Starting a monument company takes skill, care, and heart. These companies make headstones, markers, and stone memorials for families who have lost loved ones. This work helps people remember those they love. If you’re thinking about opening a monument company, here’s how to begin.
Learn About the Industry
Before you start, you need to understand the work. You don’t need a college degree, but you do need to know how to shape stone and work with families.
Monuments are often made of granite, marble, or sandstone. You must know how these stones behave. Granite is strong and lasts a long time. Marble is softer but looks elegant.
Example: Tom in Ohio worked for a granite wholesaler for 3 years. He said, “I didn’t know anything at first. I just kept asking questions.” Tom later bought old tools and started a small shop. Now, he works with funeral homes in three states.
Hot granite meterial granite colors for headstone
Buy Tools and Equipment
Stone work takes machines. A basic shop needs:
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A stone cutter
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A polisher
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A sandblaster
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Lifting tools
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A small truck or trailer
These can cost a lot. Some tools may be used or leased. Expect to spend $20,000–$50,000 to get started. If you dont have the cash, ask your bank about small busness loans or try SBA-backed programs.
Choose a Good Location
Your shop needs space. You need to store stone slabs, park machines, and meet with customers. A 1,500 sq. ft. area is enough for a small team.
Try to find a spot near cemetries or funeral homes. It helps customers find you easily.
Example: Jenny from Texas picked a shop 10 minutes from three cemeteries. She said, “Families feel more relaxed when they don’t have to drive far. The quiet setting helps.”
Handle Permits and Paperwork
To open a legal business, you must register your company. You need:
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A business license
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A tax ID number
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Insurance for staff and customers
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Local permits (like noise or waste control)
If you want to import stone from other countries, you’ll also need a customs broker and import codes.
Tip: Dont forget your state laws. Go to your town hall or city website and ask for a startup checklist.
Learn to Design Memorials
Families want personal stones. You must know how to make designs with:
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Names
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Dates
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Photos or symbols
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Bible verses or quotes
Some owners draw by hand. Others use CAD software (Computer-Aided Design).
Example: Kevin in Alberta learned CAD in 6 weeks. Now, he offers over 50 custom styles. “People like choices,” he says. “And they remember who gave them good service.”
Headstone Monument Cad Design
Hire a Small Team
You can’t do all the work alone. Most shops start with 2 to 5 people:
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A stone cutter
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A designer
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A delivery driver
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An office helper
Treat your team with care. Stone work is heavy and can be risky.
Fact: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says stone carvers earn about $45,000 per year. Job growth is steady at 5% per decade.
Start Marketing
Once your shop is open, let people know. You can:
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Create a Facebook page
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Post real photos of your work
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Use flyers in funeral homes
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Partner with local cemeteries
You don’t need a big ad budget. People want to see real work and read honest stories.
Example: Lisa in Florida posted before-and-after photos on Facebook. One family commented, “We cried when we saw our father’s stone. Thank you.” That post got 1,200 views in 5 days.
Keep Quality High
Monuments stay in place for many years. Bad stones can fade or crack. Families trust you with their memories. Check each stone before you deliver it.
Fact: The National Stone Institute says well-cut granite can last over 100 years without fading.
Be Kind with Families
This is not just stone work. You help people during loss. Some cry. Some stay silent. Some bring kids. Be kind. Be patient.
Example: Mike in Vermont shared, “One family lost a newborn. They didn’t know what to ask for. I sat with them and listened. Then we drew the stone together.”
Your attitude matters more than your price.
Keep Growing
You can join trade groups like:
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Monument Builders of North America (MBNA)
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National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA)
They offer news, guides, and classes. You can learn new skills and meet other shop owners.
Don’t stop growing. Trends change — from QR codes on stones to green burials. Keep learning to stay strong.
Final Words
Opening a monument company takes work. It also gives meaning. You help families heal. You create stones that last for lifetimes.
If you care about others, like to work with your hands, and have a strong heart — this job may be the one for you.