Headstone guides

Plain answers for families choosing a headstone: how to design one, what it costs, the shapes, grave markers, what to write on it, the lettering, stones for pets, and how to clean a headstone gently.

• How to design a headstone

  How to design a headstone online in seven steps, with standard headstone sizes by shape, what cemeteries regulate, letter heights that stay readable, proof sheets and how long it takes.

• Design your own headstone

  Design your own headstone: how families choose the shape and the granite colour, what to write, date styles, epitaph length and symbols, and how to send the design to a monument company.

• Headstone cost

  How much does a headstone cost? Sourced price ranges for flat, slant, upright, double and bench headstones, plus engraving, setting fees and the VA marker.

• Headstone sayings

  Over 200 headstone sayings and epitaphs by who they honor: mom, dad, couples, a child, a veteran, a pet, plus KJV Bible verses. Try any line on a stone, free.

• Types of headstones

  Types of headstones explained: flat, bevel and slant markers, upright and double stones, hearts, benches, pet and cremation stones, plus cemetery rules.

• Grave markers

  Grave markers explained: flat (flush) markers, bevel and slant markers, bronze on granite, typical sizes, real price lists, and the cemetery rules for lawn markers.

• Headstone fonts

  Headstone fonts and lettering styles, each shown on a stone, with sourced letter sizes, V-cut, sandblast and raised lettering, paint fill and what lettering costs.

• Pet headstones

  Pet headstones and dog headstones explained: flat markers, small uprights, garden and river stones, sourced prices and sizes, what to write, and burying a pet at home.

• How to clean a headstone

  How to clean a headstone gently, from the VA and National Park Service guidance: water and a soft brush first, when to use a cleaner, and what never to use.

Or go straight to the studio and design a headstone online, free.