types of headstones

The Different Types Of Headstones & Monuments

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!