We have made tombstones using a few different materials. We have tried cardboard, wood, and Styrofoam. Which one you will want to use will depend on the amount of time and money you want to spend, and also where you will be using them. The size you want your finished tombstone project to be and the age of the people making the tombstones might also be a consideration.
How to Make Cardboard Tombstones
The first year we had our haunted house, we used cardboard to make tombstones. While this was the simplest and cheapest method, they were only good for one season since we used them outside.
How to Make Wooden Tombstones
The next year, we switched to wood for our tombstones. These are a lot more durable, but you need someone who can use a saw to cut out your headstone shapes.
How to Make Styrofoam Tombstones
You can get thick Styrofoam (about 5 inches thick) from a hardware/home improvement store. One of the advantages of using Styrofoam over wood is the fact that it is much lighter and easier to store. It is also more realistic looking because of it's width and texture. This how-to video will also teach you how to make styrofoam tombstones.
Not Your Ordinary Homemade Tombstone
Theresa from Texas shares how she made some amazing tombstone using cardboard boxes!
How to Make Polystyrene Tombstones
Check out how a visitor named Pat Bosiger made some realistic looking tombstones using polystyrene.
Creative Epitaphs for your Tombstones
Here are some creative epitaphs you can use for your tombstones. I bet you can think of more.
- - Go to the Main Create Petrifying Props Page.
- - Go to the Main Haunted House Page.

