What is an address stone

An address stone is a real piece of stone that has your house number and often a street name, family name, or short phrase engraved into it. Every Crafted Stones address sign begins as natural stone. It is chiseled to shape by hand and then engraved directly into the face of the rock.

• Instantly improves curb appeal from the street
• Makes your address easier to see for guests and deliveries
• Works for homes, cabins, short term rentals, and long driveways
• Popular as housewarming, anniversary, and moving gifts

Many low cost address signs use thin metal, printed plastic, cement trying to look like a real stone, or painted wood. These materials look fine for a short time and then begin to fade or warp. A real stone address sign becomes part of the property and stays readable for years.

To see style ideas and real examples, visit the Address Signs page.

Why choose Crafted Stones address signs

Crafted Stones address signs are real stone pieces, chiseled to shape by hand and engraved in our shop just outside Sedona, Arizona. They are designed for harsh outdoor conditions including intense sun, wind, rain, and freeze and thaw seasons.

• Real stone, not molded or cast imitation
• Each stone is chiseled and shaped by hand so no two pieces are identical
• Deep engraving for long term visibility from the street
• Outdoor grade sealers to handle sun, rain, and cold weather
• Natural stone texture that blends with landscaping and architecture
• Aluminum base plate included for easy mounting on most flat surfaces
• Only a standard screwdriver is needed for installation
• Handcrafted in a small shop just outside Sedona, Arizona

Cheaper address signs can look nice in a product photo. Real stone is different. It has weight, texture, and a permanent feel that makes the front of your home look finished even when nothing else has changed.

You can see current address designs in the Address Signs collection.

Installation guide

Every address stone includes an aluminum base plate and two screws. The bottom of your stone has two threaded inserts. The screws pass up through the base plate into these inserts. This keeps the stone stable and level without any complicated hardware.

Tools you will need

• Standard screwdriver
• Optional small level if you want a perfectly level install
• Optional small shovel or hand trowel if you are setting the plate on bare soil

How the mounting system works

The base plate acts as a hidden foundation. It spreads the weight of the stone and keeps it from tipping. The screws connect the plate to the stone from underneath, so there are no visible brackets or bolts on the front or sides.

There is no drilling into the stone and no special tools required. Once the screws are tightened into the inserts the stone and plate function as a single solid unit.

Step by step installation

1. Choose your location
   Pick a flat, visible area near your driveway, front walk, porch steps, mailbox, or entry gate. Step back toward the street and make sure the spot is easy to see from a normal driving distance.
2. Prepare the surface
   For soil or landscape rock, smooth the area where the plate will rest. For concrete, pavers, or a porch, wipe the surface clean so the plate sits flat.
3. Place the base plate
   Set the aluminum base plate on your prepared surface. Use a small level if you want the plate perfectly level. Small adjustments now will keep the stone straight.
4. Align the stone
   Turn the stone so the front faces the street. Lower it over the base plate and line up the inserts in the bottom of the stone with the holes in the plate.
5. Install the screws
   Insert the two screws up through the base plate into the threaded inserts in the stone. Tighten them with a standard screwdriver until the stone feels snug and secure.
6. Final adjustments
   Step back to the street and confirm the stone is straight, readable, and placed where you want it. Make any small angle adjustments before fully tightening the screws.

Once installed, your address stone is ready for normal weather and everyday use. If you ever want to move it, simply loosen the screws, pick up the stone and plate, and relocate them together.

Best placement for visibility

A beautiful address stone still needs the right location to do its job. The goal is simple. Drivers should be able to read your address before they pass your driveway.

• Homes close to the street
  Place the stone near the front walk, porch steps, or a short entry path.
• Homes set back from the road
  Place the stone near the driveway entrance, mailbox, or a small entry pillar.
• Curved or hilly streets
  Place the stone where approaching drivers first get a clear line of sight, not hidden behind plants or fences.
• Evening visibility
  If possible, place the stone where existing landscape or porch lighting naturally hits the face. A small solar spotlight can help for darker driveways.

For more detail on sizing and visibility you can also read How to Choose House Numbers That Are Easy to See From the Street .

Choosing the right size and color

Number size guidelines

A simple way to think about number size is this. For about every ten feet between the viewer and the stone, plan for about one inch of number height.

• Up to thirty feet from the road, three to four inch numbers work well
• Forty to seventy feet from the road, four to five inch numbers are better
• Seventy feet or more, consider five inch numbers or larger

Stone color and contrast

Contrast matters more than the exact color. You want the numbers to stand out at a quick glance.

• Light stone with darker engraved numbers is easy to read in most light
• Warm sandstone tones blend well with many homes while still keeping strong contrast
• Neutral tones work with brick, stucco, wood, and rock landscaping

If you are unsure, choose the option that feels natural with your driveway, walkway, and front landscaping. The stone should look like it belongs there, not like a separate decoration.

Customization options

Each address stone is engraved to order. You can keep it simple with only house numbers or add a street name, family name, or small phrase depending on the design.

Common choices

• House number only for maximum visibility from the street
• House number with street name for long drives or corner lots
• House number with a deer, golf, or nature design that matches the property
• Family name or ranch name stones for entries and gates

Some stones have more space for text than others. Product pages show the recommended layout for each design. If you want something very specific, the Create Your Own Engraved Stone option may be a better fit.

Production and shipping

Since each address stone is made from real stone and engraved to order, there is a short production window before shipping.

• Every stone is selected, chiseled to shape, and engraved after you place your order
• Artwork and text are checked for spacing and readability
• The stone is sealed and allowed to cure before packaging
• Stones are packed with padding to withstand normal shipping conditions

Estimated production and shipping time is listed on each product page. During the holidays or peak seasons this time can extend slightly. If you have a firm deadline, contact us before ordering and we will let you know what is realistic.

Care and maintenance

Real stone requires very little care. Most homeowners simply leave the stone alone and let it live outdoors along with their landscaping.

Basic care

• Rinse with a garden hose if dust or pollen builds up
• For stubborn dirt, use a soft brush with mild soap and water
• Avoid pressure washers at very close range on the engraved area

Sealer and long term protection

Your stone arrives already sealed for normal outdoor use. In most climates you will not need to re seal it for many years. If you live in a very harsh environment and want to re seal later, you can use a high quality exterior stone sealer and follow the instructions on the label.

Warranty and guarantee

Your address stone is made to be a long term part of your home, not a seasonal decoration.

• Engraving is permanent under normal use and weather conditions
• Stones are inspected before shipping for cracks, major defects, and engraving errors
• If your stone arrives damaged from shipping, contact us right away with photos so we can make it right

Exact warranty terms can change over time. For current details, see our main Frequently Asked Questions page or contact us directly.

Frequently asked questions

Is this real stone or a molded imitation

Crafted Stones address signs are made from real stone. We start with stone, chisel it to shape by hand, and engrave directly into the surface. There is no plastic, resin, or foam core inside.

Can the stone handle snow and freezing temperatures

Yes. Your stone is designed for normal outdoor freeze and thaw cycles as well as summer heat. It is sealed before shipping and built to live outside year round.

How heavy is the stone

Each stone is real rock, so it has solid weight but is still manageable for most adults to lift and position. Exact weight depends on the design and size. If you have concerns about lifting, two people can move the stone together.

Can I move the stone later

Yes. The stone is attached to its base plate with two screws. You can loosen the screws, relocate the stone and plate, and tighten them again in the new spot.

Can I add more text than the example shows

In most cases we recommend staying close to the layouts shown on the product page. This keeps your numbers large and readable from the street. If you want additional text, reach out before ordering and we can let you know what will still be clear and balanced.

Need more help

If you have questions about sizing, placement, customization, or anything else that is not covered here, we are happy to help.

• For general questions, visit the FAQ page
• To send a message with a photo of your porch or yard, use our Contact page
• To browse address ideas, start with the Address Signs guide
• To order now, visit the Address Signs collection

We can help you choose the right stone, size, and layout so your address is easy to see and your entry looks finished for years.

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