Whether they’re making funeral arrangements for a loved one or pre-planning their own, most people are surprised to discover how many different types of gravestones are available. To help you understand your options, the caring professionals from Derrick Monument Co. have provided a brief overview of the most common types of grave markers. Based in Le Roy, NY, their team crafts beautiful stone monuments that honor the lives of those who have passed.

Here are a few of the most common types of gravestones:

• Upright Headstone: Perhaps the best-known type of gravestone, an upright headstone features a vertical tablet mounted on a small slab. This style is considered the most traditional and is commonly found in modern cemeteries.
• Slant or Bevel Marker: A slant marker is simply an upright headstone with a wide base that tapers at the top. Bevel markers are similar, but the taper is less steep.
• Flush Marker: Some grave markers can be set so they’re flush with the ground. These markers are an economical choice, but may also be required in certain cemeteries. Some veterans’ cemeteries only flush markers at graves.
• Ledger Marker: Ledger markers cover the entire grave using sandstone, granite, or marble. In the past, these markers served as the lid of the coffin. Today, they may be used to mark large family plots.
• Tablet Stones: Tablet stones come in a variety of options and can either be placed directly in the ground or mounted atop a base. Gothic tablet stones typically feature ornamental shapes along the top edge, giving them an elegant appearance.

No matter which gravestone option you choose, the detail-oriented team from Derrick Monument Co. will ensure your marker is the perfect memorial for yourself or your loved one. To speak with one of their knowledgeable staff members, call (585) 768-8470 or visit their website for more information.