If you have ever visited a cemetery or a memorial showroom, you must have noticed different shapes of tombstones or headstones. Each shape has its own meaning and significance, depicting the life and legacy of the deceased. From angel headstones that symbolize the eternal peace of the departed’s soul to custom designs that represent a person’s unique spirit, the shape of the tombstone speaks volumes rather than just being an aesthetic choice. The material chosen, either granite or marble, also enhances the beauty of the tombstone. Other factors including budget and cemetery regulations are also considered while finalizing the shape of the headstone. Here in this blog, we are going to give a detailed idea about the popular tombstone shapes available in the market.
Traditional Upright Tombstones
Traditional upright tombstones consist of two stone slabs: the base slab and the tablet slab. The tablet part stands erect on top of the base having information about the deceased’s name, age, etc. It can be crafted in various finishing styles such as rooftop, oval top, flat top, and the most popular, serpentine top.
Upright gravestones are generally crafted using materials like granite, marble, or limestone. They are crafted in two variations: single upright headstone (for one individual) and companion upright headstone (for two individuals). The common size dimensions for a single upright headstone are:
(length X width X height) in inches
| Tablet Dimensions | Base Dimensions |
| 18” X 6” X 24” | 30” X 12” X 6” |
| 24” X 6” X 18” | 36” X 12” X 6” |
The common size dimensions for companion upright headstones are:
(length X width X height) in inches
| Tablet Dimensions | Base Dimensions |
| 36” X 8” X 24” | 48” X 14” X 8” |
| 42” X 8” X 24” | 54” X 14” X 8” |
| 48” X 8” X 24” | 60” X 14” X 8” |
Flat Headstones or Lawn-Level Markers
Flat headstones or markers are completely level with the ground as suggested by their name. They lie at the ground level in a rectangular shape with a slab thickness of approx. 4 inches. As per their appearance and installation, flat grave markers symbolize simplicity and a modest approach to the memory of the deceased. They are most commonly crafted using granite and bronze material to withstand outdoor conditions. They can also be customized into single flat markers and companion flat markers.
The common size dimensions for single and companion flat markers are:
(length X width X height) in inches
| Single Flat Marker dimensions | Companion Flat Marker Dimensions |
| 16” X 8” X 4” | 36” X 12” x 4” |
| 20” X 10” X 4” | 36” x 14” x 6” |
| 24” X 12” X 4” | 46” x 18” X 4” |
| 28” X 16” X 4” | ———— |
Beveled Markers
Beveled markers are just like flat markers but with a slight elevation in the back of the marker, giving it a slight slope or slanted surface. It helps provide a more detailed view of the inscriptions engraved on the slab. Beveled markers are made using bronze and granite material.
The common size dimensions for single and companion bevel markers are:
(length X width X height) in inches
| Single Bevel Marker dimensions | Companion Bevel Marker Dimensions |
| 16” X 8” X 6” | 36” X 14” x 6” |
| 20” X 10” X 6” | 36” x 18” x 6” |
| 24” X 12” X 6” | 46” x 18” X 6” |
| 28” X 16” X 6” | ————- |
Slant Markers
As the name suggests, slanted headstones have a slanting surface in the front and vertical back. It is similar to upright headstones except for the slope of the headstone. Due to the slanted face of the gravestone, the designs and inscriptions engraved on the slab become visible from a distance. Granite stone is commonly used for crafting slant headstones due to its durability and versatility. They can also be crafted into single-slant headstones and companion-slant headstones as per the requirement of the individual.
The common size dimensions for a single-slant headstones are:
(length X width X height) in inches
| Tablet Dimensions | Base Dimensions |
| 24” X 10” X 16” | 36” X 14” X 4” |
The common size dimensions for companion-slant headstones are:
(length X width X height) in inches
| Tablet Dimensions | Base Dimensions |
| 36” X 10” X 16” | 48” X 14” X 4” |
| 42” X 10” X 16” | 54” X 14” X 4” |
| 48” X 10” X 16” | 60” X 14” X 4” |
Ledger Markers
Ledger markers are basically large forms of flat markers, with increased length and breadth, covering the whole grave. They lie flush with the ground, offering a wide surface for personalized detailing and decorative carvings. They are made with durable materials like granite, marble, and concrete for a longer shelf life.
Book shape tombstones
Book-shaped tombstones are a great way to pay tribute to somebody who had a great interest in literature reading and learning. They are crafted in the form of both open and closed books signifying different meanings. An open-book tombstone signifies the continuity of life beyond death whereas a closed book signifies the end of this well-lived life. The design of the headstone includes the spine of the book and its pages with details engraved on it like name, age, etc. It is typically made of granite and marble, due to their durability and easy-to-do engravings.
Cross-Shaped Tombstones
Cross headstone is the oldest tombstone or gravestone, sed in cemeteries since ages. Designed in a cross shape, the symbol of Christianity, it ensures the beliefs and connection of the deceased to the Christian teachings. Earlier it used to be a wooden cross, made of wood, but now people are exploring it with highly durable materials like granite and marble so that it can stand the test of time. You can also get the carvings and decorative elements done on the grave marker to make it look more beautiful and elegant.
Heart-Shaped Tombstones
Heart-shaped tombstones are very popular in paying tribute to a beloved partner, family member, or friend. As per the name, it is used to show love and affection to those who have passed away. The heart shape of the gravestone can be modified in various ways including designs, engravings, and personalized messages. It is generally made of granite and marble stone, to be able to survive outdoor conditions. Double heart headstones are also popular to honor two or more lives that are buried together.
Bench Tombstones
Bench tombstones are designed in the form of benches to offer a place to sit and relax, in cemeteries and public areas like gardens, parks, etc. This way it serves both purposes: a grave marker for the deceased as well as a resting place for the living. Family and friends can come and sit on these benches to connect to their ancestors even after death, signifying an ongoing relationship. They are made of granite and marble stone with the common dimensions 36”, 48”, and 60”. Bench monuments, bench tombstones, bench gravestones, memorial benches, and cemetery benches are the other names of bench headstones.
Angel Tombstones
Angel tombstones or headstones are believed to bring peace and comfort to those who mourn, by assuring them that their loved ones are watching over in eternity. They serve as a bridge between the earthly realm and the divine faith for the people. Different religions have different interpretations of angels. Incorporating an angel figure can hold an ethereal presence and a sense of connection to their loved one who has passed on.
They are present in a wide range of styles and collections symbolizing different meanings, such as an angel headstone praying in cemeteries signifies a devotion to God, an angel statue pointing upwards represents the soul guiding to heaven whereas a crying angel statue represents grief over a loved one. They bring a meaningful significance for a lot of people in their time of grief.
Summary:
In conclusion, given below are the most popular types of headstones:
- Traditional Upright Tombstones
- Flat or Lawn-Level Marker
- Beveled Markers
- Slant Markers
- Ledger Markers
- Book shape tombstones
- Cross-Shaped Tombstones
- Heart-Shaped Tombstones
- Bench Tombstones
- Angel Tombstones
If you have any further questions regarding gravestones, tombstones, or headstones, you can get free suggestions from “Stone Discover”. We are the leading granite headstone monuments manufacturer and supplier of high-quality headstones, angel monuments, granite kerb sets, and cemetery plaques in a wide variety of colors and styles. Contact Us by clicking here!