What do the Pyramids, the Pantheon, and the ancient temples of South India have in common? They were all built using granite! This stone is a true symbol of durability. These granite monuments have stood tall for centuries, facing sun, rain, and wind, all without losing their shape or shine.

Granite’s long-lasting nature is one big reason it’s still a favorite in construction and design today. But there’s more to granite than just strength! Curious to know why it’s such a popular choice for countertops, floors, decorative walls, and even headstones? Keep reading to find out!

Top Granite Headstone Styles

There are different types of styles available in granite headstones that fulfill both visual preferences and the cemetery’s rules.

Upright Headstones

Upright is the most conventional and most commonly used monument style in the present context. This type of monument has an upright die and a base. The vertical die, also known as a tablet, has a surface where the memorial’s words are inscribed. Included are the individual’s name, birth and death dates, family names, and additional details such as artwork, quotes, or poems.

Different top types are found on upright headstones. A serpentine or SERP top is the most widely used top. Rooftops, oval tops, flat tops, and rounded corner tops are other common top forms. A matching vase or vases are frequently used with upright headstones.

These headstones are offered as companion uprights as well as solitary uprights.

Bevel or Flat Headstones

Bevel markers are simply flat rectangular markers, about 4 inches thick, set horizontally on the ground, with a tiny elevation in the rear that gives them a slope. They are frequently selected as an inexpensive or minimalist headstone.

Slant Headstones

These monuments resemble upright headstones quite a bit. The die or tablet is only vertical in the rear, which is where they diverge. There is a tilt or slope in the front. There may or may not be a nosing on the slant. Full-face slants are slants that do not have a nosing. When there is a nosing, it is often a 2′ nosing. The nosing’s function is to help provide more surface area for etching more text. To add character to the headstone, nosing is occasionally offered in a polished finish or a contrasting rock pitch.

Slant headstones should not be positioned directly on the foundation, but rather on a base. Slants can have tops in a variety of forms, just like upright headstones.

Kerb Set Headstones

A plot is surrounded by this low-lying granite barrier. To create a customized monument, a kerb set can be paired with various headstone options, including a vase or a flat marker.

Bench Headstones

A bench headstone is a very special way to honor a loved one. They are available in many sizes and finishes. They are available in a variety of styles. Monument benches, arm benches, park benches, and pedestal benches are a few of the most common types of bench headstones.

Why are Granite Headstones a Preferred Option?

A headstone is a grave marker placed over a burial site in some religions and traditions. It typically includes the name, age, and a short message or epitaph for the person who has passed away. Families and loved ones choose the headstone thoughtfully as a way to honor and remember the departed.

Here are the top reasons why most people opt for granite headstones:

The tight structure of granite does not allow water to permeate through it:

This makes granite an almost everlasting stone. Thus, a granite headstone will protect the grave and preserve the memory of the deceased for years.

Granites are aesthetically pleasing

They come in a variety of shades such as blue, gray, green, and gold and they possess different grain variations. Due to its appearance and unique patterns, granite cannot surpass any other stone.

Granite can be polished to give it a glossy finish

The polishing also adds an additional layer of protection to the stone. A granite supplier can give options of unpolished or polished granite depending on whether the desired look is vintage or classic. Black granite headstones are a popular choice with people looking for a timeless look.

The unique composition of granite allows for intricate carving on its surface

 So, it becomes easy to etch text and design onto the stone. People can get the name and age carved on the headstone and an epitaph to remember the departed.

Granite can also be sculpted to get different shapes.

 Although the process is not easy, the stone can be polished to get a smooth look on the headstone.

Granite Headstone Finishes

Just like other granite products, granite headstones come in different finishes like polished, honed, leathered, etc. The selection of a particular finish largely depends on one’s personal preference and type of monument.

Just have a look at the most commonly done finishes on granite headstones.

Polished Finish

A polished finish results in a shiny and sleek appearance. This finish is done by fine abrasives to buff the stone until its surface resembles a mirror is how this finish is accomplished. A polished granite headstone is a classic and sophisticated option that will endure weather and time.

Honed Finish

The texture of the honed finish is smooth and matte. It is accomplished by first using coarse abrasives to grind the granite, then fine abrasives. This treatment reduces reflection and softens the granite’s appearance. Headstones made of honed granite are ideal for a more organic and natural appearance.

Rough Rock Finish

A rough rock finish is done by keeping the granite unpolished and unaltered. The granite’s inherent textures and patterns, such as its veins and crystal formations, are emphasized by this polish. Granite headstones made of rough rock are ideal for a natural or rustic aesthetic.

Rustic Finish

The granite appears aged and weathered thanks to a rustic polish. The granite surface is given roughness and mottling to obtain this finish. In a classic or rustic setting, headstones made of rustic granite are perfect for paying tribute to a loved one.

The Conclusion

The use of granite in preparing headstones and tombstones is nothing new as this natural stone has been used for longer years. Thanks to the stone’s durability and rich look it is a versatile choice for different types of headstones. Being a reputed granite monuments exporter, Universal Granimarmo allows you to choose from a wide range of headstones and tombstones made in both standard and custom sizes and finishes.