Choosing a monument headstone for a loved one is an important decision. That’s because, for you and your family, it’s more than just a marker: it’s a reflection of the life they lived, a permanent tribute to their memory, and a place where family and friends can come to reflect. And with so many types of gravestones available, the process of selecting the right size and style can feel overwhelming. However, taking the time to understand the different options available can help ensure that the headstone you choose is both meaningful and fitting.

With all of this in mind, let’s explore the various size and style options available for monument headstones, discuss how these factors influence the design and personal significance of the memorial, and provide some insights on making the best choice for your loved one’s final resting place. After all, at Quiring Monuments, we’re here to help you every step of the way as you create a lasting tribute that honors your loved one.

Understanding the Importance of Size and Style

Before diving into the specific options, it's important to reflect on why the size and style of a monument headstone matter. A monument is not only a functional grave marker but also a personalized symbol of remembrance. Its design speaks volumes about the person it honors, and it can evoke emotions and memories for those who visit.

While the size of a headstone can impact its visibility and the amount of detail it can hold, the style will define the overall aesthetic and message conveyed. The right combination of size and style allows you to create a headstone that resonates deeply with the personality, beliefs, and legacy of your loved one.

Monument Headstone Sizes: Finding the Right Fit

Headstones come in various sizes, from modest markers to large, stately monuments. The size you choose will depend on several factors, including personal preference, cemetery regulations, and the level of personalization you want to achieve.

Common Monument Headstone Sizes

Single Grave Monuments: These are designed to mark the resting place of one individual. Single grave monuments can vary in size, but they typically measure between 24 and 36 inches in width and 6 to 12 inches in depth. The height of these headstones can range from 24 to 48 inches, depending on the design.

Double Grave Monuments: These headstones mark the graves of two individuals, often a couple. Double grave monuments are usually wider than single grave markers, with widths ranging from 36 to 60 inches, providing ample space for both names, inscriptions, and other design elements.

Family Monuments: These larger headstones are designed to represent an entire family, with individual markers placed nearby. Family monuments can vary greatly in size, depending on how many names will be included and the design style chosen. These monuments can measure 48 inches or wider and may be taller as well, creating a prominent feature in the cemetery.

Companion Monuments: These are designed to mark the graves of two individuals buried side by side. Companion monuments may be slightly smaller than double grave markers but still provide enough space for personalized inscriptions and designs.

Cremation Monuments: For those who choose cremation, monuments can still play a significant role in honoring their memory. Cremation monuments are often smaller but can be just as detailed and meaningful as larger headstones.

When deciding on the size of the monument, it's essential to consult with the cemetery to understand any size restrictions or regulations they may have in place. Cemeteries often have specific guidelines for the size and height of monuments to maintain uniformity and ease of maintenance within the grounds.

Monument Headstone Styles: Honoring Individuality

The style of a monument headstone is where you can truly customize the memorial to reflect the personality and legacy of your loved one. There are many different styles available, each offering its own unique aesthetic and level of personalization.

Upright Monuments

Upright headstones are the most traditional and commonly recognized style. These monuments consist of a vertical tablet (the main inscription area) mounted on a base. Upright monuments offer ample space for names, dates, and intricate design details such as symbols, religious imagery, or etchings.

Upright monuments come in a variety of shapes. If you want something truly unique, you can order custom shapes such as a heart, cross, angel, or whatever holds symbolic or aesthetic meaning to you. If you opt for the classic rectangular tablet, you can choose from the following:, from the classic rectangular tablet to more elaborate forms such as:

Serpentine Top: A headstone with a wavy, curved top edge that adds a softer, more graceful appearance.

Oval Top: Featuring a smooth, rounded top that gives the monument a balanced, symmetrical look.

Flat Top: A straight, clean-lined headstone for a more modern and minimalist appearance.

Custom Shapes: If you want something truly unique, upright monuments can also be designed in custom shapes, such as a heart, cross, or even a specific symbol that holds special significance.

Slant Monuments

Slant monuments are a type ofsimilar to upright headstones but with a more angled front, creating a slanted inscription surface. The slanted design makes the inscription easier to read when standing in front of the headstone, and it can provide a more intimate, approachable appearance.

Slant monuments are often paired with a base for added height and durability, and they offer a good balance between the traditional upright style and more modest markers.

Flat or Flush Monuments

Flat monuments, also known as flush markers, are installed at ground level and provide a simple, low-profile option. These monuments are typically rectangular and lie flat against the earth, with the inscription carved directly into the stone. While flat markers are more understated, they can still be personalized with intricate designs, lettering, and symbols.

Flat markers are often chosen for a more minimalist aesthetic, or when the cemetery has restrictions on the size or height of headstones.

PillowBevel Monuments

PillowBevel monuments are similar to flat markers but with a slight angle, giving the monument a beveled or raised front, though less raised than a slant. The tiltbevel makes the inscription easier to see from a standing position, while still maintaining a relatively low profile compared to upright or slant markers.

PillowBevel monuments are a great compromise for those who want a raised headstone without the full height of an upright monument.

Bench Monuments

Bench monuments are unique in that they serve both as a memorial and a place for visitors to sit and reflect. These monuments are often found in family plots or areas where visitors may want to spend more time. Bench monuments can include inscriptions and engravings on both the seat and the legs of the bench, offering plenty of room for personalization.

Bench monuments offer a functional and sentimental way to honor a loved one while providing a peaceful spot for remembrance.

Custom Monuments

For those seeking something truly one-of-a-kind, custom monuments offer limitless possibilities. Whether you have a specific vision in mind or need help designing a memorial that reflects the personality and spirit of your loved one, custom monuments allow for complete personalization.

At Quiring Monuments, we work closely with families to create custom headstones that honor the uniqueness of each individual. From incorporating personal symbols to creating custom shapes or sizes, we take pride in crafting meaningful tributes that stand the test of time.

Materials and Finishes: Aesthetic Choices That Last

The material used for a monument headstone plays a significant role in its durability and appearance. The most common materials for monument headstones include:

Granite: A popular choice for its strength, versatility, and availability in various colors. Granite can be polished for a smooth, reflective finish or left with a rough, natural texture. It's incredibly durable, ensuring that the monument will stand the test of time.

Marble: Known for its classic elegance, marble offers a smooth, milky-white surface that’s perfect for intricate carvings. However, marble is softer than granite and may require more maintenance to preserve its appearance over time.

Bronze: Often used for flat markers, bronze offers a rich, timeless appearance and can be combined with granite bases for additional strength and aesthetic appeal.

Each material can be finished in different ways, from highly polished surfaces to honed or rough textures. The finish you choose will impact both the look and feel of the monument, as well as how it weathers over time.

Creating a Lasting Memorial with Quiring Monuments

Choosing the right headstone for a grave involves careful consideration of size, style, material, and personalization, and at Quiring Monuments, we understand that this decision is deeply personal, and we’re here to help you through every step of the process.

Additionally, for 75 yearsover a century, we’ve worked with families to create beautiful, lasting memorials that honor their loved ones’ legacies. From traditional upright monuments to custom designs, our team of skilled artisans is dedicated to crafting meaningful tributes that reflect the unique life of the individual.

So if you’re looking to design a monument headstone or need more information about the different options available, we invite you to reach out to us. We’re here to answer any questions you may have and to help you create a memorial that will stand the test of time. Just contact us at your convenience to learn more informaitoninformation or to schedule a consultation with one of our experts.