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When choosing a tombstone you must first decide what text and images to use. Each letter counts and can significantly affect the outcome of the design.
The upright headstone is the most traditional design. They are usually made from granite or marble and are fixed to the ground with a concrete base.
Kerbed Tombstones (ledger markers) are full length tombstones that lie flat at ground level. They are a minimum of 50mm thick and provide more room for personalized expression.
Granite is without a doubt the most adaptable material. It’s available in a variety of colours and finishes and is the most durable stone of all. Due to its wide availability it’s also the cheapest. Many cemeteries will only permit granite tombstones as they prefer to retain the traditional aesthetic properties of the premises.
White marble is a bright material that contains unique blue and grey textures that look like veins. It’s always given a finely rubbed finish to make it look and feel smooth.
Choosing the finish is just as important as choosing the material and will have a significant impact on the durability and appearance of the headstone.
Polished tombstones are smooth and shiny. Regardless of the material polished tombstones will require regular cleaning and maintenance.
Part-polished tombstones are only polished or honed on the inscription and base area. Everywhere else is either sawn, sanded, blasted or rubbed. This effect is used to emphasize the inscription and images.
Bases can be finished differently to the headstone itself. People often choose to use a polished base for the names, dates and inscription in order to keep the design simpler.
Only after you’ve finalised your inscription and chosen what images to use should you select your tombstone design. We have a selection of shapes and sizes, all tombstones can be personalized to suit your needs.
There are various ways to include images on headstones. Nowadays stone manufacturers are able to etch designs using laser technology; however, some will still provide traditional hand-carved services as well. Images can also be attached using ceramics. This is recommended if you’d like a full colour photograph. Like the inscription the image should represent the deceased’s beliefs, lifestyle and personality. For example, if they were religious, then some kind of symbolism may be appropriate, such as a cross.
The font of the inscription will impact the entire design. We have a selection of fonts to choose from for your design of the tombstone. Before you decide what lettering you want, speak to your stone manufacturer and ask them if they have any recommendations. Some fonts require a deeper cut than others and may not be clear when inscribed into certain materials.
Every cemetery will have its own dimension requirements. If in doubt consult the local council. Your stone manufacturer will help you adapt your design if it doesn’t meet the specifications.
Children’s headstones usually feature playful imagery such as footballs, teddy bears and musical notes. They are usually available in upright, flat and kerbed form and can be made from the same materials.
These phrases are often used on headstones either alone or alongside other, more personal messages:
• Gone, but not forgotten.
• In loving memory of…
• Forever in our hearts.
• Always in our hearts.
• Entered into rest.
• Rest in peace.
Writing poetry is a creative and highly respectable way to express your feelings and memorialize a loved one. Examples include:
• “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal.”
• “Our Happiness Together Are Memories Forever”
• ”Heaven is a special place, where the Almighty Creator will bless you with even greater love and grace.”
Some cemeteries will require a bible passage. If so, research potential verses and analyse their meanings to ensure they’re relevant to the deceased. Common passages include:
• Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.
23rd Psalm
• He shall receive in the world to come eternal life.
Mark 10:30
• Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Matthew 5:8
• Thy remembrance shall endure into all generations.
102nd Psalm
• God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
1 John iv:16
There are various legal regulations surrounding cemetery burials. In addition, each council may have their own rules and requirements that must be met before the funeral takes place.
Tombstones will naturally lose their colour and deteriorate overtime due to weathering; however, there are various preservation and cleaning techniques that can significantly increase their lifespan.
Marble is firmer than limestone and sandstone, but not as durable as granite. Although it can withstand more vigorous cleaning, it’s still best to avoid pressure washers. To clean a marble tombstone combine a cup of ammonium hydroxide with a bucket of distilled water and apply it to the surface with a natural bristled brush. When you have removed the mould and mildew, rinse the entire stone with distilled water to remove the excess cleaning solution.
Granite is the hardest tombstone material of all and can withstand vigorous cleaning. One of the biggest problems, however, is that it often builds up large amounts of calcium deposits, which can significantly decrease the lifespan and cause the stone to lose colour. To clean granite tombstones mix together a cup of non-ionic soap and a bucket of distilled water. Scrub the surface with a non-metallic brush or scouring pad, and then rinse off the cleaning solution. Feel free to use a pressure washer; however, beware of painted lettering as they will strip away the surface.
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