspect before approval.

Pricing for custom-shaped memorials varies depending on the complexity of the shape, material, size, and personalization features. Estimated pricing: Simple custom shapes (heart, book, cross): $3,000–$6,000 Detailed carved shapes (angel, guitar, double-heart): $6,000–$10,000+ Add-ons (photo etching, vases, bronze plaques): $500–$2,500 We offer transparent pricing , design consultations , and payment plans to help families create a lasting memorial with financial confidence.

At Stoltz Memorials, we understand that this is more than a monument. It’s a story carved in stone. Families trust us because we offer: Personalized design services with empathy and creativity High-quality materials selected for durability and beauty Experienced local artisans trained in hand-carving, sandblasting, and laser techniques Full cemetery coordination and professional installation Supportive guidance from start to finish We are honored to help you design a memorial that speaks to the heart and endures for generations.

Whether you have a specific shape in mind or are looking for design inspiration, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process. At Stoltz Memorials, we make it easy to create something deeply meaningful, visually stunning, and entirely unique. Visit stoltzmemorials.com or contact our team today to discuss options and see how we might be able to help you and your family create something special.

✓ No payment required to see your design.

Custom Shaped Memorials: Unique Tributes That Celebrate Individual Lives

Popular Styles and Shapes for Custom Memorials

Cemetery Regulations and Installation

Typical Dimensions and Placement Options

Custom Memorial Costs and Budget Planning

Why Choose Stoltz Memorials for Custom Shaped Memorials

Let’s Create a Custom Shaped Memorial Together

Frequently Asked Questions About Upright Headstones

Let's create a tribute that honors their life.