How to Make Concrete Memorial Markers at Home

Memorial markers can be made at home rather than purchased.

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A hand-made memorial marker is a deeply personal way to mark the passing of a loved one. A concrete memorial marker can be made at home using readily available supplies. With care, a homemade marker can be made to look as professional as any basic memorial purchased from a monument maker. Making a memorial marker gives you control over every aspect of the finished project, while adding a personal touch not found in purchased markers.

Related Searches:Difficulty:ModerateInstructions Things You'll Need2-inch by 4-inch boards, 8-feet longSawWood laminate or heavy cardboardDrillDrill bit sized for your screws2-inch wood screwsLarge plastic containerSandMortar mixBucketShovelTrowelCooking sprayConcrete stamping letters and numbersSuggest Edits1

Cut a 2-inch by 4-inch board into two 3-foot lengths and one 2-foot length. Attach the two long boards to the ends of the short board using 2-inch wood screws to create a U-shaped frame.

2

Cut a length of heavy cardboard or flexible laminate 4 inches by 3 feet. Attach it to the top of the frame by driving 2-inch wood screws diagonally through the cardboard or laminate and into the top of the frame. If you are using cardboard, operate the drill at low speed to avoid tearing the material. Bend the material across the top of the frame and attach it to the other side to create a semicircular cap. The inside edges of the frame and cap should be flush.

3

Place the frame in a shallow plastic container large enough to hold the frame with several inches of clearance on all sides. Pack the container outside the frame with sand. This will help hold the frame steady, especially if you are using thinner material to create a curved top.

4

Mix mortar mix with water according to the instructions on the package. Add water until the mix reaches the consistency of thick peanut butter, then shovel it into the frame. Smooth the surface with a trowel.

5

Spray the concrete stamps you will need to create your desired message with non-stick cooking spray. Press the concrete stamps into the wet mixture. Wash the stamps immediately after use. Allow the concrete to cure for two days.

6

Remove the frame from the container of sand and disassemble the frame by removing all the wood screws. Set the marker upright to allow water to evaporate from the back of the concrete. Leave the marker in this position for two days.

Tips & Warnings

You can alter the dimensions of the frame to suit the needs of your project. If you are making a domed top, just cut the flexible material to a length about a third longer than the base of the marker.

Upright markers can be reinforced by adding rebar or wire to the concrete while it is being shoveled into the frame.

If the marker is going to be installed in a cemetery, be sure to follow the cemetery policies and local ordinances for memorial marker installation. Many cemeteries require memorial markers to be installed in a concrete foundation built to set specifications, and may have further rules regarding the size and shape of memorial markers.

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