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Art Of Personalized Engravings On Headstones

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A Dive Into The Art Of Personalized Engravings On Headstones

In the realm of memorializing our loved ones, personalized engravings on headstones stand as timeless testaments to the lives they once lived. The art of carving sentiments, memories, and unique identifiers onto these stone canvases goes beyond mere inscription – it is a profound expression of love, remembrance, and the indelible mark each individual leaves on the world. Personalized engravings on headstones, let us embark on a journey to explore the nuances, significance, and the undeniable beauty that this art form brings to the grieving process.

The Power of Personalization:

One cannot underestimate the emotional impact of personalized engravings on headstones. Unlike generic inscriptions, personalized messages, quotes, or symbols tell a story that is deeply intimate and reflective of the individual’s personality, passions, and accomplishments. By opting for a personalized engraving, you transform a headstone from a mere marker into a heartfelt tribute that encapsulates the essence of a person’s life.

Each Word, Each Phrase: Crafting a Legacy in Stone

Choosing the right words for an engraving is an art in itself. It is important to help with guiding individuals through this delicate process. From selecting a meaningful quote to crafting a custom message that resonates with the departed’s life, every word etched in stone becomes a lasting legacy. I advocate for embracing the unique qualities of the individual, ensuring that the engraving captures the true spirit of their journey.

Beyond Words: Symbolic Engravings

In the realm of personalized bronze headstone engravings, symbols hold a special place. These timeless emblems can represent a myriad of things – from religious affiliations to hobbies, and even personal achievements. It is important for loved ones to explore symbols that resonate with the departed and the message they wish to convey. Whether it’s a musical note for a music lover or a palette for an artist, these symbols add an extra layer of significance to the memorial.

Materials Matter: Selecting the Perfect Stone

The choice of stone plays a pivotal role in the longevity and aesthetics of the headstone engraving. Different stones offer varying degrees of durability, color options, and textures. As an authority on personalized engravings, it’s best to make informed choices based on individual preferences and the intended symbolism. Granite, marble, and limestone are popular choices, each with its unique characteristics that can enhance the overall impact of the engraving.

The Artistry of Craftsmanship:

Behind every personalized engraving is a skilled artisan whose craftsmanship breathes life into stone. These skilled professionals meticulously carve, shape, and bring forth the beauty of the chosen inscription. Collaborating with talented craftsmen ensures that the vision for the engraving is not only realized but elevated to a level of artistry that transcends mere functionality.

Preserving Memories in a Changing World:

The digital age has opened up new possibilities for personalized headstone engravings. From incorporating QR codes that link to online memorials to embedding actual photographs onto the stone, technology has become a powerful ally in preserving memories. Embracing innovation, I guide individuals in seamlessly integrating modern elements into traditional memorials, ensuring that the essence of the departed lives on in both physical and digital realms.

Learn more about companion headstones or give Sgobba’s Monument Works a call!

A Dive into the Art of Personalized Engravings on Headstones

In the solemn process of commemorating our loved ones, personalized engravings on headstones emerge as profound works of art that transcend the boundaries of time. Encouraging individuals to view this art form not just as an inscription on stone but as a medium through which the unique stories and legacies of their dear ones are immortalized.

Choosing to personalize a headstone is a deeply personal decision, and in doing so, one engages in an age-old tradition that links the past, present, and future. In the art of personalized engravings, we find solace, beauty, and a timeless connection to the souls we hold dear. Let us continue to embrace this eternal art, celebrating the lives that once were and leaving behind a legacy etched in stone.

types of headstones

How Much Does A Headstone Cost?

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How Much Does a Headstone Cost?

If you’re looking to know how much a headstone costs, you’ve found the right article on the Sgobba’s Monument Works blog. The death of a loved one is a difficult issue to deal with. You must shoulder the burden of missing the dearly departed. But the overall cost of the funeral must be factored in. The headstone for the burial is the second-most expensive item to pay for with the funeral. This is not as expensive as the casket itself. The cost will be high depending on the type of headstone wanted. Knowing which headstone to choose beforehand will help with budgeting costs involved.

Figuring Out the Price Range for Headstones

The first step when looking to purchase a headstone will involve planning the burial plot. Contacting the cemetery is necessary for this. The staff will provide a list of the grave markers allowed for certain plots of land. This will include the sizes allowed, materials, and the requirements for installation. The headstones involved will be tombstones, grave markers, and gravestones. Most headstones are made of marble and granite, the prices for which will vary depending on their make. Grave markers are plaques that will lay on a stone base. They can be made to include decorative touches and epitaphs that will fit the deceased’s personality. They can also include religious designs, floral designs, or a photo portrait.

It will take about six months for the headstone to be completed, on average. But certain times of the year are busier for cemeteries. This will extend the wait times. Headstone sizes and certain ordered customizations can also lead to delays. In addition, many monument companies offer headstone cleaning, headstone repairs and restoration services which can cut down on production time quite a bit instead of starting from scratch.

The Price Range for the Headstone

The most basic headstone is called exactly that: A basic headstone. These are made for lawns, and are smaller. They’re made in standard rectangle shapes that sit in the ground. These durable granite headstones only include basic information about the deceased. The lettering made for them can be etched on or traced. These start at around $600, but that can increase to $700 depending on the area.

The prices increase for the more detailed designs. The more upright granite headstones start at around $1,000. The companion headstones, made for two people sharing a grave space, fittingly start at $2,000. 

The granite flat headstones are more affordable, starting at $200. But the companion versions here tend to start at more than twice the price. They begin at around $900, which increases with demands for more detailed designs.

Perhaps the family member will feel the deceased deserves something more elaborate. They feel a detailed and specially-customized headstone is the best option here. But this will cost them. Specially-shaped headstones will start at a remarkable $2,000, and go as high as $6,000. These headstones will stand out within a graveyard, but come at a fittingly high price.

Special bronze headstones demand an even higher price. This will again depend on how willing a family member is to customize it. These start at around $2,000, and go for as high as $6,000 depending on the demands.

The More Inexpensive Options

There are cheaper options for those on a budget. Among them are the granite memorial plaques. These start at a mere $50, and go up to only around $100.

The family may not have to pay for a headstone at all if the deceased was a member of the armed forces. The family can apply for a free headstone and marker with the government in this case. The deceased must be set for a burial in a national cemetery or state veteran cemetery. But this only goes for the armed forces members. The spouses and dependents of this family member are ineligible for this offer.

How Much Does a Headstone Cost?

Plenty of work goes into budgeting a burial for a loved one. Figuring out the kind of headstone the family wants is the first step. Then, paying for the headstone is required. The most basic headstone will go for $600, but more detailed variants cost more. There are a few inexpensive options, however. Headstones also tend to be free If the deceased was part of the armed forces. This answers the question of how much a headstone costs.

types of headstones

The Different Types Of Headstones & Monuments

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The Different Types Headstones and Monuments

If you’re looking to know the different types of headstones and monuments, you’ve found the right post. Headstones and monuments are important for the person who died and their family members. It makes for the perfect way to memorialize a person who meant so much to others. A wide variety of headstones and monuments are available. They can fit the needs of the family to remember their departed member. They can also represent the departed’s personality. They come in different shapes, sizes, and colors. Let’s walk through them.

PRO TIP: If you are located in North Jersey, you can also contact Sgobba’s Monument Works. They are a monument and headstone maker that has been in business for over 50 years providing quality monuments and tombstone restoration and repair services. They’d be happy to answer your questions about the different types of headstones available.

Upright Monuments and Headstones

Upright monuments and headstones are the most common style, in the present day and historically. They’re also the largest option. The moments clearly display the inscriptions. The person’s name will prominently be shown. Some gravestones will feature the family name in large letters. The birth and passing date will be included. Lastly, it will prominently include their potential military status. The lettering on the headstones and monuments will make them beautiful from a distance. Their prominent size will provide all information about the dearly departed in striking detail.

Skilled craftsmen will create these monuments and headstones in a variety of shapes and sizes. They’ll also make them more durable. Increasing their height will prevent damage during lawn mowing and cleaning duties in cemeteries. It will also prevent weathering damage. This will ensure that the headstone will last longer.

That said, these monuments are more costly than the others. You can also do family memorials and companion headstones. But be aware, these larger-sized monuments can also exceed cemetery restrictions. This all depends on the burial place.

Slant Headstones

Slant headstones are a variation of the upright monuments. These have a triangular shape instead of an upright face, particularly when viewed from the side. They also have a nosing around the bottom edge. This creates a flat base that the headstone will sit on. But they can also be placed on the foundation without the base. As these headstones are slanted, they must rest at an angle. A raised base or foundation will be necessary for it to remain situated. This depends on the cemetery the headstone is placed in.

Foot marker-Style Monuments

Foot marker-style monuments are the least expensive variants. These lay on the ground or can be placed atop a foundation, instead of laying at an angle. But they have several drawbacks. They are lower to the ground than the others, which leaves them susceptible to damage. They can be more easily hit while mowing and work is being done in the cemetery. They’re also more susceptible to weather damage. They also don’t offer as much customization as the other styles. But they’re easy for monument artists to repair whenever damaged.

Granite Benches

Granite benches represent a departure from the typical monument. They often don’t accompany the body of the deceased. They’re merely placed in courtyards or other areas outside the cemetery. It’s a unique way to memorialize the person who’s passed. Beautiful imagery of the person can be placed on them. These tend to be made for popular individuals, like musicians, actors, and some politicians. The individuals can be local or national to certain areas.

Columbarium and Mausoleums

The columbarium is a structure above the ground. This will house the deceased person’s remains after the cremation process. The urns inside will be stacked vertically. The columbarium will keep the ashes in a sacred place instead of a private home.

The mausoleum differs through how the deceased’s remains will be kept in a building above ground. Mausoleums placed in outdoor areas will display personal memorialization from loved ones on the front. Some also come with sections for cremated ashes.

Garden Statues

Garden statues are among the more unique variety of cemetery monuments. Placing this in an outdoor location will make for an elegant way to honor an individual. It will also make for an expensive one. A skilled craftsman will be required for its elegant creation. Personalized text can also be placed on the statue. 

Conclusion: The Different Types Headstones and Monuments

A nice variety of headstones and monuments are available to memorialize loved ones. The upright monuments and headstones are the most common. There are also slant headstones and inexpensive foot marker-style monuments. Granite benches and garden statues make for a unique way to remember the departed. The columbarium and mausoleum are great ways to honor those cremated. These are the different types of headstones and monuments.

Contact Sgobba’s Monument Works Or Visit Their Location Below!

Signs That A Grave Monument Needs Restoration

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Signs That a Grave Monument Needs Restoration

If you’re looking for signs that a grave monument needs restoration, you’re reading the right post. Fitting and beautiful headstones are necessary for memorializing departed loved ones. The headstones should be a tribute to their personalities. They’re ways to honor the memories left for their friends and family. Those headstones should be taken care of. They’re bound to wear down over time. The chances of their qualities diminishing increases depending on the make of the headstone. Nature and weather will also play a serious factor.

Here are the signs that a restoration is needed which should be spotted early.

The Grave Monument Is Dirty

The headstones on graves will become dirty over time when not treated. The chances of this happening are higher in locations with plenty of inclement weather. Winter snow storms can damage monuments over time. They can also be damaged during summers with plenty of rainy and windy weather, and thunderstorms. Other elements of nature like bird droppings and tree sap can dirty the monument. Those located under trees will need tombstone cleaning more often.

A good cleaning is necessary to make sure the headstone looks good. This should be done before it becomes illegible. Monument companies such as Sgobba’s Monument Works offer grave stone repair and monument cleaning and restoration. If you are in New Jersey and notice your loved one’s monument is dirty, give them a call.

The Grave Monument Is Broken

Grave monuments will be subjected to plenty of elements while outside. If they’re forced to weather too many without proper cleaning, they’ll crack and deteriorate. The wind, rain, snow, and intense heat will lead to cracking conditions over time. Weather changes won’t help with keeping the grave monument clean. Monuments will be more prone to cracking depending on their age.

There’s also a lower chance of the monument being cracked during cleaning processes. Unintended damage can occur during graveyard maintenance duties.

Fortunately, these can be made pristine again through a restoration process. Grave monuments with small or moderate cracks can be repaired. But if the damage is too extensive, a new monument will need to be created.

The Grave Monument is Crooked

There are locations where the ground will frequently freeze or thaw. This process will weaken the soil around the grave monument. If this happens too frequently, the monument will continue to shift thanks to instability. The monument will fall over in more severe instances.

A grave monument that’s slightly askew can be detected if the person is looking at it from a distance. It can also be determined if the person is walking near the monument, and notices a weak ground. This is where a grave monument restoration team should be called. They’ll complete their cleaning process before the monument becomes too crooked. 

The Grave Monument Is Sinking

There are times when the foundation around the grave monument itself is simply not good enough. Perhaps the foundation wasn’t poured properly, or wasn’t dug deep enough. It may not have been backfilled properly. It’s also possible these were done well, and vegetation simply got under the grave monument. These issues can lead to the monument sinking over time. If this happens, it can lead to the above issues of broken or crooked monuments.

This is where a restoration team is needed. The group can focus on strengthening or restrengthening the ground around the monument. 

The Grave Monument Is Not Granite

Granite is the strongest material to make a grave monument from, because they’re built to last. This doesn’t apply to every grave monument. Older models and monuments were made from marble, limestone, or other materials not durable enough.

There’s no need to replace the entire monument if the damage isn’t too great. Restoration teams will clean and restore these older variants so their history will be preserved.

Signs That a Grave Monument Needs Restoration

There are several signs showing when a grave monument will need restoration. The monument will get dirty over time. Other elements can lead to them breaking when not taken care of, or are subjected to accidents. They will also get crooked or sink thanks to the weather or poor foundations. The monument may also be made of non-granite materials that aren’t as durable. In all these cases, the monuments can be restored when the damage isn’t too great. Make sure to look for these signs that a grave monument needs restoration.

What Is Headstone Restoration

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What Is Headstone Restoration: Understanding Everything About Monument Repair & Restoration

In the vast landscapes of cemeteries, where time stands still and memories linger, headstones serve as silent storytellers, preserving the legacies of those who have departed. However, the passage of time, weathering, neglect, and environmental factors often take a toll on these monuments, eroding their beauty and significance. Headstone restoration emerges as an invaluable practice, breathing new life into these markers and honoring the lives they commemorate.

Unveiling the Significance of Headstones

Headstones symbolize more than mere physical markers; they are testaments to the lives once lived. Crafted with care and often bearing intricate designs and inscriptions, these monuments encapsulate the essence of a person—telling stories of their achievements, passions, and legacies. They serve as focal points for remembrance, offering solace to grieving families and future generations seeking to connect with their ancestry.

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Understanding Headstone Degradation

The materials used in crafting headstones that monument companies use—such as marble, granite, limestone, and slate—are remarkably durable. Yet, exposure to the elements, pollution, biological growth, and human actions can cause gradual deterioration. Cracks, discoloration, erosion, and the loss of engravings or sculptures are common issues that afflict these monuments, robbing them of their original splendor.

The Art and Science of Headstone Restoration

Headstone restoration is a meticulous blend of artistry, historical preservation, and scientific expertise. It involves a multifaceted approach that respects the original craftsmanship while employing modern techniques to rejuvenate these aging memorials.

Assessment and Documentation

Before commencing restoration, a thorough assessment of the headstone’s condition is crucial. This involves documenting existing damage, structural weaknesses, and the type of material used. Understanding the history and significance of the monument informs the restoration process, ensuring authenticity and respect for the memorial’s original intent.

Cleaning and Repair

Cleaning headstones involves delicate procedures to remove accumulated dirt, biological growth, and pollutants without causing further damage. Different materials necessitate distinct cleaning methods—gentle brushing, specialized cleansers, and non-invasive techniques ensure preservation.

Repairing structural damage and stabilizing the headstone is another crucial step. Professional conservators utilize compatible materials and adhesives to mend cracks, chips, or fractures, aiming to restore the monument’s integrity without altering its appearance.

Re-engraving and Conservation

Preserving or reinstating inscriptions and artwork is often a vital aspect of restoration. Skilled artisans employ traditional carving techniques or laser technology to re-engrave faded or lost inscriptions, resurrecting the stories etched in stone. Conservation measures, such as protective coatings, help shield the restored headstones from future deterioration, prolonging their lifespan.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

While headstone restoration aims to honor the deceased and conserve history, it comes with its own set of challenges and ethical considerations. Respecting the original intent and cultural significance of the monument is paramount. Striking a balance between restoration and preservation, without compromising historical authenticity, requires expertise and sensitivity.

Moreover, the potential alteration of aged patinas or weathered appearances during restoration raises debates about authenticity versus aesthetics. Each restoration decision must align with preserving the essence of the memorial while enhancing its longevity.

Embracing the Impact of Headstone Restoration

Beyond the physical restoration, the impact of this practice is profound. Revitalized headstones breathe life into cemeteries, rekindling interest in local histories and genealogies. Families find solace in seeing their ancestors’ legacies restored to their former glory, fostering connections between past and present generations.

The Future of Headstone Restoration

As technology advances and conservation methods evolve, the future of headstone restoration holds promise. Innovations in non-invasive cleaning techniques, 3D scanning for documentation, and sustainable conservation materials offer avenues to further refine this practice.

Conclusion

Headstone restoration isn’t merely about reviving weathered stone—it’s about preserving stories, honoring legacies, and fostering connections across time. It’s a delicate dance between preserving history and ensuring the longevity of these timeless memorials. In essence, it’s an act of reverence, enabling the echoes of the past to resonate vibrantly into the future. If you are interested in headstone restoration, headstone repairs and headstone cleaning, please contact Sgobba’s Monument Works. We are here to provide the best service and can explain exactly what is headstone restoration.

Importance Of Civic Memorials In Our Community

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The Importance of Civic Memorials in our Community

If you want to learn more about the importance of civic memorials in our community, we know you’ll love this article from the Sgobba’s Monument Works blog. Regardless of your geographical location or place of residence, there is likely to be historical significance of an event or person. After all, the exact land you walk on or structure over your head did not come to be without some kind of invention, conflict, or contribution of people or things of the past. Memorials are constructed as a way for people to connect with the past and remember the sacrifices, challenges, conflicts, resolutions, and growth of the nation, and communities within, over time.

What are civic memorials?

Civic memorials are structures dedicated to honoring public servants, war heroes, or significant events that occurred in the name of freedom and democracy. Memorials and monuments symbolize respect and remembrance with the goal of teaching future generations of the good, bad, and ugly of past experiences. The way in which people and events are remembered can change over time, but that is also an important aspect of a memorial itself.

Civic memorials can come in many physical forms such as but not limited to: 

  • Plaques 
  • Benches
  • Statues
  • Landscape gardens
  • Granite walls
  • Flags
  • Portraits
  • Landmarks
  • Artifacts

With each of these it gives individuals the opportunity to mourn or commemorate local, national, and cultural people, in addition to significant events.

Community Importance

The idea of community is to come together as a group of diverse people and create a shared experience. Civic memorials allow communities to embrace achievements, experiences, or hardships. There is so much to learn from each other and past events. Civic memorial dedications are just one way to learn, understand, and question how our communities formed, and why or how cultures within a community are the way they are.

It is important to note that not everyone within a community will agree with the dedication of a civic memorial, or even view one as a memorial at all. But, that is okay, and as a matter of fact adds great value when understanding the significance and story behind what transpired for something to become a civic memorial. As time passes, the importance and perspective of civic memorials can change.

PRO TIP: Read our recent blog post to learn differences between a headstone and a monument. We know it will be informative.

The Impact of Civic Memorials on a Community

Economic 

For some communities, civic memorials contribute to its economy. Depending on the location and significance, civic memorials can be a tourist attraction and destination. With that, increased visitors to an area can contribute in a positive way to surrounding businesses and organizations: hotels, restaurants, memorabilia shops, transportation services, guided tours, and nonprofits. 

Educational

Public schools thrive on integrating civic memorials into their curriculum, especially if that memorial is “in their backyard.” It is a way to enrich a topic about a person, place or even, and make what they’re learning in school relevant to them.

Political

Civic memorials no doubt  in some way, shape, or form the stigma of politics attached to them. Because of that community members may share different perspectives on its significance and importance. Regardless of your political affiliation, it is encouraged that you do your research to see all perspectives. Civic memorials are not created and dedicated on a whim.

Social and Cultural

Today, communities across the country are very diverse. Unique community cultures are made up by people of different race, age, gender, and religions living together. Civic memorials are a way for communities to recognize and embrace social and cultural differences.

Wrapping Up: The Importance of Civic Memorials

Regardless of geographic location, civic memorials are important to any community. It is a way for people to remember, respect, mourn, and commemorate people, events, and places of historical or civic importance. Memorializing how democracy and freedom are upheld is a critical aspect of our culture, and is integrated into our communities, making civic memorials important.

If you are located in New Jersey and want to learn more about custom civic memorials and plaques to commemorate an event, please contact Sgobba’s Monument Works. We are located in Paterson at address 1 River Terrace, Paterson, NJ 07502. Please contact us today to learn more about our services and some of what we offer. In addition to being one of Passaic County, NJ’s most respected headstone maker, we are extremely experienced in designing and erecting custom civic memorials too and we look forward to your next project.

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What Are The Differences Between A Headstone And A Monument

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What are Differences Between a Headstone and a Monument?

If you are reading this post, you may be wondering – what are the differences between a headstone and a monument. The differences between a headstone and a monument are important to learn when picking the right memorial stone. Planning a funeral is difficult enough. During this time, you want to make sure that everything happens as easily as possible. There are various reasons why people may pick one option over the other. Instead of having to worry about doing the research yourself, here is some information that will help you distinguish between the two and pick the right option for your needs.

What is a Headstone? 

A headstone is the most common type of memorial stone. It is a simple stone typically made of granite and placed upright at the head of a grave:

Here are some key characteristics that distinguish headstones:

  • They are designed to identify the deceased individual.
  • They come in single upright headstones and companion headstones.
  • They sit upright which allows for information to be read easily.
  • The information written includes name, date of birth and date of death.
  • They may also include an epitaph.
  • They can vary in size. Headstones can be small or very large.
  • For military headstones, there is usually a sign or symbol of their military outfit or division.

 What is a Monument? 

A monument is a larger form of a (usually granite) headstone. It is typically much bigger and is created in the form of a sculpture. There are many benefits to picking a monument and here are some key characteristics that distinguish monuments from headstones:

  • Monuments & civic memorials are designed to show people the story of a deceased individual or group of people’s lives.
  • They contain the same information as a headstone, but use images, designs and other wording to share the story of a person’s life.
  • You can shape the monument anyway that you want.
  • There can be cemetery restrictions on the height and width of the monument.

PRO TIP: If you are interested in speaking to one of New Jersey’s top monument makers, please reach out to Sgobba’s Monument Works. They are located in Passaic County and you can learn more about their story or call today.

 How do I know which one is right for me? 

How do I know what is the right option for me? Whether you need help deciding between a headstone or monument or just need ideas on what design you want, making the decision can be hard. Here are some tips on making the decision process easier:

  • Take a walk through local gravesites or cemeteries to get a better idea of the various styles of headstones and monuments.
  • Take pictures of the style that you prefer to show your monument builder.
  • Consult a close friend or loved one who you can exchange opinions and ideas with.
  • Make sure to set a budget before visiting a monument provider.
  • Consult the cemetery or memorial park to see what regulations they have for the type of headstones or monuments they allow.
  • Take the time to understand what the different memorial types are so that you know what you are getting with your request.

Summary: These are the key differences between a Headstone and a Monument

Picking the right way to memorialize you or a loved one can be a very challenging task. One of the important factors to consider when deciding is whether you want a headstone or a monument. A headstone is the most common type of memorial stone and is made of granite. A monument is a larger memorial stone. Both include written information about your loved one, but you have more space to work with in a monument.

What can I do to make the decision process easier? We know it is difficult to prepare memorial arrangements. Losing a loved one is hard enough, but there are ways that you can get inspiration. Although walking through a cemetery may sound scary to some of us, it is a good way to get ideas on what you truly want. You can see different memorial stones of all shapes and sizes. At the very least, you will get an idea of what you do not want. Whenever we need to make tough decisions, we usually consult with others. Planning memorial arrangements is no different. Talk to a friend and get feedback. After learning about the differences between headstones and monuments and getting advice from others, you should be able to make the right choice for you.

Choose Sgobba’s Monument Works For NJ Headstones & Grave Monuments

If you are located in New Jersey, reach out to Sgobba’s Monument Works. We are located in Passaic County at address 1 River Terrace, Paterson, NJ 07502. Please take a look at our business listing here or take a look at our location on the map below.

We look forward to assisting during this challenging time and hope you better understand the answer to your question: what are the differences between a headstone and a monument.