When making funeral arrangements, your choice of a headstone is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. The grave memorial you choose will be in place for years to come, which is why it’s crucial to pick your material carefully. The type of grave marker you decide on will determine available designs, how the headstone looks, and how it will weather the elements. Here are a few of the most common choices, so you can pick one that best suits your needs.

3 Types of Headstone Materials to Choose From

1. Stone

Stone is a beautiful and traditional choice. For maximum durability in any weather, granite is at the top of the list of materials for headstones. But many people have an aesthetic preference for the color and texture of slate or sandstone, and marble is the material of choice for truly intricate memorial sculptures.

2. Wood

Wood is another traditional headstone material choice. The drawback is that wood will inevitably decompose, usually in under 100 years. Still, because wood can be used to create intricate, beautiful carvings, it is sometimes used for temporary memorials and later replaced with something more durable.

3. Metal

There are two common metal options for headstones: bronze and iron. Bronze is inexpensive, long-lasting, and requires very little maintenance. Iron can also be long-lasting—but wrought iron is less able to withstand weathering.

The material you select for your loved one’s headstone will have a significant effect on its appearance and durability. Consider your options carefully to find the best balance between aesthetics and permanence.

Haneline Monument Company in Lexington, NC, provides beautiful and functional headstones, urns, and plaques to memorialize the legacy of your loved one. Their trusted service will ensure those who pass on are not forgotten. For more information on choosing a headstone material that suits your needs and preferences, call them at (336) 243-6151 or send them a message online today.