What Are the Different Headstone Types & Styles?

16 Sep What Are the Different Headstone Types & Styles?

Choosing a headstone is a significant part of honoring a loved one’s memory. That said, with so many different headstone types and styles, it can be hard to land on one. Here’s everything you need to know.

Flat Markers

Flat markers, often called grass markers, lie flush with the ground and offer a simple yet elegant way to honor a loved one. These are some of the most cost-effective and minimalistic types of headstones. Despite their simplicity, flat markers can still be personalized with engraved names, dates, quotes, and even symbols that reflect your loved one’s interests or values.

Flat markers are often made from granite or bronze. Both are highly durable and stand up to the elements over time. Because they sit at ground level, they offer a clean, unobtrusive appearance in any cemetery setting, blending seamlessly into the landscape while still providing a dignified resting place.

Bevel Markers

Bevel markers share similarities with flat markers but are slightly raised above the ground. This elevation makes them easier to spot from a distance and gives them a more prominent appearance. Typically, bevel markers are about six to eight inches tall, with a sloped surface that allows the engraving to be more easily read.

Bevel markers can also be customized with various engravings, including intricate designs, symbols of faith, or even small portraits of the deceased. Their slanted nature gives them a little more personality than flat markers while still maintaining a low profile. These markers balance the simplicity of a flat marker and the prominence of a more traditional upright headstone.

Slant Markers

Slant markers are a step up in height and visibility. These headstones are angled at a steep slant, making them highly visible from a distance while maintaining a compact footprint. They offer a more traditional look compared to flat or bevel markers. However, they remain versatile in terms of design and customization.

Slant markers provide a larger surface area for inscriptions, allowing you to include more details, such as names, dates, personalized messages, or even full epitaphs. Many families appreciate the slant marker’s ability to stand out while still being less imposing than an upright headstone. Slant markers are made from granite and a material that is long-lasting and can withstand the test of time.

Upright Headstones

Upright headstones are the most traditional and widely recognized type of memorial. Headstones are often the first choice for families who want a classic, substantial tribute. They come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from rectangular blocks to more intricate forms like hearts, crosses, or statues.

Because of their size, upright headstones offer the most space for customization. Families can add large inscriptions, decorative carvings, symbols, or even portraits of their loved ones. The upright design ensures that the headstone is highly visible, and its presence provides a strong, lasting tribute. These headstones are typically made from durable stone materials such as granite or marble. This ensures that they will stand for many years to come.

Custom Monuments

Custom monuments offer a way to break free from traditional headstone designs and create a one-of-a-kind tribute. For families looking to celebrate a loved one’s unique personality, hobbies, or legacy, custom monuments provide the opportunity to design something truly distinctive.

Whether you want a stone shaped like a book to honor a teacher or a more elaborate sculpture that reflects religious or cultural significance, custom monuments are as unique as the individual they commemorate.

These monuments can be crafted in any shape or size, and they allow for extensive personalization. Families can work with designers to ensure that the monument reflects their loved one’s story in the most meaningful way. Although they tend to be more expensive, custom monuments offer a truly personal way to remember someone special.

Bench Memorials

Bench memorials serve a dual purpose by offering a place to sit and reflect while visiting a loved one’s resting place. These stone benches can be installed in cemeteries, memorial gardens, or even private properties. They often combine the traditional aspects of a headstone with the functionality of a bench. This makes them a unique and thoughtful tribute.

Bench memorials can be inscribed with names, dates, and personal messages, just like any other headstone. Some families choose to have them placed in scenic spots, like a favorite park or garden, offering a peaceful place to visit and remember their loved ones. Whether it’s a simple bench with an engraving or a more ornate design, this type of memorial invites family and friends to spend time in reflection.

Companion Headstones

Companion headstones are designed for two or more people, most commonly couples or family members, who wish to be memorialized together. These headstones can come in any style, from flat markers to upright monuments, but they are distinguished by including multiple names and shared inscriptions.

Companion headstones are a powerful symbol of connection, often featuring intertwined symbols like hearts or rings. They provide a lasting tribute to the bond shared between the individuals, allowing them to be remembered side by side. These memorials also offer room for larger inscriptions, allowing for both individual and joint messages that reflect the lives they lived.

Mausoleums

Mausoleums are grand, above-ground structures that provide a more elaborate and private option for memorializing loved ones. These stone buildings can house the remains of individuals, couples, or even entire families. Mausoleums offer both shelter and security for the remains while providing a stately, enduring tribute.

These structures can be as simple or as ornate as desired, with some mausoleums resembling small temples or chapels. Mausoleums are a particularly meaningful option for those seeking a lasting, protective space that honors not just one individual but an entire family lineage. Many mausoleums also feature custom designs and engravings, adding to their unique and lasting significance.

Working with a Professional

When it comes to selecting a headstone, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Every family has different preferences, needs, and traditions. At Always in Stone, we’re committed to helping you find the perfect memorial that reflects your loved one’s life, values, and legacy. Whether you choose a simple flat marker, a stately upright headstone, or a fully custom monument, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Have any questions?

Discover how Always in Stone can help you honor your loved ones with beautifully crafted memorials. Contact us today if you have questions about our wide range of custom headstones, monuments, and memorial accessories.