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Choosing the Right Material for a Headstone

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Choosing the Right Material for a Headstone

Author: Memorial Group Published: 01/07/2024

Choosing the right material for a headstone is more important than you think, as it impacts both the durability and the look of the memorial. In this article, the Memorial Group team will explore various headstone materials, their benefits and the contexts in which they are most appropriate.

Understanding the importance of headstone material selection

The material chosen for a headstone plays a key role in its longevity, how easy it is to maintain, as well as its overall look and feel. Each material has unique characteristics that make it suitable for different environments and needs, so it’s important to consider these before you make a decision. 

Factors such as weather resistance and ease of engraving can influence the choice of material, and understanding these factors properly helps in making an informed decision that honours the memory of a loved one in the best possible way.

Shallow focus of a pair of granite gravestones showing a gap between to two graves. Distant vegetation can be seen.

Granite

Granite is one of the most popular materials for headstones due to its durability and versatility. It is highly resistant to weathering and can withstand extreme temperatures, which isn’t exactly vital for the British climate, but it’s still nice to have. Granite’s hardness also makes it resistant to scratches and other damage, ensuring the headstone remains in great condition for many years.

Granite is also available in a range of colours and finishes, allowing for a high degree of customisation.

marble gravestones

Marble

Marble is renowned for its elegant appearance and smooth texture. It is relatively easy to carve, allowing for intricate designs and detailed inscriptions. Marble is also known for its natural veining and colour variations, which makes each headstone unique.

Marble headstones are often chosen for their beauty. It’s less durable than granite and can be susceptible to weathering over time, but again, you are fairly safe with the British climate.

Nabresina

Nabresina, a type of limestone, is valued for its fine grain and uniform texture, which make it an excellent canvas for detailed carvings. It has a warm, beige colour that provides a classic look. It’s durable yet softer than granite, allowing for more intricate designs.

All in all, it offers a good balance of customisation and durability, so if that’s what you’re looking for, Nabresina is a good choice.

Portland Stone

Portland stone, another type of limestone, is known for its historical significance and use in notable structures such as St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. It has a light, creamy colour and a fine texture, making it suitable for all kinds of inscriptions and carvings.

Given its history, Portland stone headstones are ideal for those who value historical connections and classic aesthetics.

Close up of an old slate headstone.

Slate

Slate is a fine-grained metamorphic rock that is very durable and quite resistant to weathering. It has a smooth surface that allows for clear engravings, but its key draw is that it’s available in a range of colours, including grey, green, purple, and black. So if you want a memorial in a specific colour that your loved one would have liked, slate is a great option.

It’s also worth noting that slate headstones are particularly suitable for damp or coastal environments due to their resistance to water.

Sandstone background texture

York Stone

York stone, a type of sandstone, is known for its warm, earthy tones and natural texture. It’s a durable material that weathers well over time, developing a unique patina. It’s easy to work with too, making it suitable for various design styles.

York stone headstones are well-suited for traditional and rustic settings. They blend seamlessly with natural landscapes and are ideal for cemeteries with a historical or rural feel to them.

Memorial Group offers memorial services across the areas of Essex, North London and East London. If you would like some help choosing the right material for your loved one’s headstone, our compassionate team would be more than happy to help.

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