A custom memorial plaque from us is a cast bronze plaque made to your own layout: the names, dates, words and artwork you choose, raised in solid metal. You design a bronze plaque online, see the price in Canadian dollars as you work, approve a free proof before anything is cast, and we ship the finished plaque across Canada.
How a cast bronze plaque is made
Every custom memorial plaque goes through the same stages.
- The pattern. Your approved proof becomes a pattern, a full size relief of the plaque with every letter, border and motif standing proud of the background.
- Sand casting. The pattern is pressed into packed foundry sand to leave a mould, and molten bronze is poured in.
- Machining the raised letters. The faces of the letters and borders are machined and polished so they catch the light and read cleanly against the background.
- Patina or painted background. The recessed background is darkened with a patina or painted in the colour you picked, which gives the bright lettering its contrast.
- Clear lacquer. A clear lacquer is applied over the whole face to protect the finish.
Our bronze is an 85 percent copper alloy. It does not rust, and outdoors it slowly weathers to a soft patina. In Canada, road and sidewalk salt is the main thing that hurries that change, since chloride reacts with bronze when water and air are also present. A spring rinse with clean water helps. Our guide on how bronze plaques are made goes into more detail.
Choosing the size and the wording
For a grave, start with the cemetery. Most Canadian cemeteries set a size envelope for markers in each section, so ask the office for its written specification before you design. For a wall or bench, measure the space.
These are design tool prices, October 2026, in Canadian dollars with delivery included:
- 6 x 4 in (152 x 102 mm): $478.72
- 8 x 6 in (203 x 152 mm): $674.98
- 10 x 8 in (254 x 203 mm): $889.05
- 12 x 8 in (305 x 203 mm): $996.08
- 16 x 12 in (406 x 305 mm): $1,580.02
- 18 x 12 in (457 x 305 mm): $1,759.60
- 20 x 10 in (508 x 254 mm): $1,759.60
- 22 x 12 in (559 x 305 mm): $2,118.74
- 22 1/16 x 15 3/4 in (560 x 400 mm): $2,456.76
On wording, fewer lines read better. A name, the dates and one short line usually suit a 12 x 8 in plaque; a verse or a list of donors needs more room. Our page on what a bronze memorial plaque should say has examples.
Plaques we cast to order
The same method serves very different jobs.
Architectural plaques record a building’s name, architect or opening year in a lobby or by the main door.
Address plaques put a house number or street name in metal that shrugs off snow and freeze and thaw.
Beautification and art plaques add relief artwork to a park, a public building or a private garden.
Fraternity and sorority plaques carry a chapter’s crest and founding year.
Commemorative plaques remember a person on a bench, a wall or a family monument.
Official and military plaques mark service and achievement. Official insignia may need the owner’s permission first.
Garden plaques dedicate a tree, a bed or a bench, and suit columbaria too.
Dedication plaques thank a volunteer, a donor or a long serving employee.
Custom logo plaques reproduce a business or club logo in relief.
Pet memorial plaques often let a relief image of the animal say more than words.
Inspirational plaques keep a family motto or favourite saying in sight.- Photo plaques add your own picture in ceramic or vitreous enamel.
Signage plaques name a trail, a room or a site.
Picture plaques carry a detailed image that is hard to vandalize.
Mounting your plaque
- Flush on granite. In lawn cemeteries the plaque is usually fixed to a granite base set level with the grass. Ask the cemetery who sets it and what it charges, since that fee is set and collected by the cemetery and can change.
- Wall mounted with studs. Threaded studs on the back go into drilled holes in brick, stone or concrete, so no fixings show on the face.
- On a post or a rock. In gardens and parks a plaque can sit on a post or be fixed to a boulder.
Our installation guide walks through each method.
Ordering a custom memorial plaque online
Pick the size, type the wording, add motifs or a photo, and watch the price in Canadian dollars as you go. We prepare a free proof for you to check and share with the cemetery or building manager. We confirm the delivery date with the proof and ship across Canada. Most cemeteries set markers from spring to late autumn.
Questions about custom memorial plaques
Can I change the design after I see the proof?
Yes. Ask for changes and we send a revised proof. Nothing is cast until you approve it.
Does the price include shipping?
Yes. The design tool prices include delivery across Canada. Cemetery setting fees and bases are separate.
Will the plaque survive a Canadian winter?
Yes. Cast bronze does not rust or crack in frost.
When you are ready, design your custom memorial plaque online and we will send your free proof.
