Monument Styles and Tombstone Shapes

Tombstone shapes and monument styles are illustrated. There are many different styles of granite memorials. The following information is provided to help you become familiar with the basic aspects of monument design. Familiarity with tombstone shapes and monument styles will help you when you sit down with us to design your loved one’s memorial. Measurements may vary but those shown are typical for each style. Learn more about monument designs.

Monument Styles – Upright Monuments

  • Designed to stand straight up perpendicular to level ground.
  • The engraved marker portion is known as a “die.” Most are usually 6″ or 8″ thick.
  • The horizontal portion is known as the base and is usually required.
  • The larger size allows for more personalized expression and room for engraving.
  • Scenic designs and the family name are popular additions on the back.

Monument Styles – Slant Monuments

  • Upright slant shape. The thickness identified during ordering is the thickness of the base.
  • The top is usually 2 inches thick.
  • The top can be flat, oval, or serpentine shaped.
  • A standard 2 inch to 4 inch nosing is recommended. This protects the polished etched surface.
  • A base is optional and usually not required.
  • May be used for individual or companion.

Monument Styles – Flat Markers

  • Designed to lie flat at lawn level.
  • All are a minimum of 4 inches thick.
  • Provides burial information for a single individual.
  • May be used for individual or ordered double width for a companion.

Monument Styles – Bevel Markers

  • Often called a Pillow Marker or Hickey.
  • Slight bevel slant from back to front of marker.
  • The back is 2″ thicker than the front to provide this bevel effect.
  • May be used for individual or companion.
  • Usually 6″ or 8″ thick, however, thicker markers are available.

Monument Styles – Ledgers

  • Designed to lie flat at lawn level.
  • All are a minimum of 4 inches thick.
  • Covers the entire length of the buried.
  • The larger size allows for more personalized expression and room for engraving.

Monument Styles – Ledgers with Slant or Bevel Markers

  • Combines a ledger with a slant or bevel.
  • Covers the entire length of the buried.
  • The larger size allows for more personalized expression and room for engraving.

Monument Styles – Cremation Memorials

  • Similar characteristics of the Upright Monument.
  • Usually has one or more containers for the placement of cremated remains (cremains). Cremation urns are not used.
  • Most cremation memorials and benches have cored spaces in the granite where the cremains in a plastic bag are placed.
  • Much easier to maintain as the marker does not need to be moved for ground burials.

Monument Styles – Benches

  • Very popular for both a memorial and as a cremation memorial.
  • Base is usually not required.
  • Some style benches can hold the cremains of up to 6 loved ones.
  • Enhances the beauty of burial garden.

Monument Styles – Rock Monument

  • Similar characteristics of the Upright Monument.
  • Area available for expression, decoration, and engraving is variable with the size of the stone and the polished face.
  • Bronze markers may be mounted.
  • May also be used as a cremation memorial.

Upright Monument Shapes

There are a wide variety of tops and ends available. However, if you want a memorial with tops and ends that are different or unusual, those designs will usually be more expensive.

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Single Upright Headstones and Single Upright Monuments by Schlitzberger

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We use only the best granites to design and build the finest memorials.

Single Upright Headstones and Single Upright Monuments by Schlitzberger

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Single Upright Headstones and Single Upright Monuments by Schlitzberger

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Single Upright Headstones and Single Upright Monuments by Schlitzberger

We Sell Direct to the Public

We offer our products and services direct to the public at reasonable prices.

Let Us Help You

If you have questions, please feel free to call or email us.

Schlitzberger & Daughters Monument Co.
The Schlitzberger family has been creating the finest memorials, monuments, and crafted stonework since 1922. We are the Houston Monument company of choice. No other Houston monument company can offer the quality, selection and service that Schlitzberger and Daughters is famous for. Nationally certified, family owned and operated, we offer our products and services direct to the public at reasonable prices.

LOCATIONS

Houston Main Office
6859 Lawndale
Houston, Texas 77023

telephone (713) 926-1785
toll free (800) 460-1159
facsimile (713) 926-1787

La Marque Sales Office
2501 Main
La Marque, Texas 77568

 

 

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Houston Office Hours

Monday through Friday
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Sunday
Closed

La Marque Office Hours

By Appointment Only
Call (713) 926-1785
See Contact Page for holiday closures

IMPORTANT NOTICES:

  1. Schlitzberger & Daughters Monument Company does not install outside of the greater Houston-Galveston area and surrounding counties.
  2. Schlitzberger & Daughters Monument Company does not ship monuments out of Texas.
  3. Due to the differing requirements of cemeteries, and the parameters of size, material, and items such as vases, photos and medallions, you must contact Schlitzberger & Daughters Monument Company for pricing information.