Headstones are used to commemorate a loved one who has died. However, choosing the right memorial materials is good, it’ll last long and save you money.
The word “headstone” is a generic term for any type of stone-made memorial for a cemetery plot. Many different cultures from all across the globe use some type of memorial headstone.
They usually use them to pay tribute to their dead loved ones with inscriptions, praise, or quotations from a religious text.
Whether it’s headstone, tombstone, or gravestone, there are several materials used for these types of stones nowadays. Keep reading to learn what some of the most commonly used are.
#1]. Granite
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Granite Memorials is one of the most popular materials used for headstones today. It has been a popular choice for many years because it is a strong material and available in several appealing colors.
By using granite, artisans have the ability to create intricate designs for the headstones. Also, this material is extremely durable as granite can withstand the test of time.
#2]. Bronze
This is a metal alloy that is another popular option for headstones. This material is popular because it doesn’t require much maintenance and they can be purchased in several options and designs. The most appealing part of bronze is that this material isn’t as expensive as other materials that are commonly used.
#3]. Marble
It’s a great material for carving very intricate designs, which means that headstones made from this material are offered in beautiful and elaborate designs. One of the main downsides to marble is that when they are exposed to the low levels of acid that are found in rainwater, the inscriptions may be rendered unreadable.
#4]. Sandstone
Sandstone is a material that can be cut into an array of sizes and shapes to create customized headstones. This material is available in elegant, but light colors, that range from grey to sandy. Sandstone is also extremely durable. However, when moisture gets in between the sandstone layers, the beauty will be lost.
#5]. Iron
This specific material is extremely durable, and it may last for several generations. These headstones are typically made by the local blacksmith or specialist foundries.
#6]. Slate
Because of this material pleasing and smooth texture, slate headstones were a popular option for a while. It was easy to carve and was often highlighted using white paint or even gilding. However, this material is somewhat porous, and it may crumble over time. As a result, it’s not a material that’s used very often today.
#7]. Fieldstone
The earliest types of headstones were made from fieldstones. Natural fieldstones that were used for headstone creation remained unmarked or they were decorated by using a metal awl. Usually, these headstones would include a symbol along with the deceased person’s age and name.
#8]. Wood
This was the most popular option during the Victorian and Georgian eras. It was crafted using intricate designs, but it lacked the durability factor and the material was soon replaced by an array of durable materials.
Because of the natural decomposition process, a wood headstone can’t survive for more than 50 to 100 years. As anyone can see, there are more than a few material options to choose from when having a headstone created.
Keep this in mind to ensure that the desired material is used, regardless of a person’s needs or when their loved one passed away. It’s also a good idea to work with a reputable company to ensure the desired results are achieved.
7 Comments
My dad is trying to choose the type of headstone that he wants because he wants to have a say in it, and he wants to make things easier for his kids once he is gone. Thanks for mentioning that one of the advantages of granite is that it allows for intricate designs to be carved into it. I think he would like to have a really nice design on his headstone, so I will have to tell him to look into granite so he can get it as personalized as he wants.
I’m glad that you mention how granite is a great option for intricately designed headstones that can last for a long time. When choosing a material, it would probably be a good idea to figure out what design you want to determine what would work best. You’d probably want to also research headstone companies to discuss your design in order to figure out which one can provide the look and message of your choice.
It’s good to know that a headstone made out of granite can be done in many colors and even have intricate designs put into it. The headstone would last years and it could be done in a way that resembles the personality of the deceased person. That way the generations that would come after that person can remember how they were when they were alive.
I had no idea that granite memorials allow you to add complex designs without compromising their durability and long lifespan. Ever since my uncle passed away last month, I have been trying to find a durable memorial that will be able to resist the frequent rainstorms in my area. Maybe I should consider getting a sturdy material when I choose a gravestone for him.
My grandpa passed away from cancer a few weeks ago, and all of us grandchildren are really going to miss his fun and exciting personality. There are about 30 of us grandkids, so we are thinking about pooling our money to get him a custom headstone. It is good to know that marble is great for carving unique and intricate designs, so I appreciate you sharing that!
I loved how you mentioned that it is a very strong material! My mom was telling me last night about how she wants to look into preplanning her funeral, and she wanted to know what material would be best to choose for a memorial. I’ll make sure to pass this information along to her so that she can know the benefits of a granite memorial.
Great for mentioning about the durability of granite. We offer a wide range of cemetery headstones to ensure that your loved one is remembered in whichever way represents them the best. All of our headstones are made of granite unless we are creating a bronze flat marker for a family.
– Nick G., Columbus Headstones