As monumental masons, we have to know about the various materials that we use and how to apply various finishes to them. This is just a brief guide on the various materials that we use for memorials that we provide and the various finishes which can be applied to them.
Materials
There are a number of different materials which can be used for a memorial. If there are any materials which you would like us to use, then feel free to get in touch on 0800 0837634 and we will advise you on the availablity and suitability of the material that you would like us to use. The main materials that we use are:
Granite:
- This is the most durable stone available which we highly recommend, mainly because of it's suitability to the British weather. It is available in a number of colours including grey, black, red and blue which when polished, displays the the colour extremely well.
White Marble :
- White in colour, veined with blue/grey markings. Due to its porous nature marble is not recommended for use near to trees or damp areas. Always given a finely rubbed finish which is very smooth but never polished. Not permitted for use in churchyards.
Nabresina:
- This fine hard limestone, fawn/beige in colour, is suitable for most churchyards and finished as white marble.
Portland:
- A soft light coloured stone which discolours relatively quickly giving an aged look and is mostly used in churchyards.
Finishes
Polished:
- All visible areas of the memorial are polished with the exception of any design work or inward facing surfaces. Suitable for virtually every cemetery except those run by the Church of England.
Part Polished:
- The polished or honed area of a memorial is restricted to the inscription face and top of base where applicable. All other surfaces will be pitched, sawn, sanded, blasted or rubbed as appropriate to the individual memorial.
Pitched:
- A pitched finish is one that has been obtained by using a bolster and hammer which gives a rough finish to the memorial.
Honed:
- A honed finish can be best described as an 'eggshell' finish. Whilst extremely smooth it is non reflective and particularly suitable for most churchyards.