Stone carving commissions from a small workshop

Homeowners, garden designers, architects, builders, churches and families commissioning a memorial or keepsake.

A quoted price per commission, based on stone cost, design time and carving hours. Lettering is often priced per letter or per piece. Repeat work can come from designers and builders.

• Stone carving and lettering
• Drawing and design
• Patience and attention to detail
• Quoting and customer communication

• Silica dust is a serious health risk: check HSE guidance on extraction, water suppression and suitable masks, and budget for this equipment from the start
• Public liability insurance, and product liability if you sell finished pieces
• Check whether you need planning permission or landlord/council consent to run a workshop at home or in a unit
• Memorial work in churchyards and cemeteries often has rules on design and materials, so check with the church or local council
• Stone is heavy: plan safe lifting and avoid working alone with large pieces

Startup costs are typically around £5,000 to £15,000, depending on your tools, workspace, stone supply and safety equipment. Budget for dust extraction, water suppression and suitable masks from the start.

Monthly revenue is typically around £600 to £3,000, depending on the type and size of commissions, your pricing and how many hours you work. Quoting carefully for time and materials is important.

Check HSE guidance on silica dust, public liability insurance, and whether you need planning permission or landlord or council consent for a workshop. For memorial work, check design and material rules with the church or local council.