How to Buy a Headstone: A Comprehensive Guide

Your Guide to buying the best headstones

Overview

Creating a memorial for a loved one or friend is an important decision, and selecting a headstone is part of that process. This buying guide will provide step-by-step instructions for selecting the right headstone for the occasion. It will cover topics such as understanding what type of stone is best for the environment, determining the shape and size of the stone, and selecting a design or inscription that honors and remembers the person. Additionally, it will provide advice on purchasing the stone and installation, as well as information on the regulations and restrictions surrounding headstones. This guide is designed to help make the process of choosing a headstone a little less daunting.

Key features

  1. Size: Consider the size of headstone that best fits the needs of the deceased. Headstones come in a variety of sizes, from small markers to large monuments.
  2. Material: Decide on the material for the headstone; headstones can be made from granite, marble, or other stone, wood, bronze, and other metals.
  3. Design: Choose the design of the headstone; customize the headstone to reflect the personality, character, or life of the deceased. Headstones can have symbols, sculptures, or artwork.
  4. Engraving: Select the engravings to be displayed on the headstone. Usually, this includes the deceased's name, dates of birth and death, and a brief epitaph.
  5. Durability: Consider the durability of the headstone material in extreme weather conditions. Different materials may be more or less durable in different climates.
  6. Cost: Evaluate the cost of the headstone. Prices may vary widely, depending on size, material, engraving, and other design elements.
  7. Location: Research the cemetery where the headstone will be placed, and any regulations or requirements they may have.

See the most popular headstones on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Longlasting: Headstones are made of durable materials like granite, marble, or other stone, so they are designed to last for many years.
  • Customizable: Headstones provide a variety of styles and materials that can be tailored to a person’s preference.
  • Symbolic: Headstones are a meaningful way to honor a loved one or celebrate a life.
  • Permanent: Headstones provide a visible physical reminder of a loved one’s presence and serve as a solemn resting place.

Cons

  • Cost: Headstones are generally quite expensive and range in price depending on the size, material, and design.
  • Installation: Headstones must be installed in a cemetery, which can be an additional expense and require additional permits and paperwork.
  • Design: Headstones usually come in a limited range of designs, so personalization may be difficult or impossible.
  • Durability: Depending on the material used, headstones may not last very long and may need to eventually be replaced.
  • Maintenance: Headstones must be periodically maintained in order to keep them in good condition and free of debris.

Best alternatives

  1. Cremation Urns - These are vessels typically made of metal, glass, ceramic, or wood that are used to store the ashes of a deceased person.
  2. Memorial Plaques - Plaques are flat pieces of metal, wood, or stone that can be engraved with a name and message.
  3. Memorial Benches - These are benches made of metal, wood, or stone that can be inscribed with a name and message.
  4. Memorial Trees - These are trees that can be planted in memory of a deceased person and may include a plaque or other type of marker.
  5. Memorial Jewellery - This is jewellery, such as a necklace or a bracelet with a person’s name or message engraved on it.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Granite headstone - A headstone made of natural granite.
  • Cremation Urn - A container designed to hold the cremated remains of a deceased individual.
  • Engraved Plaque - A plaque that can be engraved with a special message or image.
  • Gravestones - A stone monument that is placed over a grave in memory of a deceased individual.
  • Vases - A decorative container for holding flowers or other decorative items.
  • Memorial Candles - A special candle that is lit as a reminder of a deceased individual.
  • Statues - A three-dimensional figure of a person, animal, or other object.
  • Flags - A fabric banner usually bearing a design, symbol, or message.

Common questions

  1. What are the different types of headstones available? There are a variety of different types of headstones available, including flat markers, beveled markers, slants, and upright monuments. Each type of headstone has different features and styles, so it is important to consider which type is most suitable for the specific memorial needs.
  2. What factors should be considered when selecting a headstone? When selecting a headstone, it is important to consider the size, shape, material, design, inscription, and any special features. Additionally, the budget for the headstone should be taken into account, as prices can vary significantly depending on the type, size, and material of the headstone.
  3. How long does it take for a headstone to be made and installed? The amount of time it takes for a headstone to be made and installed can vary depending on the type, size, and material of the headstone, as well as the cemetery’s regulations. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six to eight weeks for the entire process to be completed.
  4. Are there any special regulations to consider when selecting a headstone? Yes, some cemeteries may have regulations related to the size, shape, material, and/or inscription of the headstone. It is important to research the regulations in advance to ensure that the selection meets all requirements.

Trivia

An interesting fact about headstones is that due to the shape, some can actually act like a musical instrument. A gravestone was discovered in West Wales in 2005 that when tapped would produce a D note, and when tapped with greater force would produce a higher note. A team of scientists from Bristol University discovered that this was due to the shape and structure of the headstone, which acted like a sounding box. This discovery was so fascinating that it was featured on a BBC news article in 2005. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.