Style Options
Selecting a Headstone
Designing a memorial is a deeply personal and meaningful process. Some families know exactly what they want, while others need more guidance and time to weigh their options and thoughts.
At Central West Granite, we understand that this initial step in creating a headstone can be both emotionally significant and somewhat overwhelming. Whether you have an idea of what you want in a headstone or not, our team of specialists can guide you through your options, like choosing a granite colour, selecting a memorial shape, picking the perfect lettering style and exploring all other customisations you have in mind.
During this step, you will also choose any symbols or memorial quotes you’d like, and custom addons like pictures, statues, carvings and etching etc. Our monument specialists will be there to listen, understand your wishes and ensure that your design reflects your loved one.
Most individuals are surprised when they discover that there are many decisions needing to be made during the selection process. Cemeteries have rules and regulations with regards to size, composition and design for each of the sections within their cemetery. There are many different types and colours of memorials and various shapes that can be used to compliment your monument choice.
STEP BY STEP GUIDE
The Headstone essentials: Size, Shape, Material and Engraving
Headstone Size:
Think about who the headstone is for. If you are designing a headstone for a single member of your family, you may consider smaller headstone options such as flat headstones, slant headstones, or single upright headstones. If you are designing a companion memorial (for two people) or a family memorial (for multiple family members), you will need to select a larger headstone.
Single headstone designs offer a tonne of options for personalisation. If you would like to include a more elaborate carving, or a longer inscription, you may consider an upright headstone design -- upright headstones provide more surface area to work with, as opposed to say a slant headstone.
If you’re looking for something smaller, flat headstones are a very classic option for a single memorial. Keep in mind that flat headstone designs will need to be less intricate, because the available design space is more limited.
Selecting the Headstone Shape
Once you’ve decided upon a size for your headstone, you have a little bit of artistic license to design a shape of your choosing.
Below you will find examples of some of the more common headstone shape options. That said, you can usually request any type of custom shape for your headstone. Keep in mind though that the more angles on a headstone, the more expensive it usually is.
Nature's Symphony
Headstone Edges
Polished Edges: a smooth surface which has a high gloss, mirror-like shine. Leaves the stone with a darker than natural color which provides excellent lettering and carving contrast. Letters do not show up well on a polished surface – they are placed inside a panel or area that has had the polish removed.
Rock Edge: rough surface made with hammer and chisel creating the sharp top and side edges.
Sawn/Blasted Edges: are smooth, but may have lines in the finish from the saw blade, and are generally used only for surfaces that will not be visible after the monument is installed.
Honed Surfaces: are surfaces that been partially polished. They are not shiny but are very smooth. They are rarely used – their primary application is the provide decorative contrast to polished areas.
Choosing a Monument Cover
(Full monument only option)
In burial situations, the type of cover (or Ledger) you select for a full gravestone will essentially be guided by the visual look that appeals to you most. We offer a range of different design styles, some of our popular options are shown below:
You may prefer the sleek, symmetrical lines of our Traditional cover; the overhanging, eaves-like effect created by our Eternity design; or the ability that our Terrace gives you to create a beautiful, living flower bed ~ or perhaps fill with stone chips to add natural texture to the appearance of your monument.
Profile Options for Ledger Styles
(Full monument only option)
Traditional
Half bullnose
Bullnose
Tapered
Lamb Tongue
Filled with Stone Chips Option
Irrespective of which of the three cover design styles you choose, you have the option of incorporating your preferred edge profile. As you can see, this can range from a subtle, tapered treatment to a full bullnose effect that rounds (and visually softens) the gravestone’s edges.
FRONT STONE DESIGN OPTIONS
(Full monument only options)
All of the above profile variations for cover designs can also be applied to the front stone of your monument.
Here, however, you have one further design choice to make ~ whether you’d like a lockable space for storing accessory items or cleaning materials; or whether to have an enclosed front stone with a full surface space available for eg. a Surname inscription (if desired).
Rest assured, our team will be ready to assist you with making these decisions.
Select from our Superb range of Granites
Central West Granite can supply and produce finished stone ready for installation in almost any size; and in all the most popular colours used in monument design. Remember when selecting the colour granite for a headstone or monument surface that will require engraving, it is normally best to choose a dark or black colour. This will ensure you have the strong contrast needed to make your inscription lettering readable, and any photographic etching clearly visible. Please note Photographic laser etching works best on Jet Black granite.
Granite is a natural product. As such, the colour and pattern of the product supplied may vary from the samples shown. Point your mouse to any of the samples below to see its name.
Creating a fitting headstone INSCRIPTION
Whilst the wording of your headstone inscription is a deeply personal matter that will be guided by your heart, the reality is that its maximum length will be affected by the size and shape of the headstone you choose; the size and style of fonts you use; and whether space needs to be allocated for the inclusion of photographs or clipart graphic symbols.
So, before you begin penning your tribute, our design team will advise you on what will physically fit in terms of word count. Our team will inspire you with examples of what other memorial messages have said, and the task of finding just the right words to honour your loved one won’t be nearly as daunting as may have first thought.
With our professional guidance and support, it will all come together seamlessly, whether your desired inscription is in English or requires accurate translation to any other language.
NATURAL V-CUT LETTERING
As the name suggests, the letters are the only part of the rock exposed to the sandblaster. This option is a simple, cost effective, and bold engraving option that requires no maintenance.
V-CUT GILDED LETTERING (GOLD LEAF)
As the name suggests, the letters are the only part of the rock exposed to the sandblaster. This option is a simple, cost effective, and bold engraving option that requires no maintenance.
V-CUT SILVER
Offering something a little more unique, a silver paint finish provides a slick and bold look. However just like gold leaf, it is prone to weathering and therefore requires ongoing maintenance. Different granite/contrasts: It may also be an advisable option when it comes to certain types of granite (Usually red, due to contrast).
RAISED POLISH LETTERING - NATURAL
The opposite of cut in, this is where everything, but the wording is exposed to the sandblaster. Just like cut in, the inscription will require no maintenance, making it a popular option with customers.
INCLUDING PHOTOGRAPHY – LASER ETCHING
This can be achieved in several ways. Most commonly, photographs can the etched directly into the face of a dark coloured stone to produce an image similar in appearance to black & white photography.
We use the best quality black granite for our laser etched plaque this allows minimal fleck for the design. The laser can achieve intricate detail for even the most complex designs.
INCORPORATING CLIPART/MOTIFS
Virtually all clipart can be modified to suit engraving. Whilst most memorial artwork is one-colour and is sandblasted and gilded with gold leaf, custom designs can also be etched and hand-coloured according to your wishes. on is to create a monochromatic version of your photograph that can be sandblasted into the headstone and either gilded or painted.
Adding Accessories
Many families gain comfort from leaving a light burning on the grave of their loved one; adorning the site with personally chosen symbols of respectful remembrance or religious significance; or simply ensuring they have vases to display beautiful flowers.
NB: If you wish to add any accessories at a later date, just give us a call.
Arrange a Consultation
Contact us today to discuss your needs and begin the journey of creating a beautiful and lasting tribute with Central West Granite. Our team is here to support you with compassion and professionalism, helping you create a memorial that will be cherished for generations.