Every memorial tells a story. Over time, those stories can fade — not just in memory, but in the stone itself. Weathering, age and the simple passing of years can cause inscriptions to lose their sharpness or stones to dull and shift. For many Melbourne families, restoring or updating a loved one’s memorial is an act of care — a way to keep their memory clear and their resting place beautiful.
At Advanced Stone, we’ve been restoring, updating and crafting granite monuments across Victoria since 1983. Whether it’s cleaning, relettering, or adding new inscriptions, every restoration we undertake is guided by precision, respect and experience.
The art and importance of memorial renovation
Even the most durable granite or marble will eventually show signs of age. Over decades, weather and moss can soften carved lettering, cause colour changes, or shift foundations. Memorial renovations bring these tributes back to life — returning them to their original condition or even improving on the original craftsmanship.
Our stonemasons inspect each piece carefully, identifying any areas where stone has worn, lettering has faded, or joints have loosened. Restoration might include re-polishing the surface, re-gilding lettering, re-seating the base, or replacing worn lead inlays. Every detail is handled in-house by our skilled Melbourne team, ensuring consistency and long-lasting results.
Restoration isn’t just maintenance — it’s an act of remembrance. A renovated memorial keeps a family’s legacy visible and intact for future generations.
Adding additional inscriptions
One of the most common reasons families contact us is to add a new inscription to an existing headstone or monument. This may be after a second family member is laid to rest, or when families wish to include a new dedication, date, or personal message.
Our experienced letter cutters and carvers can match the original style perfectly, ensuring the new inscription blends seamlessly with the existing design. Whether the original lettering was hand carved, sandblasted, or gilded, we replicate it precisely in both style and finish.
Adding an inscription is also an opportunity to refresh the monument — cleaning the stone, restoring faded paint or gold leaf, or re-levelling the base. These careful updates ensure the entire memorial looks as though it was created as one piece, maintaining both its beauty and meaning.
Learn more about our inscriptions and lettering services.
Restoring granite full monuments
Granite monuments are built to endure, but they also require occasional care to remain strong and stable. Over years, ground movement or exposure can affect the base or joints, leading to misalignment or surface wear. Our stonemasons specialise in restoring full granite monuments — from single graves to large family memorials — with sensitivity and skill.
Restoration may include re-polishing worn areas, re-fixing loose panels, repairing foundations, or replacing cracked components with matching granite. Because Advanced Stone works with the same high-grade materials used in the original construction, every repair is nearly invisible.
Explore our monuments and memorials to see examples of restored granite work.
Combining renovation and new craftsmanship
Many families take the opportunity during renovation to add new features — a photo plaque, a carved symbol, or a new section for future inscriptions. By combining restoration and new craftsmanship, Advanced Stone helps families preserve history while making space for new generations.
Our team can integrate traditional and modern techniques seamlessly, whether it’s adding a laser-etched image or hand carving a traditional motif. Each update is made with deep respect for the original work, ensuring the final result feels unified and authentic.
The process: handled with care from start to finish
When families contact Advanced Stone about a renovation or new inscription, we start with an on-site assessment. Our team documents every detail — from the stone type and colour to the condition of the lettering and structure. We then provide a clear proposal outlining recommended work and timeframes, so families know exactly what to expect.
All renovation and engraving work is completed locally in our Melbourne workshop by experienced craftsmen. We use only premium materials and techniques that meet cemetery standards across Victoria. Our team also manages all permits and logistics with care and attention to detail.
When to consider a renovation
If you notice fading lettering, surface stains, or movement in the stone, it’s likely time for a renovation. Other families choose to update older memorials simply to align them with current family styles or preferences. In every case, restoration helps maintain the integrity of the memorial and shows continuing respect for those it honours.
Keeping memories clear for generations
Memorial renovation is more than just repair — it’s renewal. It’s a way to keep a loved one’s story vivid, their name visible, and their resting place treated with the dignity it deserves.
Advanced Stone’s Melbourne-based stonemasons bring together four decades of experience, traditional skill, and modern precision to restore, update and create memorials that last.
If your family’s monument, plaque or inscription needs care, contact us today. We’ll help you preserve what matters most.
FAQ
How often should a memorial be renovated?
It depends on the material and environment. Granite may need light cleaning or re-gilding every few decades, while softer stones like marble may require more frequent attention.
Can a new inscription be added to any existing headstone?
In most cases, yes. Our team will inspect the stone to confirm condition and space, then match the original style and technique.
Do you handle all work locally?
Yes. All restoration, carving and polishing are carried out in our Melbourne workshop by skilled stonemasons, ensuring consistent quality and care.