Many families purchase stones online. They may live far away from the family plot, or searching online can simply be a convenient option when you have a lot to manage. It’s a convenient, versatile option that makes it easier to compare different memorial products and services, but there are some obstacles. Getting the specifications exactly right can be a challenge, and it’s hard to see which products live up to flat grave marker thickness standards. Many buyers also worry about quality, stone thickness, and overall durability. Create a Legacy is here to help you choose the right stone features to create the right memorial for your loved one.
Buying a Memorial Online—What Families Should Look for First
There are a lot of considerations that families look for in a memorial: engravings, color, speed, and aesthetic elements. But we recommend leaving these considerations second. Instead, start your search by finding stones that meet good industry thickness standards. Browse different standard thickness options, dimensions, and other specifications so you can visualize the memorial in more detail and place your order with more confidence.
Why Thickness and Construction for Headstones Matter More Than You Might Expect
Professional-grade memorials need to have thicker stone pieces to resist damage from weathering and long years outside. Thinner markers can crack and erode outside. They may even crack during shipping and installation. For markers like reflection stones that are more temporary, we recommend one-inch thickness. But for flat markets, opt for a thickness of at least four inches, and look for at least six inches for upright headstones. Grand family monuments tend to be 10 or more inches thick.
Choosing Materials and Craftsmanship That Stand the Test of Time
At Create a Legacy, we provide stone memorials made from long-lasting, highly durable materials that maintain their original look and details for years after installation. For example, our stone memorials are not constructed from slate or limestone, which can degrade over time and become too fragile. We recommend carefully assessing material quality, which can affect:
- Longevity: Weak or thin materials can crack and crumble throughout the years, eventually breaking down completely. But thicker, more durable stone options incur far less weathering and mechanical damage.
- Legibility: If you have engravings in your chosen memorial, it’s important to choose a highly durable stone in which the letters, numbers, or images won’t get dulled or fade away.
- Resistance to Damage: Some stones offer intrinsic characteristics that reduce damage, such as chemical damage, weathering, organic building, and erosion.
Some of the longest-lasting materials are granite, bronze, and marble. Metal details and plaques can also last for decades with proper sealing.
How Create a Legacy Helps Families Make the Right Choice
When you’re considering different stone monuments and memorials for a loved one, trying to navigate the marketplace alone can be overwhelming. Specifications can be hidden in small pockets of text, and it’s hard to know what to look for when you’re stressed or emotionally exhausted. Create a Legacy can guide you through different factors, such as material, standard thicknesses, and recommendations for different memorial types, so you can be confident you’re making the right choice. We can help you and your family:
- Compare different options, so you understand what you’re buying
- Evaluate existing memorials and headstones to see if they need to be replaced, not just added onto
- Consider different designs and specifications so the final product matches your expectations
- Compare different installation options and have the memorial delivered on schedule
Whether you’re replacing an existing memorial or purchasing the first memorial for a loved one, a knowledgeable guide can help. Create a Legacy’s team is committed to providing expertise that you can trust. Reach out today to schedule a consultation and start planning your next steps.
Image credit: // Shutterstock // Aila Ruoho