How Are Headstones Made?

How Are Headstones Made?

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Headstones signify the final resting place of a person who has passed away, offering a place for loved ones to pay their respects. Many people do not know how headstones are made, and understanding this process can make it easier to design a headstone with the right materials and engravings to commemorate a loved one. Keep reading to discover the steps involved in headstone production and how they vary with different materials.

Headstone production process

Historically, headstones were made of stone and engraved with inscriptions and designs. Today, modern techniques have streamlined the process to enhance engraving quality and customization options. Here are the primary steps involved:

Material selection

The first step is selecting a material. Headstones can be made from marble, granite, bronze, or limestone. Blocks are cut from the chosen stone to be shaped into individual headstones. While pneumatic drills have traditionally been used, water jet cutting is now popular due to its efficiency and precision.

Polishing

Once cut and shaped, the stone is polished to achieve a smooth, attractive surface. This is done using machines with varying grit levels followed by aluminum or tin oxide powder to provide a shiny finish.

Shaping and finishing

Next, the stone undergoes shaping and finishing to meet the client’s specific dimensions. These fine adjustments are often done by hand for meticulous accuracy.

Engraving

Engraving is done through sandblasting. Initially, glue is applied to the stone, and a rubber stencil is placed on it along with a carbon-backed layout of the design. The layout is transferred to the stencil, which is then cut out to prepare for sandblasting. The engraver uses manual or automated sandblasting equipment to carve the design into the stone.

Cleaning

After engraving, the stone is cleaned with pressurized steam to remove any residue from sandblasting and carving. The cleaned stone is then ready for delivery to the customer.

Quality memorials and headstones

If you have more questions about headstone production, reach out to Phillipsburg Memorial Company. Since 1939, we’ve been the leading local memorial company in Phillipsburg, NJ. Our team has the expertise and skill to provide you with high-quality memorials, monuments, and headstones. Contact us to learn more and arrange a consultation.

Where Do Granite Headstones Come From?

Interested in the origins of granite headstones? Here is your answer!

Where Does the Granite for Headstones Come From?

Modern granite headstones, built to last for centuries, are sourced from quarries worldwide. Common locations include Vermont, Georgia, Canada, India, China, and Sweden. Manufacturers often source locally to reduce shipping fragile stones long distances, though there's a trend of American headstone makers sourcing granite from India while trying to keep production within the USA.

Merkle Monuments sources much of its granite from Rock of Ages, a premier quarrier and manufacturer in North America. Granite blocks are cut from bedrock using pneumatic drills and steel bits with steel teeth until a slab is released. These blocks, typically measuring about 9' x 5'6" x 4' and weighing over 10 tons, are then transported to local manufacturers for further processing. Each thinner slab, usually 6", 8", 10", or 12" thick, is cut using a rotary diamond saw. The stones are polished by passing them under rotating heads with varying levels of grit.

Once at the final destination, the headstone undergoes customization and is then delivered and installed at the cemetery by skilled professionals.

Custom Granite Memorials in Maryland

For almost 90 years, Merkle Monuments has crafted outstanding custom granite headstones and memorials for families in Maryland. Our skilled designers, with over 109 years of combined experience, can create a lasting tribute for your loved one’s memory. Contact us to start your project today!

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