A design process built to truly capture your loved one’s life – and simplify yours
Designing a memorial can feel unfamiliar, but our monument design process is simple, guided, and built to help you feel supported every step of the way.
What to Expect
Designing a monument is not a frequent experience for most people. It’s normal not to know where to start or what to expect. Our process is simple, supportive, and built to give you confidence at every step.
- We Start with a Conversation – we listen to your story, your needs, and your ideas. This helps us understand what matters most as we begin the design
- We Explore Options Together – we walk you through available shapes, colors, and styles so you can see what feels right – without feeling rushed or overwhelmed
- We Create a Personalized Design – our team builds a rendering based on your choices. You’ll review and adjust it until everything feels just right.
- We Handle the Details – from cemetery requirements to materials and timelines, we take care of all the logistics so the process stays simple for you.
- We Install with Care – when the monument is complete, we place it precisely and thoughtfully. You’ll be notified as soon as the installation is finished.
An Overview of Monument Basics
Most families aren’t familiar with the different details that make up a monument – and that’s completely okay. The sections below offer a simple look at the main features we’ll discuss during the monument design process, including styles, granite colors, finishes, and lettering options. You don’t need to make any decisions now; this is just an easy way to get acquainted.
Step One: Choose Shape & Style of Your Stone
The first step is selecting the type of stone you’d like for the memorial.
Some cemeteries have specific regulations about the size or style of monuments you can have. We coordinate directly with your chosen cemetery to ensure everything meets their guidelines while still reflecting what you want. For more information on restrictions, visit our FAQ.
Grass Marker:
A flat or slightly sloped stone set close to the ground. Traditionally installed in concrete, but for increased strength and longevity, ask us about our all-granite options.
Upright Monument:
A vertical or upright gravestone that sits on a granite base. Available with front and back polished (what we call P2), front/top/back polished (P3), or polished on all sides (P5).
Upright Slant:
A wedge-shaped monument that can be installed with or without a granite base. Available polished on the front only (P1), front and back (P2), or front/top/back (P3).
Benches:
An upright monument designed in the style of a bench. Available with our without a backrest, and with or without a granite baseplate or flower vases.
Custom:
Walker Monument offers custom design for all shapes and sizes. Contact us to explore the unlimited possibilities.
Step Two: Stone Colors
We carry Utah’s largest in-stock selection of granite, with new shipments arriving frequently. One of our owners also owns Dixie Granite Company in Elberton, Georgia – a major supplier in the industry.
If we don’t have the granite you are looking for on hand, we can source it weeks or even months sooner than most competitors.
Use the arrow buttons on the right and left to explore the most common granite colors below.
Step Three: Selecting Finish
Your finish options depend on the style of monument you select.
Click the monument style below to learn more about the finish options available in each style.
Step Four: Engraving and Accessories
The last step is choosing the engraving and any personal touches you’d like added.
We do not charge per letter or per design element – standard engraving is included in our pricing. We offer a large selection of fonts and artwork, and we can recess and install accessories such as portraits or medallions to further personalize your loved one’s memorial.
Looking for Design Inspiration?
If you’d like to see examples of different engraving styles, layout ideas, or personalization options, check out our gallery page or our catalog. These resources are not meant for selecting a final design – just a helpful way to see what’s possible before we create something together.
You Don’t Have to Know Everything Now
Choosing a monument involves many small decisions, but you won’t make them alone. We’re here to answer questions, explain options, and make the process feel easy – not overwhelming.
Families often tell us they expected this to feel difficult, but were surprised by how simple and comforting the experience became once we walked through it together.
Ready to Begin?
Whether you want to talk through ideas, learn more about your options, or start the design process, we’re here when you’re ready.