How to Choose the Right Tombstone for You

Your Guide to buying the best Tombstones

Overview

A tombstone is an important memorial to honor and commemorate the life and death of a deceased loved one. When selecting a tombstone, there are many factors to consider in order to ensure that you are making the best choice for your loved one. This buying guide will provide an overview of the different types of tombstones available, as well as advice on how to select the best tombstone for your needs. It will explain the important considerations to keep in mind when making your selection and provide additional information on factors such as size, material, cost, and customization options. With the help of this guide, you will be able to make an informed decision when it comes to selecting the most fitting tombstone for your loved one.

Key features

  1. Type of Tombstone - Consider the type of tombstone that best meets the needs of the deceased and family. Tombstones come in a wide variety of materials such as granite, marble, and limestone, and can include flat markers, beveled markers, slants, sculptures, and benches.
  2. Location - Determine where the tombstone will be placed. Will it be in a cemetery, a mausoleum, or somewhere else? Consider the regulations of the location for size and material restrictions, installation fees, and other requirements.
  3. Size - Select a tombstone size appropriate to the location. Most cemeteries have size restrictions that need to be met.
  4. Shape - Consider the shape of the tombstone. Markers are typically rectangular or oval, while sculptures come in a wide range of shapes. There are also special shapes, such as crosses or hearts, that can be chosen.
  5. Design - Choose a design that meets the deceased’s and family’s needs. Common designs include lasers, etchings, reliefs, or sandblasting. Tombstones can also include portrait images or 3D carvings.
  6. Engraving - Decide on the engraving to be used for the tombstone. It could include the deceased’s name, birth and death dates, Bible verses, or other personal messages.
  7. Colors - Choose the colors for the tombstone. Many colors are available to choose from, typically done in either a single or two-tone format.
  8. Maintenance - Consider who will be responsible for the maintenance of the tombstone. Make sure to research the maintenance requirements specific to the type of material and design chosen.

See the most popular Tombstones on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Durability - Tombstones are highly durable, due to the types of materials used and their construction. This allows them to last for many years with minimal maintenance.
  • Design Options - Tombstones come in a wide variety of styles, colors, and sizes, so you can find the perfect one for your loved one's grave.
  • Style Flexibility - Tombstones come in both traditional and modern designs, giving you the flexibility to choose the right one for your loved one's memorial.
  • Customization - Many tombstones allow you to customize the design and inscription, giving you the opportunity to create a unique and special memorial for your loved one.
  • Affordability - Tombstones can be purchased at a variety of price points, so you can find one that fits your budget.

Cons

  • Cost: Tombstones can be quite expensive, depending on the type, material, size, and design involved.
  • Durability: Tombstones can be damaged or eroded over time due to exposure to the elements or other external forces.
  • Installation: Installing a tombstone can require special tools and professional expertise. It may also be subject to local regulations.
  • Maintenance: Tombstones require regular maintenance to ensure they remain in good condition over time.

Best alternatives

  1. Gravestones – A gravestone is a memorial that marks a grave with a stone or other material. It may also contain the name and dates of birth and death of the person buried in the grave.
  2. Memorial Benches – Memorial benches are a great way to remember a loved one in a public space. They are a solid, permanent way to honor the deceased with a beautiful tribute.
  3. Memorial Trees – Planting a memorial tree is a meaningful way to honor a life, and to create a living reminder of their memory. It can be a beautiful way to remember them.
  4. Memorial Plaques – Memorial plaques are a great way to commemorate a loved one in a public space. They can be placed on a wall, fence, bench, or other surface and serve as a permanent reminder of the deceased.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Tombstone - Grave marker or headstone
  • Granite - A hard natural stone typically used for monuments
  • Marble - A soft metamorphic rock typically used for monuments
  • Sandstone - A sedimentary rock, typically used for monuments
  • Lettering tools - Etching tools for inscribing text on a tombstone
  • Granite Sealer - A waterproof sealer to protect a tombstone from water damage
  • Monument Cleaner - A non-abrasive cleaner used to clean a tombstone
  • Tombstone Anchors - Anchoring devices used to secure a tombstone in place

Common questions

  1. What are the different types of Tombstones? Tombstones come in a variety of styles, from traditional upright markers to cremation memorials and columbariums. Different materials are also used, such as granite, marble, and bronze.
  2. What type of inscription should I choose for my Tombstone? Most people choose to inscribe the name of the deceased, along with dates of birth and death. A personal message, poem, or quote can also be included.
  3. How much does a Tombstone cost? The cost of a Tombstone depends on the size, material, and type of inscription. Generally, a basic grave marker can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
  4. How long does it take to have a Tombstone made? Most suppliers and contractors can typically have a Tombstone ready within 4-8 weeks.
  5. How do I install a Tombstone? Installing a tombstone is best done by a professional contractor, as it requires specialized tools and a strong back. They will make sure the marker is securely fastened in the ground.

Trivia

In the late 19th century, a popular fad for tombstones in the United States was the use of biblical quotes. One of the most widely used quotes was from the bible’s Book of Proverbs, which reads: “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.” This quote is often inscribed in large letters on the tombstones, and is meant to encourage jovial spirits even in the face of death. The phrase has become so popular that it can now be found on many different types of tombstones, from the simple to the ornate. It is believed that the phrase was chosen to serve as a reminder to mourners that death does not have to be a sad affair, but can also be thought of as a time to rejoice in the life of the person who has passed on. Source: The History of the “A Merry Heart Doeth Good Like a Medicine” Tombstone Quote

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.