Headstones can be a great way to celebrate the life of a person who has passed on. But what should you consider when choosing a headstone? Let’s take a look.
The Finish
When it comes to headstones, there are several different finishes, each of which looks strikingly different.
Polished is a common finish. Polished headstones look smart and attractive, but they could stick out in a modern graveyard. Honed finishes remove the polish resulting in stone that looks smooth. Pitched gravestones have a rougher finish and tend to be chosen for older church graveyards.
The Inscription
The purpose of a headstone is to provide information about the life of a person who has passed away. Besides including basic information about their age and the dates of their birth and death, many people like to add a personal message. The message could be a religious passage, a poem or even a phrase that the person used. Before choosing an inscription, you may want to discuss options with other bereaved people.
The Material
There are many different materials you can use for a headstone. These include:
Limestone
Bronze
Granite
Marble
Limestone, for instance, is a popular stone. However, it can become weathered over time.
Granite is long-lasting, and bronze is a durable option, though expensive.
The Design
Headstones come in many different shapes and sizes. There are upright headstones traditionally seen in church graveyards, flat headstones which sit flush to the ground, and kerbed headstones, a kind of hybrid between the two.