Business Details
27 Years
experience
Custom Engraved Rocks & Memorials in Bernard, IA
Big River Engraving has been crafting custom engraved stone products for over 25 years. Founded in 1999 by the Decker family, our business began with glacial rocks gathered from our home farm in Bernard, Iowa. Three generations of farming expertise provided the foundation for sourcing durable, high-quality boulders ideal for engraving. We specialize in creating personalized memorials, statement pieces, and functional art using precision techniques refined over decades. Our process combines digital design mockups with traditional stone-working skills to ensure every project meets exact specifications.Clients may select from our extensive on-site inventory or bring their own stones for customization. With a focus on Midwest-sourced materials and competitive pricing, we serve individuals, businesses, and institutions seeking lasting engraved solutions. Our team prioritizes clear communication throughout the design process, offering text-based updates and flexible consultation options. Delivering both small keepsakes and large-scale installations, we maintain rigorous quality standards while keeping costs accessible for all customers.
Services
Engraved Rocks
Memorial Stones
Custom Benches
Tumblers
Online Inventory
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of specialized stone engraving expertise
- Family-owned business with Midwest boulder sourcing
- Free digital mockups ensure perfect design visualization
- Customizable options from small keepsakes to large monuments
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Services
Engraved Rocks
Custom engraved rocks serve as lasting memorials, personalized gifts, or business markers. Our precision engraving process works on stones ranging from 20-pound keepsakes to 2,500-pound monuments. Clients receive digital mockups before finalization to ensure perfect design execution.
Memorial Stones
Durable memorial stones honor loved ones with permanent, weather-resistant engravings. Available in multiple sizes, our memorials include standard black stone paint and clear coat protection. Custom designs accommodate names, dates, and personalized messages for cemetery or private placement.
Online Inventory
Browse our extensive online rock inventory featuring boulders categorized by size and weight. From tiny keepsakes to massive statement pieces, our collection updates regularly with Midwest-sourced stones. Virtual mockups help visualize engraving options before purchase decisions.
Custom Benches
Engraved park benches combine functional seating with personalized tributes. Ideal for public spaces, gardens, or memorials, these custom benches feature durable stone construction with engraved dedications. Available in multiple sizes for residential or commercial installations.
Tumblers
Bulk tumbler engraving services create uniform promotional items or commemorative sets. We handle large batches efficiently while maintaining precise detail on these smaller stone pieces. Ideal for events, businesses, or organizations seeking branded merchandise with lasting value.
People
Matt Decker
Owner
Third-generation farmer Matt Decker founded Big River Engraving in 1999. His expertise in stone selection and engraving techniques ensures quality craftsmanship for every project. Matt personally oversees rock sourcing and installation processes.
Questions
How do I choose the right rock for engraving?
Browse our online inventory or schedule an appointment to view our physical collection. Consider size, shape, and surface texture for optimal engraving results.
What is your turnaround time?
Standard projects take 1-4 weeks depending on current workload and design complexity. Rush orders may be available for additional fees.
Can I bring my own rock?
Yes, but call first to confirm suitability. We'll help assess if your stone meets engraving requirements for durability and surface quality.
Do you deliver engraved stones?
Yes, we offer local delivery and coordinate shipping for smaller items. Large monument delivery requires specialized equipment planning.
What engraving options are available?
We handle names, dates, memorials, business logos, and custom designs. Our software provides mockups showing depth, font options, and paint color choices.