How long do granite gravestones last

Because laser etching draws the image or text directly onto the surface, the etching will last as long as the headstone or monument does. Laser-etched text or images done on quality surfaces, such as granite, will last as long as the granite lasts without any fading or weathering. A sealant applied on top of the etching adds another layer of protection from fading as well.

With good etching technique and a protective sealant, you are assured that the text or image engraved will remain sharp and clear for years and even decades, as long as the stone surface remains in good condition. Experts will, therefore, recommend choosing high-quality stones, such as granite with fine grains with specks of white or gold, to ensure the longevity of the etching.

Marble is also very soft and can be scratched with a metal object. For color choices, all three come in different colors, ranging from pink, white, variations of grey and black. It varies widely from the makeup of the rocks. Black being the most common color, because it is the easiest color to see the engravings.

After you have found a plot and chosen a type of stone, you need to figure out what to put on it. The more writing and images you have on the headstone the faster and more of a chance it has to wear. They both have their positives and negatives, but laser-etching will last as long as the stone does if it is done correctly, while hand-cut can last a very long time but can eventually fade. Laser-etched designs are done by computer and CNC machines.

It is done in a precise fashion and is can take photographs very well. The cost is usually cheaper as well, as it takes less time and effort. One issue is that the images do not show up well on lighter materials and cannot be done on marble because it is too soft.

If something was to happen and you wanted to repair the letter or pictures, it is a very easy process and can be done on your own cheaply and easily. They tend to be more expensive because it is more time-consuming to create. Another positive is that it can also be done on any type of stone and color. They are not the best for photographs since you can get better detail with a laser.

You can inlay photographs, but it will be more costly. If the writing was to fade you need someone to come out and repair it as well which happens more often with this type of engraving. The different types of finish will affect longevity as well. The popular types of finish are polished, part-polished and honed. It does not matter too much what the finish is, as long as it is kept up. They will all need upkeep and maintenance. The polished headstones will require more maintenance, so if they are not taken care of they can degrade more quickly.

Now that you have chosen every other detail the last is what style you would want. Granite is an igneous rock, meaning that it is formed through the cooling and solidification of magma or lava. This creates a tough and durable rock, able to withstand climate changes, rain, sleet, snow, and salt. Granite will be difficult to scratch using a knife blade.

This makes granite an excellent choice for headstones and monuments since it is heat and water resistant. Color variations usually appear as colorful flecks throughout the stone. While marble can be obtained in several colors, the most commonly used color for monuments and headstone has traditionally been white, or shade of gray. Primarily this was due to the much higher costs of rarer, colored marble. Some people choose marble for tombs, headstones, and statues because of the unique swirling patterns and embedded shadings that can make for a very unique appearance.

When used indoors, for example inside a crypt or mausoleum, marble can make for a very long-lasting and beautiful design. If you are looking specifically for a bright white colored memorial, marble may be the best option for you as granite does not naturally occur in a pure white color. Granite can be found in a variety of colors including shades of black, gray, red, pink, brown, green, and blue.

Colored granite stones can, when properly engraved, give high contrast lettering that is easy to read and long-lasting. Another advantage of granite as a gravestone material is its ability to take a laser etching well. Because of the hardness of granite, laser etching can be used to customize a headstone, statue, memorial bench, or plaque. In addition to a name and date, a beautiful phrase, bible verse, and even images can be etched into granite, creating a truly unique memorial for your loved one.

It's cemetery season here in the States, so what better time to discuss how to be remembered forever? If you wander through any graveyard, you'll find grave markers made of all manner of the same thing: stone! Now, I'm sure many people don't give a second thought to what kind of rock they should use for their monument beyond which might be the most attractive.

But they should. All rocks are not the same when it comes to how they handle the wear and tear of the hereafter. Most gravestones made over the last few centuries are made of a few types of rock: marble, slate, and granite are the big three. Sometimes you run into darker stones made of gabbro , maybe a few sandstone markers, but especially in more recent monuments, marble and granite and other plutonic rocks rule the roost.

Older graveyards tend to use rock that was available locally, so they can be variable. Around central Ohio , a lot of the old gravestones are made of readily available limestone. They're attractivebut are they the best choice if you want your marker to last as long as possible? It turns out that making your gravestone or any monument from materials like marble is not a good idea for longevity.

Rocks can break down two ways: physically and chemically. Chemical weathering are reactions that occur when the rock interacts with water, air, and acids.