How are granite grave markers made?

The Process of Making a Headstone Monument

1. The first step begins at the quarry. Granite blocks are cut from bedrock, usually through drilling. A pneumatic drill bores vertical holes in the granite along the cut line, approximately 20 feet deep. Quarry workers then use steel bits with steel teeth to cut away at the rock's core.

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Granite blocks are typically about 3 feet wide, 3 feet high, and 10 feet long, weighing around 20,250 lbs. Once the granite block is cut loose, workers loop a cable around the block, attach it to a large derrick, and lift the granite block onto a flatbed truck for transportation to the headstone manufacturer.

At the granite manufacturer, the blocks are cut into smaller slabs, which are usually 6, 8, 10, or 12 inches thick. This is done with a rotary diamond saw equipped with a solid steel diamond blade.

The cut slabs are polished next. They pass under rotating heads (typically eight to 13) with varying levels of grit, beginning with a coarse diamond grit and finishing with felt buffer pads using water and aluminum or tin oxide powder to achieve a smooth, glossy finish. The granite slabs are then either cut or rock-pitched into the desired shape and size. Rock pitching, a method of chiseling the outer edges of the stone by hand, gives it a more defined, custom shape. The finished monument is crated and sent to the monument builder.

The design department then works with the customer to create a detailed headstone layout. This layout is presented to the customer for approval of the artwork and inscription.

Once the design is approved, the engravers use computer-generated artwork to create a stencil. This stencil serves as a guide to engrave details like words, dates, or emblems into the granite. In the past, designs were hand-drawn and carved. Nowadays, computer systems improve the accuracy and precision of monument building, but the process still relies heavily on the artisans' skills.

After applying the stencil, a craftsman uses a high-pressure air hose to trace the design into the granite. The engravers fill the crevices with black or white litho, making the lettering stand out. The uncut portion of the stencil is then removed, and the granite headstone undergoes final preparations before being shipped.

To personalize your headstone memorial, you can add photos, vases, and other items. Sun City Granite supplies porcelain ceramic photos from Paradise Pictures, who offer a lifetime warranty on their products.

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About Paradise Pictures, LLC

Paradise Pictures® introduced the first high-fired color photo ceramic process to the memorial industry in 1991. Our process ensures the best reproduction of your client’s photos through digital scanning and computer color adjustment, creating a high-resolution digital image. Ceramic colors, fired at extremely high temperatures, withstand weather and environmental extremes. The medallion finish remains intact, ensuring durability in memorial applications.

Our finished product boasts sharp images with natural skin tones and detailed color quality. We start with a family photograph, scan it at high resolution, digitally clean it, and correct any color imbalances. Using our proprietary process, the medallion is fired at up to 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit. Thanks to our unique equipment and digital technology, the process is typically completed in less than 15 working days. This blend of ancient enameling and modern digital photography offers top-quality portraits for the memorialization industry.

Granite Headstones: How Are They Made?

Years ago, crafting a granite memorial was labor-intensive. Today, advancements in technology and motorized tools allow for detailed and efficient monument building. A memorial is a lasting tribute that shares a part of the deceased's life story. Therefore, granite, known for its durability, is a popular choice for headstones. Its unique patterns make each slab one-of-a-kind.

Transforming Granite into a Monument Slab

Granite has been used for headstones since the mid-1800s. The process begins at a quarry, where a pneumatic drill extracts granite blocks. These are transported to a manufacturer where they are cut into smaller slabs using a rotary diamond saw. The slabs are polished with water and aluminum or tin oxide powder.

Fun Fact: Polished granite becomes darker; scratching reveals the original lighter color.

Polishing helps to protect the stone from damages and elements. Stone slabs are cut to shape, and edges can be rock-pitched instead of polished. The area to be engraved must stay polished. After polishing and shaping, the granite is delivered to the monument company.

Selecting the Monument Design

Before carving and engraving, a design must be created. Today, this is done using computer software for accuracy. The design includes 3D carvings, symbols, images, and lettering.

Engraving the Granite Headstone

After design approval, a rubber stencil with an adhesive backing is made. The granite is covered by the stencil except for the design, protecting it during engraving. Sandblasting is a common technique, alongside laser and diamond etching.

Post-engraving, the monument is inspected, cleaned, and prepared for delivery. Modern tools have made the process more efficient, but crafting monuments remains an art requiring dedication and attention to detail. Today’s technology allows for intricate, personalized memorials.

Need a burial monument or headstone for your loved one? With over 40 years of experience, Columbia Gardens Memorials is a top choice in the Washington D.C. area. Our skilled artisans offer unique memorials and on-site engraving services. Call 703-527-7774 or email todd@cgmemorials.com to speak with our staff.

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