Your Complete Guide
Headstone Styles
Every family is different. Every life deserves a memorial that tells its own story. Explore our five headstone styles to find the one that honors your loved one best.
Grass Markers
The minimalists of the cemetery world. Flat Markers (also called Grass Markers) sit flush with the ground or are raised just an inch or two. They are often required by modern memorial parks that maintain a seamless, park-like lawn appearance. Simple, dignified, and the most budget-friendly option available.
- Sits flush with the ground — subtle and unobtrusive
- Often required by modern memorial parks for a seamless lawn look
- Usually rectangular — fully customizable with engravings and photos
- Most budget-friendly option; requires occasional sweeping of grass/dirt
Bevel Markers
Think of Bevel Markers as Flat Markers with a little more presence. They sit above the ground but remain relatively low-profile. Their defining feature is a slight slope — usually 2 to 3 inches — from the back to the front. This small angle makes the inscription easier to read from a distance and sheds water and debris more effectively.
- Slight 2–3 inch slope from back to front for better readability
- Sheds water and debris better than flat markers
- Low-profile yet more visible than a flush flat marker
- A practical step up in visibility without a large footprint
Slants
Slants are the elegant middle ground of headstones — taller than bevels but shorter and thicker than traditional uprights. Viewed from the side, they form a right-angled triangle with a steep, sloping face that provides a large canvas for engraving without being overly imposing.
- Sturdy and classic silhouette — a right-angled triangle profile
- Large engraving surface without the full footprint of an upright
- Available as Full Slant (ground-level) or Slant on Base (elevated)
- Low maintenance — sheds water and debris naturally
Uprights
The iconic image most people picture when they think of a headstone. An upright monument consists of two pieces: the Die (the vertical tablet) and the Base. Standing tall, these monuments are visible from across the cemetery and offer engraving on both the front and back.
- Highest visibility — seen from across the cemetery
- Engrave on both front and back (family history, poems, photos)
- Available in serpentine, oval, or roof-top shapes
- The most timeless and traditional memorial style
Special Orders
When a standard shape simply cannot capture a life fully lived, a Special Order memorial is the answer. These are fully custom creations — statues, benches, boulders, heart shapes, or uniquely themed designs that reflect the individual's passions and personality.
- Fully custom shapes — statues, benches, boulders, hearts, and more
- Intensely personal — for a life too big for a standard rectangle
- Specialized carving and unique granite color options available
- Longer lead time: approximately 5–6 months
Not Sure Which Style Is Right?
Schedule a free consultation with Mae. She'll walk you through every option and help you find the perfect memorial for your loved one — no pressure, no rush.
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