When it comes to selecting a lasting memorial for a loved one, one of the most fundamental decisions you’ll face is choosing between an upright headstone and a flat marker. Both serve the essential purpose of commemorating a life, but they offer distinct aesthetics, practicalities, and are often subject to different cemetery regulations. Understanding the differences between these two common memorial types is crucial for making an informed choice that truly reflects your loved one’s memory and aligns with your preferences. At Shastone, we guide families through every step of this important decision, helping you find the perfect tribute.
Upright Headstones: A Prominent and Traditional Choice
Upright headstones, also known as gravestones or monuments, are memorials that stand vertically above the ground. They are perhaps the most traditional and recognizable form of cemetery monument.
- Appearance and Visibility: Upright headstones offer a prominent and dignified presence. Their vertical orientation makes them easily visible from a distance, allowing for a more impactful visual statement. They can be grand and elaborate or simple and elegant, depending on the design.
- Design and Customization: These memorials provide a larger surface area for customization. This allows for more extensive inscriptions, intricate etchings, carved designs, and even the inclusion of larger photographs or porcelain portraits. The greater height also offers more creative possibilities for unique shapes and finishes.
- Material: Most upright headstones are crafted from durable granite, known for its longevity and resistance to weathering. Marble is also used, though less frequently due to its susceptibility to erosion over time.
- Cemetery Regulations: Due to their size and impact on the landscape, upright headstones often have stricter cemetery regulations regarding height, width, and depth. They typically require a concrete foundation for stability.
- Cost: Generally, upright headstones are more expensive than flat markers due due to the larger amount of material required, more complex fabrication, and installation needs.
Flat Markers: Subtle, Serene, and Often Required
Flat markers, also called lawn-level markers or grave markers, are memorials that are set flush with the ground. They are a more understated option, blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.
- Appearance and Visibility: Flat markers offer a subtle and serene presence. While less immediately visible from a distance, they provide a quiet dignity. They are designed to be walked over by maintenance equipment, which is why they are flush with the ground.
- Design and Customization: While they have less surface area than upright stones, flat markers still offer ample space for names, dates, epitaphs, and a selection of emblems or simple designs. Inscriptions are typically sandblasted or etched into the surface.
- Material: Flat markers are commonly made from granite or bronze. Bronze markers are often attached to a granite base. Both materials are highly durable and suitable for ground-level placement.
- Cemetery Regulations: Many modern cemeteries, particularly memorial parks, exclusively require flat markers to maintain a park-like appearance and facilitate easier lawn maintenance. Regulations for flat markers usually focus on size, material, and sometimes color.
- Cost: Flat markers are generally more affordable than upright headstones, making them a budget-friendly option for many families.
Key Considerations When Choosing:
- Cemetery Rules: This is the most important factor. Always confirm the specific regulations of the cemetery before making any decisions. Some cemeteries only allow flat markers, while others have designated sections for each type.
- Personal Preference and Aesthetics: Consider what visual style best honors your loved one. Do you prefer a prominent tribute or a more subtle remembrance?
- Budget: Determine your budget early in the process, as costs can vary significantly between types and customization levels.
- Maintenance: Flat markers are generally easier for cemetery staff to maintain, as they don’t impede mowing. Upright stones may require more personal cleaning over time.
- Inscriptions and Artwork: If you envision extensive text or elaborate artwork, an upright headstone may offer more space.
Both upright headstones and flat markers serve as meaningful tributes, each with its unique advantages. The “right” choice depends on a combination of cemetery regulations, your aesthetic preferences, and your budget. At Shastone, we are dedicated to helping you navigate these important considerations. Our experienced team will work closely with you to understand your needs, explain all available options, and design a beautiful, lasting memorial that perfectly honors the memory of your loved one, ensuring it complies with all necessary guidelines.