Portsmouth Monument Co. · Est. 1914
Custom Granite
Memorial Headstones
Designed with care, crafted in-house, and installed by our team in Portsmouth. Every headstone is built from your vision — and nothing goes to stone until you've reviewed and approved every detail.
"Take all the time you need. We're here to help you get it right — there's no rush."
We Understand What This Decision Means
Choosing a memorial headstone for someone you love is one of the most personal things you'll ever do. It's permanent. It needs to be right. And it's often being made during one of the hardest periods of your life.
Portsmouth Monument Co. has been guiding families through this process since 1914. We don't rush it. We don't push. We sit with you, listen carefully, and help you find the stone, the design, and the words that truly honor the person you've lost.
Every piece of work — the design consultation, the sandblasting, the engraving, the laser etching, the installation — is done by our team here in Portsmouth. The same people you talk to are the people who will make your memorial.
Nothing is cut, sandblasted, or etched until you've reviewed and signed off on the final design. This is our firm policy.
We don't outsource. Your memorial is fabricated by our own craftsmen in our own shop — not shipped to a stranger hundreds of miles away.
This is a permanent decision. We'll answer every question and move at your pace.
Custom Designs — Crafted in Portsmouth
Every memorial you see here was designed, fabricated, and installed by our team. No two are alike.
Every piece shown was designed, sandblasted, engraved, or laser-etched in our Portsmouth shop — by our craftsmen, for families across southern Ohio and northern Kentucky.
View Full Gallery →Four Styles of Custom Granite Headstones
We carry a large on-site inventory. Visit our showroom and see the difference between styles in person — photographs don't do stone justice.
Most Common
Flat Marker
A low-profile, ground-level marker that lies flush with the cemetery surface. Simple, dignified, and enduring. Often required by certain cemeteries.
Slant Marker
A ground-set marker with a slanted top surface angled toward visitors, making it easier to read. Provides more design surface than a flat marker.
Bevel Marker
A mid-height marker with a slight rise from back to front, offering a clean, traditional silhouette with a broad face for inscriptions and artwork.
Most Visible
Upright Monument
A full standing monument — the most traditional and commanding style. Tall, visible from a distance, and provides the most surface for inscriptions, portraits, and artwork.
Every Technique, Done by Our Team
in Portsmouth
We don't outsource any part of the memorial process. The same craftsmen who consult with you are the ones who design, engrave, and install your stone.
Custom Design & Lettering
Every memorial begins with a custom layout — names, dates, epitaphs, symbols, borders, and artwork — designed specifically for your loved one. We present a proof for your review before any cutting begins.
- Wide range of typefaces and lettering styles
- Religious symbols, emblems, motifs available
- Written proof provided before approval
Sandblasting & Engraving
Our traditional sandblasting technique creates deep, durable lettering and relief carving that stands up to decades of weather. Inscriptions are cut directly into the granite surface for permanence.
- Deep-cut lettering for durability
- Border and decorative panel work
- Add-on inscriptions to existing memorials
Laser Etching
Laser etching allows extraordinarily fine detail — photographs, portraits, artwork, and intricate imagery reproduced on granite, quartz, glass, wood, or metal. A way to place someone's face permanently in stone.
- Photo-quality portrait etching from photos you provide
- Custom artwork, religious imagery, landscapes
- Works on granite, quartz, glass, wood, metal
Monument Installation
Our team handles the full installation from start to finish — coordinating with the cemetery, setting the foundation, and placing the monument properly and permanently. You don't have to manage any of it.
- Full coordination with cemetery administration
- Foundation setting and monument placement
- Serving Scioto County and surrounding areas
Add-On Inscriptions
Already placed a memorial and need to add a spouse's information or a death date? We add inscriptions to existing monuments — both those we originally created and those placed by others.
- Match existing lettering style and depth
- Additional names, dates, and inscriptions
- Service both in-shop and at the cemetery
Custom Laser-Etched Gifts
Beyond memorials, our laser etching capability creates deeply personal keepsakes — etched portraits on stone, personalized awards, signage, and decorative items in wood, glass, or metal.
- Personalized portrait plaques
- Custom awards and recognition pieces
- Walk-in orders welcome
Nothing Goes to Stone Until
You Sign Off
Permanent decisions require permanent care. That's why we have a strict policy: no sandblasting, no engraving, and no laser etching begins on any memorial until you have reviewed the design proof and provided your signed approval.
This isn't a courtesy — it's a requirement. We present a detailed design for every order: exact lettering, positioning, artwork, borders, and finishes. You review it. You request changes. You approve it in writing. Then we build it.
A granite memorial will stand for 50, 100, or more years. The approval step is our way of making sure it's exactly what you envisioned — not close, not approximately right, but exactly right.
Your Signature
is Required
We will never begin cutting, sandblasting, engraving, or etching on your memorial without a written, signed design approval from you. Every time. No exceptions.
The Memorial Process, Step by Step
We walk you through every step. There's nothing you have to figure out on your own.
Call or Visit
Call us at (740) 353-4055 or visit our showroom at 1617 Offnere St. in Portsmouth. Mon–Fri 8am–4:30pm, Saturday by appointment. No appointment needed to browse.
Choose Your Stone
Browse our large on-site granite inventory. We'll show you the difference between flat, slant, bevel, and upright styles — and different granite colors and textures — in person.
Design Together
Our team creates a full design layout — names, dates, epitaph, symbols, and artwork. We present a proof for your review. Nothing advances without your written approval.
We Craft & Install
Once approved, our craftsmen fabricate your memorial entirely in our Portsmouth shop. We then coordinate with the cemetery and handle the full installation ourselves.
What to Bring to
Your Consultation
There's no requirement to have anything prepared before you visit — we'll guide you through everything. But if you have some of these items, they help us design a more personal memorial faster.
If you're not ready to bring anything yet, just come in. We'll have a conversation first.
Don't know any of this yet? That's okay. We work through it together. Just come in and talk to us — there's no pressure to decide anything immediately.
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Full legal name of the person being memorialized Exact spelling, middle name or middle initial, any preferred name.
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Birth date and death date Exact dates to be inscribed on the memorial.
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A short epitaph or quote (optional) A meaningful phrase, verse, or simple sentiment. We can also help you choose one.
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A photo (for laser-etched portraits) A clear, high-contrast photo works best. Digital or printed both work.
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Cemetery name and section/lot details Helps us confirm plot dimensions and any cemetery requirements for marker size or style.
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Religious symbols, military emblems, or insignia (optional) Any symbols that held meaning — faith, service, organizations, hobbies.
We Handle the Installation.
You Shouldn't Have To.
Once your memorial is complete and approved, our team handles everything from coordination with the cemetery to the final placement. You don't need to manage any of it.
We work directly with cemetery administration to confirm plot dimensions, any style requirements, and scheduling.
Proper foundation work ensures the monument is stable and level — set to last for generations, not just years.
Our crew places and levels the memorial to exact specifications, completing the process before you make a final visit.
We install throughout southern Ohio and northern Kentucky. Call us to confirm coverage in your area.
Families We've Had the Honor
of Helping
Portsmouth Monument Co. has served over 10,000 families since 1914. A few of their words:
"After losing my father, I had no idea where to start. Tyler and his team walked me through every option patiently. Nothing was rushed. When the stone was installed, it was exactly what we'd designed together — exactly what my dad deserved."
Portsmouth, OH
"The laser-etched portrait they created for my mother's headstone brought me to tears — in the best possible way. I shared a photo and they turned it into something that will last forever. The craftsmanship is remarkable."
Ironton, OH
"They were so kind and patient with us. We changed the design twice before we felt it was right — and they never made us feel like it was too much trouble. We're so grateful we found them."
Wheelersburg, OH
Questions About Our Memorial Process
We're happy to answer anything you don't see here — just call us.
How do I start the process of ordering a headstone in Portsmouth, Ohio?
The easiest first step is to visit our showroom at 1617 Offnere St. in Portsmouth — you can walk in without an appointment during business hours (Mon–Fri 8am–4:30pm, Saturday by appointment). If you'd rather call first, reach us at (740) 353-4055. There's no pressure to decide anything at your first visit.
How long does a custom headstone take to make and install?
Timelines vary depending on the design complexity, granite availability, and current workload. Because we do all fabrication in-house, we have direct control over the schedule — we're not waiting on an outside vendor. During your consultation, we'll give you a realistic timeline specific to your order.
Can I see headstones in person before I decide?
Yes — and we strongly recommend it. We maintain a large on-site inventory of granite in multiple styles (flat, slant, bevel, upright) and colors. Photographs simply don't capture the difference between granite types. Come visit and see them in person. There's no obligation to buy when you visit.
Do I have to approve the design before work begins?
Yes — this is our firm policy. We will not begin sandblasting, engraving, or laser etching on any memorial until you have reviewed the design proof and provided your written, signed approval. We present every detail of the design for your review, make any revisions you request, and only begin work after you've signed off.
Can you add an inscription to a headstone that's already been installed?
Yes. We regularly add inscriptions — death dates, names, additional text — to existing memorials, including those we originally created and those placed by other companies. Call us with the details and we'll let you know the best approach and provide a free quote.
What photo quality do I need for a laser-etched portrait?
For the best results, we recommend a clear, high-contrast photo where the subject's face is the focus — good lighting, sharp focus, and minimal background clutter. Digital photos work well; printed photographs can also be scanned. If you're not sure whether your photo will work, bring it in and we'll give you an honest assessment before you commit to anything.
Does the cemetery have a say in what kind of marker I can use?
Yes — many cemeteries have rules about marker style, size, and material. Some require flat markers only; others allow upright monuments in certain sections. We coordinate with the cemetery on your behalf and will confirm any requirements before we design your memorial.
What does a custom headstone cost?
Cost depends on the style, granite type, size, and the complexity of the design work. We provide individual quotes for every order — there's no one-size-fits-all price list because every memorial is different. Call us at (740) 353-4055 or visit our showroom for a free, no-obligation quote. We'll walk you through the options at different price points.
Let's Begin.
At Your Pace.
Whether you're just starting to think about a memorial or ready to begin the process today, our team is here to help. No obligation. No pressure. Just craftsmen in Portsmouth who care about getting it right.