How Our Engraved Stones Are Built to Last
Quick answer: Design A Stone engraved stones are made from solid, enhanced high-strength concrete, engraved (not printed), painted with monument-grade paint and sealed with a weatherproof sealant, so they're built to stay outdoors year-round. Each one is made to order in Rantoul, Illinois and ships within 4 business days.
What our stones are made of
Every Design A Stone is made from solid, enhanced high-strength concrete in a natural boulder shape. A 15" stone weighs about 24-28 lbs and a 21" stone about 39-44 lbs. That's solid enough to feel like real stone in your landscape, but light enough to ship free and place yourself without equipment.
Made like a headstone
Your design is engraved into the stone and filled with monument-grade paint, the same type of paint used on headstones and cemetery monuments. It's made to hold its color outdoors for years, through rain, snow and summer sun. The stone itself is solid, high-strength concrete all the way through, so it won't crumble, flake or fall apart, and it's sealed to protect it from the weather. It's built to stay in your yard year after year.
How the design is made to last
- Engraved, not printed. Your name, address or design is engraved into the surface of the stone. There's no sticker, vinyl or surface print to peel, crack or wash away.
- Monument-grade paint. The engraved lettering is filled with the same type of monument-grade paint used on headstones, for contrast you can read from the street.
- Weatherproof sealant. Every stone is sealed to protect it from rain, snow and sun.
- Staked in place. Each stone comes with a ground stake so it stays put. Hammer the stake halfway in and slide the stone on.
Specifications
| Material | Solid, enhanced high-strength concrete, made in a natural boulder shape |
|---|---|
| Design | Engraved into the surface (not printed), decorated with monument-grade paint |
| Finish | Protected with a weatherproof sealant |
| Sizes | 15" x 15" (about 24-28 lbs), 21" x 21" (about 39-44 lbs), and 20" x 11" vertical stones |
| Colors | Sandstone and Greystone |
| Installation | Ground stake included: hammer the stake halfway in, slide the stone on |
| Made in | Rantoul, Illinois, USA |
| Shipping | Ships within 4 business days by FedEx, insured and tracked. Free to the lower 48 states |
Where to place your stone
Engraved stones look best in a garden bed, beside a driveway or walkway, near the front steps, or in a memorial garden. For the longest life, set the stone where it won't get hit by snowplows, mower blades or string trimmers, and where water drains away rather than pooling around it.
Care
Very little is needed. Rinse with a garden hose and brush off dirt with a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals.
Made to order, and we stand behind it
Every stone is handmade for you at the time of order, and we start working on it within 24 hours. If we make an error, we'll do everything we can to make it right. If your stone is damaged in shipping, we'll send a replacement.
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
What are Design A Stone stones made of?
Every stone is made from solid, enhanced high-strength concrete at our facility in Rantoul, Illinois. The design is engraved into the surface, decorated with monument-grade paint and protected with a weatherproof sealant.
Can engraved stones stay outside all year?
Yes. Our stones are made to live outdoors in gardens, flower beds and front yards year-round. Because the lettering is engraved into the stone rather than printed on it, it doesn't peel or wash off the way printed or vinyl signs can.
Will the engraving fade?
The design is engraved into the stone, so it's permanent, and the lettering is filled with monument-grade paint, the same kind used on headstones, then sealed. It's made to stay bold and readable outdoors for years.
How do I keep my stone looking new?
Rinse it with a garden hose and use a soft brush for dirt or leaves. Avoid harsh chemicals. Keep it out of the path of snowplows and mower blades.
What if my stone arrives damaged?
If a stone is damaged in shipping, we ship a replacement. Every order ships insured and tracked by FedEx.
Comparing materials? Read our honest guide: Engraved Concrete vs. Natural Stone. Looking for a gift? See the Personalized Stone Gift Guide.