FAQ
Headstones FAQ – South Wales Monuments
What are headstones made from?
Typically, materials such as granite, marble and several types of limestone are commonly used to create and craft headstones. Granite and bronze are the most popular materials to use for headstones nowadays. There are many different materials that headstones can be made from; this is entirely up to the craftsmen of the headstone.
How is a headstone made?
Headstones are normally made by experienced craftsmen. Once the materials and design have been chosen, the stone will be cut and drilled into the desired shape. The edges will also be polished for a smooth finish. In many cases, the stone will also be sprayed with steam in order to remove any glue or stencils on the headstone.
Are headstones expensive?
Headstone costs will entirely depend on the size, material, inscriptions, design and additional features. The average cost for a headstone is usually between £1000 and £3000. This takes into account any personalisation and bespoke requests; however bespoke headstones will usually be more expensive.
Do headstones come in different colours?
Headstones are available in a variety of different colours. This can be chosen before the headstone is crafted and designed. Common colours include black, grey, red and white. The colour will also depend on the primary material used for the headstone. Certain cemeteries may have their own specified requirements for headstones colours.
Why are headstones important?
Headstones were created in order to prevent the dead from rising. Nowadays, headstones are used to represent those who have died. They are usually used in order to remember a loved one who has passed away. A headstone represents the memory of someone’s life. Headstones are important to those who have lost a loved one and wish to remember them.
Can you personalise a headstone?
The personalisation of a headstone normally takes the form of an inscription. Inscriptions are lettering and messages that are engraved onto the headstone. Personalisation can also reference the colour and design of the headstone. Bespoke headstones often incorporate a lot of personalisation in order to make the end product as unique as possible.
How are headstones engraved?
In order to engrave a headstone, the surface will normally need to be polished. Engraving will also require a stencil in order to ensure that the inscriptions are accurate. The actual engraving will usually require a knife or sharp object so that the inscription is properly engraved onto the stone – it usually requires a certain amount of force.
Can you design your own headstone?
Designing your own headstone for your loved one will ensure your headstone is unique and personal. Bespoke headstones incorporate all of the features requested by the customer. The craftsmen will ensure that the headstone is made to order. You can design your own headstone within the variety of colours, materials and inscriptions available.
Can headstones be repaired?
Yes. Headstone repair will normally be covered by the insurance that was taken out when the headstone was installed. However, headstone repair can often take a long time, depending on the damage that has been done. It will require proper tools and materials in order for the repair to be successful. You should always get a trained individual to fix your headstone.
How do I take care of a headstone?
Looking after a headstone will protect its longevity and ensure it does not occur any accidental wear and tear. It is important that you clean the headstone with little force in order to prevent scratches or dents. The cleaning method will entirely depend on the material that the headstone is made from.
How much does headstone insurance cost?
Typically, a headstone of £1000 value will cost £61 for 5 years cover. This also includes subsidence of the memorial. A total care service will cost around £80 a year for 4 visits to the headstone per year. Headstone insurance will protect your headstone in the instance that it is damaged or requires renovation. It is particularly recommended for expensive headstones.
What cleans headstones?
The best way to clean a headstone is to use warm soapy water, however, this will depend on the material and features of the headstone. It is recommended that you use a cloth, scraper and specialised cleaner in order to protect the headstone. You should only attempt to clean a headstone if it is not damaged as cleaning an already damaged headstone may damage it further.
What is a kerb set?
Kerb sets are an extremely traditional form of memorial which have been used for centuries and consist of kerbs that run around the entire perimeter of your loved one’s grave. This is usually made from the same stone as the headstone they are built to last, sometimes for centuries.
How long should I wait after burial to erect a headstone?
It is recommended that you allow at least six months before you erect a headstone to memorialise your loved one. The main is that the ground may still be ‘settling’ after the burial. If it is, then the headstone may lean after it is put in place. That isn’t to say you can’t visit our workshop and begin the design process as early as you wish.
What is a grave without a body called?
A grave where the body is not present is known as a Cenotaph. It is a memorial erected over a grave, but at a place where the body has not been interred. A cenotaph may look exactly like any other grave in terms of headstone and inscription.
Which headstones last the longest?
Graphite headstones last the longest. As a material, graphite is a stone created by natural phenomena over millions of years. It is made from the cooldown of molten elements.
Not all graphite is the same though; low-grade graphite, like many other materials, degrades and discolours over the years. It is also the cheaper option.
Why are headstones so expensive?
You have to consider the amount of labour that went into the production of the final magnificent piece you receive at the end. First of all, the process of extracting and collecting the material is there. Secondly, the stone has to be cut, polished and transported, after which it is imprinted on. All these are factors that contribute to the costs of headstones.
How long do headstones last?
Etchings on the material last as long as the material itself does. Granite lasts over centuries. However, the headstone has to be cleaned appropriately to reduce the effects of chemical agents on it. Sandstone, slate and marble would deteriorate much faster.
Bronze is another headstone material you can expect to last for a long time.
Will vinegar clean headstones?
Vinegar cleans headstones a little too well. If you use vinegar to clean a headstone, the pH level would leach at the material so it’s best to avoid it. When cleaning headstones, non-ionic detergents are best. In cases where there is mildew, a little baking soda with acetone is advised.
Can two headstones be on a grave?
Yes. At least, in a sense. Companion headstones are a thing in many countries and cultures, especially in cases when two people who were very dear to each other have passed away and are being laid to rest together. It is a beautiful way to commemorate the shared kinship between people who meant a lot to each other.
They are typically more expensive than other headstones of the same material, but that is only because the cost of labour and material that went into making it is higher.
Are headstones covered by insurance?
Yes, there are insurance options for headstones. They typically are “all-risk” policies that protect against accidental damage, vandalism, theft, storm and floods, chemical stains, mechanical impact (falling trees or lawnmowers), council action, etc.
How long after the burial can a headstone be placed?
The average time for that should be passed before placement of headstones should be around 6 months (some cemeteries might place as early as 6 weeks and some take up to a year). This would give the ground time to settle. Some people do put the headstones in before the burial, though.