About Woodruff's Downriver Stone Design
Granite, Marble, and Quartz Experts
The experts at Woodruff's Downriver Stone Design promise to deliver experience, trust, and value. Our company remains family-owned and operated for five generations in the Metro Detroit area. Stonecutter artisan Tom Woodruff apprenticed with his father and grandfather and has passed on that knowledge to his son and grandsons.
We design memorial pieces such as headstones, plaques, grave markers, and civic monuments. Our expert stone craftsmen have the know-how to transform your vision into reality. You’ll find something for every style, preference, and budget, so give us a call today or visit us in Wyandotte, MI.
Our History
Woodruff's Downriver Stone Design is an experienced, honest, and affordable family-owned business. Tom Woodruff and his son Tom Jr. were both born into the business, literally. The family legacy starts long before Tom’s maternal grandfather, John Raubar, a master stonecutter, moved his way from Austria through Cleveland and then Pennsylvania. On a job offer, he boarded a train to California but detoured himself to explore the booming automotive industry in Detroit. Here, John decided to take employment and in 1913, he then opened a monument business of his own.
Later, Tom Sr. grew up learning the skills of his grandfather and father and eventually became owner of the family business in 1964. It was the same for Tom Jr. as he grew up commuting to jobs with his father and learning the family trade at a young age. Beyond firsthand knowledge, Tom and Tom Jr. both took many classes perfecting their skills and knowledge of different stones while perfecting advanced techniques and keeping up with innovative technology. From hand chisel to air hammers and diamond carving blades, they’ve experienced it all. Eventually, Tom Jr. followed in the family footsteps and became co-owner of the business. Together the father and son team are experienced in giving you the best quality and most personalized artwork you can find.
Throughout his career, Tom Sr. has visited many countries to study monumental art and its history. He has won design awards and now teaches courses in the subject. You won’t find a better experience when it comes to stone design. “Our family serving your family since 1913," says it profoundly. The Woodruff family has been personally serving the metro Detroit and surrounding area through five generations for over 100 years! They renamed the company Woodruff's Downriver Stone Design in 2003.
Masters at creating headstones and memorials, bypassing the middleman allows them to offer fair prices with the highest quality hand workmanship. Beating competitors by 30% or more, creating unique designs, and having a passion for what they do are convincing reasons to purchase from Woodruff's Downriver Stone Design. They only use quality materials and their work is superior due to their strong history and educational background. They are familiar with many cemeteries and the marker regulations which most people don’t realize when choosing your design and placement.
With Woodruff's Downriver Stone Design, your loved one will be honored with a design that incorporates personal recognition, family crest, military tribute, photo markers, or a beautiful glass insert (a new item offered). They stay current and updated on new technology while listening to your concerns and providing you with the finest quality pieces. They guide you through your plan with hand-sketched designs and computer production so you can preview your design. This process brings far greater appreciation and confidence in your purchase than ordering a manufactured catalog design. Tom also says it’s not unusual for people to pre-order their stones, taking stress and guesswork away at a time of grief.
If you are looking for something different, Woodruff's Downriver Stone Design also makes hand-crafted birdbaths and benches among other stone items you may desire. Tom Jr. can craft many beautiful sculptures out of stone for your garden or memorial. Stop by our outdoor area to see many hand-crafted projects.
Visit the showroom to see the array of color and style possibilities available and speak with the friendly and professional Woodruff family. You can view many examples of Downriver Stone Design memorial and stonework in Wyandotte at the Purple Heart Memorial, the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial, and the WWII Veteran’s monument or at their location.
Written by Leslie Trombley
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