Engraved Concrete vs. Natural Stone: An Honest Comparison
Quick answer: Natural stone (like granite) is the hardest option, and every boulder is one of a kind. Engraved concrete stones like ours cost less, ship free, install with a ground stake, and give you a consistent size and crisp, painted engraving. Both can last outdoors. The right pick depends on your budget, look and placement.
We make engraved concrete stones, so we want to be upfront: natural stone has real advantages. Here's an honest side-by-side.
Side-by-side comparison
| Engraved concrete (Design A Stone) | Engraved natural stone | |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness | Enhanced high-strength concrete, sealed for outdoor use | Dense natural stone like granite is harder |
| Look | Natural boulder shape; Sandstone or Greystone color | Every rock is unique in shape, color and texture |
| Installation | Ground stake included, no tools beyond a hammer | May need equipment or more than one person |
| Shipping | Free FedEx shipping to the lower 48 states, insured and tracked | Often freight shipping or local pickup |
| Engraving | Engraved, filled with monument-grade paint (the same type used on headstones), sealed | Engraved or sandblasted; paint fill varies by maker |
| Size and shape | Consistent sizes, so your design fits as previewed | Layout depends on the individual rock |
| Turnaround | Made to order, ships within 4 business days | Varies by maker and stone availability |
| Cost | Lower | Usually higher, especially once shipping is added |
When natural stone is the better choice
- You want a large, one-of-a-kind boulder as a centerpiece and have equipment or help to place it.
- Maximum hardness matters more to you than cost or shipping.
- You can buy locally and avoid freight costs.
When engraved concrete is the better choice
- You want a personalized address, family name, welcome or memorial stone that you can install yourself.
- You're sending a gift and want free, tracked delivery to someone's door.
- You want the finished stone to match the design preview, with crisp, painted lettering.
- You want a quality piece at a gift-friendly price.
How Design A Stone makes its stones
Each stone is made from solid, enhanced high-strength concrete, engraved, filled with monument-grade paint and protected with a weatherproof sealant. Every stone is made to order in Rantoul, Illinois. More detail on materials and care: How Our Stones Are Built to Last.
About Design A Stone: founded in 2020, we make every stone to order at our facility in Rantoul, Illinois. We hold an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and are rated 4.7 out of 5 on Trustpilot.
Frequently asked questions
Is natural stone more durable than concrete?
Dense natural stone like granite is harder than concrete, and that's a real advantage. A well-made concrete stone that's engraved and sealed is also built for outdoor use, and it gives you a consistent shape, crisp engraving and free shipping at a lower cost. Which is better depends on your budget, the look you want and how you plan to place it.
Why are concrete engraved stones less expensive?
Natural boulders have to be quarried, sorted and engraved one at a time, and they can be expensive to ship. Our concrete stones are made in consistent shapes and sizes, so they cost less to make and can ship by regular FedEx.
Can I install an engraved concrete stone myself?
Yes. Every Design A Stone comes with a ground stake. Hammer the stake halfway into the ground and slide the stone on. Large natural engraved boulders may need equipment or delivery help.
What is Design A Stone made of?
Solid, enhanced high-strength concrete, engraved, painted with monument-grade paint and protected with a weatherproof sealant. Every stone is made in Rantoul, Illinois.