Tomb stone

Types of tombstones

Tombstones, also known as gravestones or headstones, have existed since the stone age. The main purpose of a tombstone is to mark someone's grave. However, with time, tombstones have become a way for the dead's kin to express their grief and provide the deceased with a befitting burial. Particular cultures have also had different types of tombstones. These are the various kinds of tombstones that exist today.

Depending on the client's request, many suppliers make all the types in the following section, but they can also be categorized based on material. For example, concrete tombs are popular in Africa and developed countries because they can last even centuries. Wooden tombstones, on the other hand, are common in places like North Carolina, but they are some of the most affordable ones. North Carolina is known as the 'graveyard state' because the region has the most old tombstones. However, as mentioned, they also make them based on the client's request.

• Flat grave markers

  Flat markers for graves are some of the simplest types. They are usually rectangular and lie parallel to the ground. Most flat markers are made of granite, marble, or bronze. Families opt for them because they are a more affordable option. Additionally, they sit low, making grass maintenance in the cemetery easy. Flat grave markers are still customizable, even though they carry the deceased's basic info like name, date of birth, and date of death. Many families add a short inscription or a religious symbol.

• Upright headstones

  Upright headstones, as their name suggests, stand vertically above the ground. Unlike the flat grave markers, they are usually larger and rise from the base. However, they also come in various sizes, shapes, and styles. Upright headstones can be a simple slab or more intricate designs with carved images or religious symbols. Producers usually make the bases of upright headstones from granite, marble, or limestone. Families choose them for their prominence and the possibility of including detailed custom work.

• Slant markers

  Slant markers combine flat markers and upright headstones. As their name suggests, they slant, meaning they're not parallel to the ground like flat markers. However, they're not fully upright. One side of the slant marker is raised higher than the other, similar to roof slopes. People prefer slant markers because they have a middle ground between the former two. The higher side allows for inscriptions, while the lower side can lay flat. Slant markers also look more distinctive than flat markers and are easier to maintain than upright headstones.

Designs of tombstones

• Traditional designs

  Many families still prefer traditional tombstone designs like pedestals, crosses, and oval shapes. Pedestal headstones, for example, have a raised section for the inscription mounted on a solid base. Traditional designs are usually made of durable materials like granite or marble. Some of these designs incorporate sculptural elements like religious symbols, plants, or geometric patterns. The conservative nature of these designs ensures that they withstand the test of time, both physically and aesthetically.

• Modern designs

  Many people are beginning to go for modern styles with more innovative materials like glass or stainless steel. They are also more creative, making a tombstone that will stand out more. Today, the designs can be more minimalist, like simply a vertical panel with the deceased's name and a short message. Others can even be more bespoke stuff like non-traditional shapes and colors. Modern designs also incorporate more non-traditional visuals like personal emblems, unusual fonts, and colored stones.

• Cultural and religious designs

  For example, a Jewish tombstone will have a Shalom engraving because this word means peace in Hebrew, among other differences. Cultural designs also have motifs or symbols that are significant to specific communities. For instance, Celtic crosses in Ireland or engraved bubbles on baby graves in the south. Cultural and religious designs are usually more personalized and reflect the community standards and values.

• Custom designs

  Thanks to the advancements in technology, especially 3D modeling, custom designs are easier to create. Families now have access to a wider range of shapes, colors, and motifs thanks to customization. Much personalization also allows for the addition of personal images, quotes, or even scenes depicting the deceased's life or profession. Custom designs provide a more individualized and distinctive tribute to the deceased.

Materials used to make tombstones

The choice of material for a tombstone significantly impacts its aesthetic, durability, and cultural symbolism. Here are the preferred materials for making items.

• Granite

  Granite is the most widely used material for making tombstones and for a good reason. It is extremely hard because it's formed from igneous rock, meaning it can take years of weathering and exposure to the elements. Also, it comes in various colors, such as gray, black, pink, and even green. Each will give the tombstone a different look and feel. It's also possible to engrave or polish granite thanks to its hardness.

• Marble

  People widely used white marble in ancient Rome and Greece, and today it's the second most preferred material. They prefer it because it's easier to carve compared to granite. It allows for more intricate designs, which is great for businesses that sell them to customers who want customized tombstones. Although traditional marble is white, it can also be in shades of rose, gray, or even yellow. These colors will make the tombstone look unique. However, marble is not as durable as granite. Over time, it will wear down and lose its engravings.

• Limestone

  Although not as popular as the first two, some people still prefer having tombstones made from limestone. Limestone is softer than both granite and marble. This softness makes it easier to carve complex patterns or images. The drawback is that the engravings will weather down over time. Limestone also comes in various warm, natural shades of cream, tan, and soft pink. This gives it a more organic look than the other two materials.

• Bronze

  Bronze may not be as durable as the other three, but it's the best option for those looking for a material that can resist corrosion. One of its most popular uses in cemeteries is as a memorial plaque mounted on a granite or marble base. It can also be formed into various shapes and designs. However, many warn that bronze will develop a green patina over time. Some bronze tombstones will have a coating that will prevent the patina from forming.

• Fieldstone and river rock

  Fieldstone and river rock are more rustic materials that give the tombstones a more natural look. Supplier preference for these materials is increasingly becoming more apparent because many customers want a more eco-friendly option. Fieldstone, for example, is unmodified by humans and will therefore look very natural. River rock, on the other hand, is smooth and rounded because it's been worn down by water.

Tombstones & graves in the construction and real estate industry

Although they appear to have a separate category, there are instances when they interact with one another.

• Historical cemeteries

  Historical cemeteries contain some of the oldest tombstones in the world. They're often seen to have tremendous value as these structures are tied to specific events or the founding fathers of a region. This is why many construction companies repurpose or restore them for use as either cultural landmarks or as part of a new development project. Politics aside, this will enhance the aesthetics and value of the property.

• Selling cemetery plots

  Real estate agents will also sell cemetery plots. Like any other property, the value of the cemetery plot depends on its location and accessibility. For example, plots in an established historical cemetery will be more costly than in one still being developed. Additionally, the demand for tombstones and grave markers will always be high because people will always pass away. Buyers prefer not to wait until the last minute to purchase these items. Managing cemeteries as real estate is sustainable and generates income for future maintenance and services.

• Gravestone as design inspiration

  Funny enough, modern architects are starting to use the designs of some tombstones as sources of inspiration. They like the minimalist approach taken by the artisans of the gravestones. They find that the simplicity can lead to serene and impactful structures that will easily stand out., effectively making an artistic statement. Also, many gravestones incorporate advanced technologies like LED lighting or solar panels. These functionalities may inspire similar features in residential and commercial developments.

How to choose a suitable tombstone

• Material

  There is a reason many suppliers prefer to make tombstones from granite, marbles, bronze, limestones, or fieldstone. These materials provide the gravestones with either unparalleled hardness or workability. Each material also has a different color, texture, and finish that will define how the tombstone looks like. For example, granite is available in various shades like black, gray, and pink. Marble, on the other hand, is usually white but comes in shades of rose and gray. These colors will influence how the burial site looks.

• Personalization options

  Some buyers may want simple engravings like the deceased name, date of birth, and date of death. Others may want more complex details like religious images, quotes, or unique shapes. Buyers should also look at the additional costs of personalizing or customizing the tombstones.

• Durability

  As previously mentioned, tombstones will be exposed to the elements for years, so they must be durable. Buyers should consider whether the material will be affected by harsh weather, so it will be necessary to ask for a warranty for items exposed to the sun, wind, rain, and snow.

• Design

  Burial sites will in most cases be located in cemeteries, so it will be better for the tomstone to have a simple design so it won't interfere with maintenance activities like mowing the grass. Carvings or engravings that are too deep or high will also make it hard for maintenance workers to work around them.

• Budget

  There are different costs for materials, designs, and engravings. Buyers will make choices based on how much they're willing to spend. If it's too expensive, they can get it at a lower price by cutting back on personalizing the tombstone.

Q&A

Q1. How can buyers increase the success of their tombstones business?

To increase success, buyers should look for quality suppliers with the best offers online. The buyer should also ensure a good MOQ and delivery time. They should also get the products listed and use social media to market them.

Q2. What nefarious activities should the tombstones business be wary of?

Buyers and sellers of tombstones should be wary of scammers because they can easily impersonate someone and send fake orders. There are also scammers who sell counterfeit products like inferior-quality stones that will easily break or wear down. The tombstones business also needs to be aware of the fire and weather damages that can easily destroy their inventory.

Q3. How can tombstones business evade a downturn?

They can offer different services for different customers based on their budgets. For example, they can sell simple flat markers for the low-income customers and more expensive upright headstones for the higher-income customers.