A bevel marker is a low-profile granite grave marker that sits slightly raised above the ground with a gentle slope from back to front. It provides improved readability compared to a flat marker while maintaining a clean, understated look. Many cemeteries allow bevel markers where upright headstones are restricted.

A columbarium is a structure that holds cremation urns in individual niches. The front of each niche often includes a granite or metal panel that can be engraved or laser etched with names, dates, and inscriptions.

A companion headstone is designed for two individuals, typically placed on a shared burial plot. It may be a larger flat marker or upright monument that includes space for two names and inscriptions.

A cremation memorial refers to a headstone, marker, or plaque used to memorialize someone who has been cremated. It may accompany a buried urn, columbarium niche, or serve as a symbolic marker in a family plot.

A flat grave marker sits flush with the ground. Also called a grass marker or lawn-level marker, it is common in cemeteries with uniform landscape requirements. Flat markers are typically made of granite and can include engraved lettering and photo etching.

A garden monument is a smaller upright granite memorial designed for placement at home in a yard or garden. Unlike traditional cemetery headstones, garden monuments are easy to place and do not require professional installation.

Granite is a durable natural stone commonly used for headstones, grave markers, and monuments. It withstands weather, resists cracking, and holds detailed laser etching, including portraits and artwork.

A grave marker is a general term for any memorial placed at a burial site. It may refer to a flat marker, bevel marker, slant marker, or upright headstone.

A gravestone is another word for headstone. Historically, it referred to the stone placed at a grave to mark burial, but today it is used interchangeably with headstone or tombstone.

A headstone is a memorial stone placed at the head of a grave. It is often upright but may also refer broadly to any cemetery marker. Modern headstones are commonly made of granite and may include inscriptions, artwork, and photo etching.

An inscription is the wording engraved on a headstone or grave marker. It typically includes the name, birth and death dates, and sometimes a short phrase, verse, or personal message.

Laser etching is a permanent engraving process that uses a high-powered laser to create detailed text, artwork, and photo portraits on polished granite. Unlike surface printing, laser etching does not peel or fade.

A memorial bench is a granite or stone bench engraved with names and inscriptions. It provides both a place to sit and a lasting tribute, often used in cemeteries or memorial gardens.

A monument typically refers to a larger upright headstone or memorial structure. The term is often used in the monument industry to describe vertical memorials set on a granite base.

A pet grave marker is a smaller headstone or granite plaque designed to honor a beloved companion. These are often placed in home gardens or designated pet cemeteries.

Polished granite has a smooth, reflective surface that enhances contrast for lettering and photo etching. It is commonly used for portrait memorials because it produces sharp detail.

A slant marker is a medium-height granite memorial that leans slightly backward for visibility. It offers more space than a bevel marker but does not stand fully upright like a monument.

A tombstone is another traditional term for a headstone or gravestone. While less commonly used in the monument industry today, families often search for this term online when shopping for memorials.

An upright headstone stands vertically and is typically set on a granite base. It allows for the most design flexibility, including larger lettering, decorative carvings, and photo etching.