Design a Headstone Customized for Your Loved One

Expert in the manufacture of granite tombstones

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At Martel & Sons, we’re recognized specialists in creating and personalizing headstones. We know that choosing a custom memorial is an intimate step—one that should feel respectful, calm, and fully guided.

That’s why we take the time to listen, then help you select from a wide variety of styles so that your headstone design truly honours a life and tells a meaningful story.

Our custom headstones

Our skilled artisans work with premium granite, a headstone material chosen for its durability, natural beauty, and ability to remain a timeless tribute despite the harsh Québec and Canadian weather. Every stone is crafted with precision, so the size and shape that you choose becomes the best possible option for commemorating your loved one.

Depending on your preference, we can propose classic and contemporary options: a traditional upright headstone, a clean-lined marker, a refined tombstone with a subtle curve, or a family memorial designed to accommodate two names. We also offer options such as a granite bench memorial or a discreet plaque when cemetery regulations or plot restrictions require a low-profile solution.

Headstone personalization: turning ideas into permanent memorials

Personalizing gravestones is at the heart of our concerns, and we’re committed to turning your monument ideas into tangible realities thanks to our wide selection of monuments.

Shapes and styles

Whether you prefer a traditional or modern look, our selection offers unmatched flexibility. Serpentine, beveled, rounded, heart-shaped, cross-shaped, or a refined contour with a subtle curve… each option can be adapted to reflect the unique character of the person being commemorated. For families seeking a more symbolic design, options can include an angel motif or a wing headstone style when appropriate.

Granite colours

Our granite colour range is as varied as our designs, chosen for elegance, legibility, and lasting polish. Popular options include:

The different types of memorial designs

We offer a broad range of designs, from classical headstone patterns to custom gravestone designs and contemporary creations. Each monument is designed to capture the passions and life stories of your loved ones.

The different lettering options

Lettering is essential to enhance the personality of your tribute. Our monument customization options include various styles of fonts, allowing for a precise and personal expression of feelings and memories. Whether you choose a simple name and date or a longer epitaph, we ensure that the layout matches the available surface area and remains readable for decades.

Why choose Martel & Sons to design a headstone?

We believe that each tribute must be as unique as the person to whom it is dedicated. Our personalization services go beyond standard expectations to capture the essence of the life being celebrated.

Choice of materials and colours

Our various styles of granite headstones offer not only durability, but also elegance. Our wide range of colours allows each monument to be further personalized, reflecting the preferences and personality of your loved one.

Specialized engraving techniques

We excel at nature engraving, allowing specific natural elements or symbols to be incorporated into the design of the monument. Each personalized tribute is created with care, ensuring that every detail speaks to the hearts of those who pay their respects.

Our engraving options include sandblasting and impact machine chiselling, offering you a wide variety of precise finishes tailored to each project.

How to care for your loved one’s headstone

Simple, regular care helps preserve both the appearance and durability of the monument. To clean polished granite, use clear water (or slightly soapy water), a soft sponge, and a thorough rinse. Avoid abrasive products, metal brushes, and acidic cleaners, as these can affect the polish or damage the lettering and engraving.

If needed, we can recommend suitable products for premium granite and advise you according to the granite colour. Some shades, especially deep black, often benefit from gentler methods to maintain their shine. If you want consistent results that last through seasonal changes and harsh weather, Martel & Sons also offers maintenance services, always with the same high standards.

Trust Martel & Sons for your custom memorial

With several decades of experience, Martel & Sons positions itself as your best ally in the choice and creation of tombstones. Our marble experts accompany you every step of the way, ensuring flawless service and maintenance to ensure that your loved ones’ resting place remains impeccable.

Choosing Martel & Sons means opting for a quality customized headstone. Our unparalleled expertise in monumental masonry and memorial customization is a guarantee that every detail will reflect respect and love for the departed.

Frequently asked questions about custom headstones

How long does it take to design and manufacture a custom stone?

Timeframes vary depending on the model, the level of customization (lettering, etching, decorative elements), granite availability, and the time of year. After quote approval, we plan the production and installation according to the cemetery’s rules and schedule. Our team provides a clear timeline from the start.

What’s the difference between flat plaques, grave markers, and monuments?

A plaque is usually more discreet and used to identify and commemorate, while a flat marker is designed to be installed level with the ground, depending on cemetery rules and regulations. A monument is a more complete structure (often an upright element with or without a base) that offers more options for engraving, layouts, artwork, and overall presence. We guide you toward the most appropriate solution based on your intentions and the cemetery plot requirements.

How do I select the granite colour?

The granite colour influences the style (modern and minimal or more classic), the contrast of the inscription, and how the artwork appears. We show you a range of options and explain the practical differences in terms of readability and long-term appearance.

What factors affect the budget?

The budget varies based on the monument dimensions, the granite type and origin, the colour, the options (etchings, decorative elements, finish, gilding, etc.), and the complexity of the lettering. Since the pricing depends on the project, the simplest approach is to request a quote. We’ll propose different models across a range that suits your preferences while maintaining a high standard of quality.


Our tombstone creations

Our different styles of headstone

Pierre tombale moderne

Beveled Headstones

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Pierre tombale moderne

Round Headstones

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Pierre tombale moderne

Cross-Shaped Headstones

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Pierre tombale moderne

Celtic Cross-Shaped Headstones

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Pierre tombale header

Single Heart-Shaped Headstones

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Pierre tombale header

Double Heart-Shaped Headstones

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Pierre tombale moderne

Book-Shaped Headstones

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Pierre tombale moderne

Serpentine Top Headstones

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Testimonials

5 / 5 out of 9 reviews

“A big thank you for your excellent work ❤️ my grandmother urn is so beautiful and represents it perfectly 💐”

- France Lalonde

“Excellent service, very professional and a monument beyond our expectations.”

- Pascal Cadieux

“The company is professional and caring and I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you to the MARTEL&SONS company. Please know we are thankful and so grateful  for the beautiful engraving that was done for our beloved family members’ headstone.”

- Caroline Johnson

“The service representative Tami was excellent to deal with. She was professional, kind , understanding and most helpful. The service was timely and exceeded expectations.”

- Kerry Oleary