When you are choosing a gravestone, there are lots of considerations.  But one primary one is to choose a material that is long lasting.  While there are companies that offer memorial art & renovations for gravestones showing their age, the aim is for this to be a long time down the line.  So what are the toughest, longest lasting materials for a gravestone?

Basic materials

The basic material of a gravestone or memorial art is most often a type of stone and is important in not only the design of the marker but also on how durable it is.  Monumental masons will tend to work with specific materials because they are known to make the longest lasting memorials.

Granite

Granite is a popular gravestone material because it is very tough and durable and there are lots of different colours and finishes to get the look you want.  It is also one of the most budget-friendly options and some churchyards will only allow granite headstones to keep the same look to the whole graveyard.  Colours of granite include:

• India red
• India mahogany
• Jet black
• Tropical green
• Blue pearl
• Mountain red
• Classic grey
• Light pink

Limestone

There are different types of limestone from around the UK and abroad that each has their own characteristics.  For example, many headstones Poole and around Dorset use Portland limestone which comes from the Isle of Portland in Dorset.  This type of limestone is popular around the UK and many buildings in London are made with it. 

The biggest problem with limestone is that it can weather due to acid rain so may not last as long as granite but is still a popular gravestone material, especially in churchyards.

White marble

White marble has blue and grey tones to it to make a very effective and unique headstone.  It is always given a fine finish that makes it smooth and is very stylish.  It isn’t as hard wearing as granite and isn’t best suited to damp areas.  Some churchyards may not permit it.

Headstone finishes

In addition to the material, you also need to consider the finish to the headstone and if there are any stipulations from the churchyard or cemetery about these.

Polished headstones have a smooth, shiny and polished look which makes for a reflective surface.  Many churchyards will not allow reflective surfaces, so this finish isn’t used when a churchyard is the location for the burial.  The finish does also require more upkeep to retain the polish.

Part-polished is where the inscription area is polished, but the rest of the headstone is blasted, rubbed or given another finish.  It is used to put emphasis on the inscriptions.

Honed is a smooth surface that isn’t reflective as the polish is removed with dust.  They are usually allowed in churchyards and are popular with headstones using three or more colours to add depth.

Other finishes including pitched which is created with a hammer and is popular for older churchyards, steeled, sawed and axed.  These tend to be less common, but a monumental mason can tell you more about them if you want to consider all of the options.