A monument is a lasting memorial to someone you've lost, a loving tribute that will stand the test of time and forever honor your loved one and their life. Most monuments are made of granite, a durable natural stone extracted from the earth. After leaving the quarry, granite undergoes several steps before becoming the monument you see.

Cutting

After the granite arrives at the plant, workers cut the blocks into slabs of varied thickness. They use diamond-tipped high-speed saws that allow for precise measurements and cutting. In modern manufacturing plants, saws are computer operated, resulting in exact cuts with high levels of efficiency and production.

Polishing

Granite slabs are machine-polished by an abrasive brick or metal disc to create a high-gloss finish. Once complete, the slab is cut to the preferred size. Hammers, chisels, and other instruments are used to finish the edges and trim. Depending on the specifications of the job, the edges may be polished or left plain and rough.

Sandblasting

During sandblasting, the monument is engraved with a computer-aided design system. The system generates a stencil of rubber that is glued or placed on the monument. After putting the granite in a sandblasting cabinet, abrasive particles are sprayed against the surface, removing all portions not covered by the stencil.

Carving & Sculpting

Carvers create three dimensional designs on the monument with sharp chisels. These chisels operate with compressed air capable of making deep cuts. A sculptor may also be utilized to shape the monument itself into a customer's preferred style.

Etching

Finally, images may be etched into the surface of the monument. Done by hand with a diamond tipped etching tool or a computer driven laser, etching scratches fine lines and details into the polished surface of the granite to create an everlasting image.

When looking for the perfect monument, the team at Hirons Memorial Works is here to help. Serving the Mount Orab, OH, area, they’ve been a trusted headstone provider for more than 80 years, offering a wide range of colors, shapes, and designs to suit any taste or budget. Call (888) 444-6356 or visit them online to request a quote.