Custom-Shaped Headstones: What's Possible
What's possible with custom-shaped headstones — guitars, hearts, trees, books and more — how they're cut, cost factors, cemetery rules and design tips.
Modern cutting machines can shape granite into almost any outline: a guitar, a tree, a hockey stick, a cross with a heart, the silhouette of a favourite place. A custom shape makes a memorial instantly personal — but it needs careful planning.
Popular custom shapes
- Guitars and instruments — see ideas for a musician.
- Trees and leaves — see tree of life meaning.
- Open books — see open book meaning.
- Hearts and double hearts — see heart-shaped headstones.
- Province or state outlines.
- Sports equipment — a hockey jersey, a golf bag, a football.
How custom shapes are made
- CNC saws and routers cut smooth curves and profiles.
- Waterjet cutting handles intricate outlines.
- Hand finishing polishes edges and adds rock-pitch detail.
Thin points, such as a guitar neck, need extra thickness or support so they don't break.
Cost factors
- Complexity of the outline.
- Thickness needed for strength.
- Waste — custom shapes can use more raw granite.
- Polished edges vs rock-pitched.
- Design time for drawings and proofs.
Cemetery rules
Some cemeteries restrict novelty shapes or require a minimum thickness for safety. Submit a scaled drawing for approval before cutting. See the permit process.
Check your price
For a live estimate, design your memorial in the Design Studio and use Check Price, or request a quote for an itemised price.
Key Takeaways
- Granite can be cut into almost any outline.
- Thin points need extra thickness.
- Complexity and thickness drive cost.
- Get cemetery approval with a scaled drawing.
Next Step
See headstone shapes guide and try shapes in the Design Studio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a headstone be made in any shape?
Almost — CNC and waterjet machines can cut very detailed outlines.
Do custom shapes cost more?
Usually yes, because of cutting time, waste and design work.
Are custom-shaped headstones allowed?
Often yes, but some cemeteries restrict novelty shapes — submit a drawing first.
Are thin shapes fragile?
They can be, so designers add thickness or support at weak points.
Ready to get pricing for your granite monument?
Request pricing, factory specifications, and DAP delivery timelines from our team.
