Headstone Facts to Help You Choose the Right One

One part of the burial process after you have scheduled services with one of the funeral homes in Ferrum, VA, will be choosing a way to identify the individual's resting place. There are a lot of details and events that can happen after an individual passes away, so it's essential that you are doing everything you can to honor the individual as you lay them to rest truly. The headstone is just one option for helping to remember them, so here is some extra information.

Key Takeaway

Headstones are an integral part of the burial process, helping to humanise those who have passed away and providing a reminder - even in moments of familiarity - that beneath these stones lies someone. This tradition is shared among several religions, such as Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. The type and material of headstones, and the etchings written on them vary, from kerbed monuments made from limestone to upright marble sculptures with elaborately inscribed epitaphs. Every headstone lends personality to its final resting place, making it unique in perpetuity for every loved one lost.

What is the Purpose? 

Anytime you walk into a cemetery, you can't help but notice identifying markers on each gravesite. These grave markers, tombstones, or gravestones are monuments placed there to mark the location of the individual's resting place. 

What Types are There? 

Kerbed 

This option is an entire length monument that will lay flat across the ground, and it can be combined with an upright headstone. 

Upright 

This will be the most common one that you will find in cemeteries, and it's the most traditional. These are attached to a concrete base and traditionally be made from marble, granite, or limestone. 

Raised-top 

This option has a slant from the rear to the front and is generally made from stone or concrete. 

Flat 

Flat markers, also known as grass markers, are just a flat tablet of materials like concrete or stone, and it sits flat on the ground. 

Material Choices 

Bronze: This is one of the most durable options that you can choose out of all the materials. It is one of the more expensive options and will darken as time goes on, but it is one of the lowest maintenance options to choose from. 

Limestone: This is one of the most popular options because it is a traditional style stone, but it is known for not being as durable as other materials. 

Granite: Granite is an adaptable and flexible stone available in many different colors and finishes. It's incredibly durable, and it's one of the most affordable choices due to its availability. 

Marble: Marble is popular due to its bright blue and grey veins giving it a unique look, but it weathers easily, so it's not going to be the most durable choice out of the materials available. 

Stainless Steel: stainless steel is one of the newest options available, and it's known for being incredibly sturdy and more resistant to weathering. 

Other Considerations 

Once you've chosen the materials and type, you're looking for, you will consider what kind of finish you want to have. This can range from polished to frosted, and in addition to this, you can also have a design like a cross or a heart shape. 

We Offer Compassion and a Streamlined Experience 

Picking the headstone for your loved one's final resting place is just as essential as the other details that will be held at the services. If you have started reaching out to funeral homes in Ferrum, VA, we would love to be of service and help you through the process from start to finish. We are locally owned and understand the true meaning of compassion so contact us today.