Every headstone should be considered a work of art. Designed at the behest of the bereaved and available in a wide array of configurations, the ultimate intention is to provide a heartfelt tribute to the recently departed.
Have you ever wondered how a headstone is made? Let us take a look at some of the main steps which are employed in order to provide customers with a fitting tribute.
What Materials Are Used?
The majority of headstones are comprised of materials such as granite, fieldstone, flagstone, and marble.
This is primarily due to the fact that they are relatively easy to cut and manipulate. It is also possible to add bespoke headstone inscriptions, so personal and memorable tributes can adorn their surfaces.
Cutting and Shaping the Stone
Assuming that the proper type of stone has been selected, the artisan will then shape it to the dimensions requested by the customer (or the cemetery).
While hand-carved stones are still possible, the majority are now addressed by the use of machinery which is able to provide extremely precise cuts.
Most headstones will then undergo a series of polishes so that the grain of the stone can shine through.
Once the polishing process has been completed, the stone may be sealed in order to protect its surface from the elements (some materials such as marble are more porous than others).
Design Options
We mentioned bespoke inscriptions earlier and it is important to mention that additional techniques may be employed.
Other possible means to create unique imagery and expressions include methods such as shape casting and sandblasting.
Some customers likewise prefer more ornate designs through the use of embedded images or bronze inlays.
Do you wish to further discuss your options with an industry professional? Please do not hesitate to contact Grave Maintenance Services.
Our ultimate goal is to address your personal requirements so that the memory of a loved one is truly "set in stone".