Most Popular Materials For Headstones In 2022

People pay special attention to the composition and design of headstones and grave markers. These provide you with the last chance to honor your departed loved ones. However, the detailed-oriented approach of many people makes the process tough, emotional, and nerve-wracking. You are already mourning over your precious loss, and now your mind is full of questions about what to choose and what not to go for.

Technology has advanced the designs, inscriptions, and appearance of the headstone. This advancement has flooded the market with never-ending options, making the decision even trickier.

Despite all the choices available (like flat markers and pillow monuments), the most important decision you will make will be the type of material you choose for the headstone. Material has a direct impact on the longevity, durability, and how well the headstone stands the test of time and weather.

The following article explains the most common materials used for headstones or grave markers.

Granite

Technology has changed almost everything done on a grave marker. However, the element that never lost its charm and has even seen an increase in its popularity is granite as the headstone material.

Granite is exquisite proof of the earth's natural beauty. These stones are unearthed in huge chunks and then shaped and polished as desired.

Moreover, granite is the most economical headstone material available in the market today. It has an elongated tendency to face corrosion, rust, rain, and other extreme environmental conditions.

However, a granite headstone may need a fresh coat of polish after some years due to the formation of a white film-like covering.

Marble

The most commonly used element for headstones in the 1800s and 1900s was marble. It was cheap, easy to cut, easy to polish, and mold as well. Marble was easy to carve using the tools available at that time.

However, over time, marble started losing its charm to the headstone contractors. Although marble polishes well, moisture tends to erode fastly. In addition to it, sugaring provides an extreme crystalline, granular look.

Concrete Or Cement

Concrete and cement are usually chosen because of their flexibility. However, they can easily be attacked by mold and mildew. Concrete and cement can be moulded into various shapes. But grave markers made from these materials need regular cleanliness. A cheap alternative to expensive grave markers is to make out a headstone from concrete.

Iron

Iron grave markers became popular during the Victorian era. They were made by special foundries and blacksmiths. Wrought iron survives in eroded and rusted states. However, cast iron can easily last for decades.

Sandstone And Limestone

They are popular choices because sandstone and limestone are easy to carve. Yet, they have a disadvantage because they are not durable. Limestone breaks at bedding planes and cannot be well polished. Small pieces of sandstone can be broken by cycles of freeze-thaw.

Fieldstone

Fieldstone, a naturally occurring rock, is the most popular material used for the building and construction processes. It is found locally in fields. Fieldstone can easily be washed, carved, and decorated. Fieldstone headstones are one of the oldest materials used for making monuments and headstones. They were very popular in early rural areas.

Slate

Slate was a popular material in the past due to its smooth and pleasing texture. The memorials made from slate were easy to carve and highlighted with white paint and gliding. But their popularity did not last for long because they crumble and become porous after some time.

Wood

Wood was popular during the Georgian and Victorian eras. But soon, it was replaced by more durable materials due to a lack of durability. Due to the natural decomposition process, wood can only last for at least 50 to 100 years.

Bronze

Bronze is a copper alloy used for simulating tools and weapons. Bronze adds an elegant feel to the detailed headstone design. It is liked for its protection and durability against the weather, but it forms a green patina not liked by everyone.

Many chemical treatments and elbow grease is required to restore it to its original sheen. Using bronze headstones helps to memorialize your loved ones perfectly. You can provide a memorable and everlasting tribute to the dead soul by providing a perfect headstone.

Itching, writings, and pictorial representations are all easier and perfectly demonstrated on a bronze headstone. Hence, making it the most common headstone used in modern times. It won’t be an exaggeration to say that going for a bronze marker is the safest way to go for a headstone, especially when times are tough and short.

Conclusion

Losing someone close to you is the most difficult time. In such harsh times, it becomes very difficult to make decisions. Even the smallest of all can be very painful and stressful. So, you should have a sound pre-knowledge of such things beforehand. Having knowledge of such things makes that dreadful time easier.