Monuments - gravestone monument - production and installation of monuments. How to choose a good monument for your grave? Useful tips for those who have not yet chosen Granite monuments: how to choose

26.06.2019

Do you want to order a monument but don’t know what material it will be made of, granite or marble?

Granite or marble- what stone better For making a monument?

Let's look at which material is more suitable for our climate.

European monuments to the grave:

When deciding whether to order a monument made of granite or marble at a funeral home or workshop, many decide in favor of natural stones for monuments. Most often this granite or marble. Both of these materials are perfect for making a monument and have a number of significant advantages over more cheap options However, these monument stones are very different from each other. Therefore, before ordering a tombstone, you need to understand what their differences are. If you want to buy a monument made of granite or marble, be sure to contact professionals.

When it comes to erecting a monument - reliable and durable, and therefore made of natural stone - two eternally competing materials enter the arena - marble and granite. And here it begins, which of them is more beautiful, stronger, more reliable and (which is important, by the way) more noble.

Finding information online about what is better and preferable, marble or granite, is almost impossible. Not because it doesn't exist. Quite the contrary, it is there and in abundance. But because every seller (and you may note that articles of similar content are located on the websites of sellers of products of the same name) praises exactly the stone that he needs to sell to his reader. What kind of objectivity is there if information from different, seemingly authoritative sources is absolutely contradictory? Here they say granite is better, there - marble. Here they will tell you that granite is more expensive, and there they say the same about marble. In general, we decided to put everything together and make (perhaps for the first time in the history of the Internet) the most unbiased analysis, understanding not only the difference between marble and granite, but also the practical value of each of them.

GRANITE

Granite- this is an igneous rock;

Marble is a metamorphic rock.

That's the difference. It means that both stones are natural rocks. Marble is not pressed shells, as granite sellers claim, and granite, in turn, is not quartz, although to some extent the latter is contained in the stone. Both materials are natural and natural, both contain natural impurities, and their specific composition and characteristics depend on the deposit.

Which is better for a gravestone, granite or marble?

Go ahead. Density. Granite is indeed harder and therefore more durable than marble. On the one hand, this characteristic does not allow craftsmen to carve fine detail from such a hard stone and create truly masterpiece sculptures, like from marble. But on the other hand, in combination with some other features (which will be discussed below), this makes granite more durable.

MARBLE

By the way, about durability. In several places I have seen that a granite monument will last about 600 years without changes, and a marble one - about 150. Yes, the difference is noticeable. But let's be honest. When we lose someone close, we erect a monument not for descendants or even for the deceased. We need this first and foremost. We pay our last respects, we keep the final resting place of a dear relative clean and tidy, we arrange wakes and farewells - all this maintains the broken connection in us and gives at least some consolation. Therefore, answer the question: which is better - 600 or 150 years? As for me, there is not much difference. 150 years is, of course, not 600, but in comparison with the several dozen that monuments made of synthetic materials are “capable” of, this is very, very worthy.

Now let's figure it out What is more expensive - granite or marble? But we will not be able to understand the difference in cost, because the formulation of the question itself is incorrect. The fact is that it is possible to distinguish the value, and as a result, the price of one or another stone in comparison with another, only by taking into account its deposit, type and method of extraction. Add more here pricing policy the seller from whom you are purchasing the monument. Thus, elite-looking Italian marble will naturally be more expensive than some Chinese granite. Conversely, high-quality, expensive granite will outperform low-quality marble from Egypt in price. So my advice to you is to focus not on the stone, but on your own financial capabilities.

And finally, let's remember a few myths about marble and granite that monument sellers skillfully use:

Granite is radioactive and dangerous. This is the favorite “horror story” of marble fans. Actually anyone natural stone has a certain radioactive background, which is absolutely safe for humans. In the case of granite, everything depends on the place where it was mined. Each deposit, before receiving official permission to extract raw materials from it, undergoes mandatory radiation testing. And if you buy certified products, then there is nothing to be afraid of. The only danger that granite can pose to a person can occur if the monument is dropped on someone's foot.
The marble becomes stained and turns yellow. Everything gets stained if you don't take care of it. This stone is actually less resistant to weather conditions than granite and may suffer more externally. But I assure you, if you take care of the monument, at least occasionally wiping it, then even after many years it will be almost impossible to distinguish it from new.
Only primitive shapes can be made from granite. And again by. Of course, granite “succeeds” best in rectangles, but, even if not as detailed, beautiful compositions from this stone are still obtained. I saw granite angels, and all sorts of flowers, and drapes. Of course, this would be more thoroughly executed in marble, but granite, believe me, looks very decent.
Marble becomes moldy. Unfortunately, this happens. But not only with marble, but with any stone if it has microscopic cracks. It's a pity, but it's impossible to predict this moment. The only way to reinsure yourself is to inquire about the method of extracting raw materials for the monument. If an explosion was used, the stone will “bloom”, as if covered with a greenish film. If the raw materials have been cut, then there is nothing to worry about.

Summarize: my friends, choose the material that you like best. Perhaps, in memory of a young innocent girl, delicate, white marble would be more suitable, while a strict and reserved man would be worthily remembered with a granite monument. One way or another, both granite and marble are a good and justified choice….

You can order a monument made of granite or marble by calling: +7 499 391 59 04 ; +7 916 099 92 88

The bright memory of the person who left our world remains forever in the hearts of his loved ones and relatives. The path to the grave is not overgrown; there are always fresh flowers there. To emphasize the love for the deceased and the depth of their grief, family members install a tombstone at the grave, where the dates of birth and death, the name of the deceased, epitaphs are usually written, and a photograph is often placed (either embossed on the slab itself or printed). What are monuments made of? Read about this in the article.

Installation of a tombstone

Today you can order a monument at every funeral home. Our staff will provide you with a catalog of samples from which you can choose the appropriate option. Also, if you want, the tombstone can be made according to an individual sketch. Before placing an order, you need to select a material. You will be told about what the monuments are made of at the office of the manufacturing company. Keep in mind that the higher quality and stronger the material, the longer the tombstone will retain its original appearance, however, the price will be correspondingly higher. Now the market offers all kinds of tombstones: stone, metal, polymer granite, concrete and even wood. Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of each option in more detail.

Monuments made of natural stone

Such tombstones are considered the most reliable and noble; they will look dignified for a long time and can stand for centuries. What stone are monuments made of? The most the best material Granite is rightfully considered, marble is no less often used. Let's talk about the properties of these stones.

1. Granite tombstones

This material does not turn gray or fade when exposed to sunlight, and does not crack due to temperature changes. A granite monument can have any thickness and shape, because the material is easy to process. At the same time, you can be sure that the finished product will not have any damage: cracks or chips. It will be possible to apply a portrait image of any complexity onto it, and the surface will not lose its neatness and will not look too scratched. The advantage of this stone is that it comes in a huge variety of color variations, so you can choose absolutely any color. Gabbro granite is considered the most beautiful and expensive.

2. Marble tombstones

This material is softer than granite, therefore, working with it is more problematic. Perhaps the only advantage is the lower price. It is impossible to carve a portrait on such a stone, so usually a photo oval is attached to it.

Manufacturers make tombstones not only from natural marble, but also make monuments from artificial stone. In any case, the material requires regular maintenance and is less durable than granite. If you live at a considerable distance from the burial site and do not have the opportunity to often come to the cemetery to clean the marble from dirt, it is better to choose another tombstone option. The fact is that grease and moisture leave stains on such monuments, and the colored material is also characterized by low frost resistance.

Metal monuments

This group includes bronze, iron and other tombstones. Various metals have different properties, but have a common significant drawback - susceptibility to corrosion. Unfortunately, you should also be wary of vandalism. Metal products can be handed over to a recycling center for money, so there are cases when monuments are simply taken away from the cemetery.

1. Bronze tombstones

They look expensive and solid, even corrosion looks noble on them. Nevertheless, they are quite rare in their entirety; often letters or bronze decorations are applied to stone slabs. In this way, even the most modest tombstone can be given individuality.

2. Iron monuments

These products are simple and easy to install. But dismantling, unfortunately, will not cause any difficulties either. In general, it is better not to choose this material: it quickly rusts and is easily deformed. To some extent, this situation can be prevented if the tombstone is regularly painted.

What other material are monuments made from?

Nowadays polymer granite is often used for this type of product. This is a mixture of granite chips, which are first cast into molds, and after hardening, they are covered with a protective composition and decorated with decorative elements. Such a tombstone will last less than a stone one, but it also costs less. Despite the fact that the monument will look like granite on the outside, it is often hollow inside. This means that after some time the joints will begin to separate, and the beautiful view will be lost. In terms of manufacturing technology, polymer granite products are very similar to gravestones made from stone chips. The only difference is in the binding substance - instead of concrete, a polymer is used.

Other materials

When talking about what monuments are made of, it is impossible not to mention concrete. From of this material the tombstone is cast entirely, that is, apart from concrete, no other components are present. This design is unreliable; even with proper reinforcement, the monument will not retain its original appearance for long: the concrete quickly crumbles and begins to crumble under the influence of the external environment.

Finally

We have not listed all the options for what monuments are made from. The choice is quite extensive; To avoid mistakes, it is better to seek advice from professionals. After all, it is important to install a tombstone that will leave for descendants the memory of the deceased forever!

A monument is placed on a grave to preserve the memory of a person. Stone is a durable material and does not deteriorate for centuries.

The inscription on it - name, dates of life, epitaph - reminds of the person. As long as the memory of the deceased lives, he is alive. A century or a hundred years was perceived by our ancestors as an eternity. Hence the expression – “perpetuation” of memory. Memory is nourished not only by memories, but also by deeds. Visiting the grave, meeting at memorial days

, publication of archives and care of the grave - all these are matters that preserve and enhance the memory of the deceased. Monuments serve as a material expression of memory and at the same time as an instrument for preserving memory.

Monument in a cemetery - price of monuments for a grave The cost of a monument depends on the rock from which it is made, size, design and other factors. A monument in a cemetery may be made of expensive stone, such as marble. Buying a granite monument is much cheaper. The choice is influenced

national traditions

, wallet, faith and funeral rite.

When to place a monument on a grave? Act immediately!

When, over time, the grave mound settles and the pain of loss dulls, the time comes to take care of the improvement of the grave. And the first questions that arise are related to the monument: what will it be like, who will make it, when to erect it?

There is a widespread belief that until the ground settles, there is no point in installing a monument. This is not entirely true.

Begin work on strengthening the grave immediately after spring warmth sets in. The grave is covered with reinforced concrete beams, the edges of which rest on solid ground, and a concrete base is laid on top of the beams. After this, you can erect a monument - it is securely strengthened and insured against ground subsidence and distortion.

What will the monument be like?

Decide what the monument will be like. You can choose from the site finished project or order your own version according to an individual sketch.

Ready monument

You can choose a ready-made monument. The website service (CJSC Ritual-Service) offers big choice options, and the likelihood that you will settle on one of them is high. Having chosen the one you like, all you have to do is order gravestone inscription(epitaph) and portrait. After two weeks, everything will be ready for installation on the grave.

Monument according to an individual project

What to do, if ready-made option didn't suit? Order a monument based on an individual project. It will cost more, but will be unique - the way you see it. the site will offer for free several options for 3D projects developed based on your wishes, thanks to which you can discuss the future monument with your family and make adjustments. Once the project is approved, stone cutters will begin work.

Epitaph and portrait

Important elements of the monument are the epitaph and the portrait. The site will help you select a gravestone inscription and apply it to the monument.

Installation of a monument on the grave

The site delivers the monument to the grave for free. Our installation service will professionally carry out all work on site preparation and installation of a tombstone on a turnkey basis at any cemetery in Moscow and the surrounding Moscow region.

Grave care

In addition to making monuments, the site provides services for improving and caring for the grave. Order them to us, and the grave of your loved ones will always be neat and well-groomed.

Mistake #1

It lies in the fact that most often people start to worry about monument almost immediately before its planned installation on the grave. That is, they come to the company’s office and ask to do monument as quickly as possible, almost within a week. At the same time, such customers are very surprised when they are denied a deadline, they even get offended by the company: after all, they are in a hurry, before memorial days There is little time left, and they don’t want to meet them halfway. It is sometimes impossible to explain to such people what a short time no good company monument won't do it. Judge for yourself: The average order production time is 2 months, and if monumentnot typical, then more. Customers in a hurry don’t want to hear anything about the queue to order. But in good agencies there are always a lot of customers, so the queues are long.

In short, I realized thatmonument to the graveIt is best to order about six months before its installation. Moreover, decent funeral companies always have warehouses for finished products, and it is stored until the required period for free. Therefore, try to take care of the order monument a few months before installation, and you won’t have to worry in the spring.

Mistake #2

- This unsuccessful choicecompanies. In order not to commit it, you need to take into account several factors and check a few things. Firstly, O When you contact an agency, immediately find out whether it has its own granite workshop. If not, it’s better to look for another funeral company, otherwise you won’t have any problems.

After all, no one is immune from defective finished products. Whereas an agency with a workshop will eliminate the defect itself. It’s especially good, of course, if the company has not only its own workshops, but also quarries . This doesn't happen often, but it does happen. With these, I found out the quality of the stone is always better and the price is

monuments below. And of course, pay attention to different stock ! Reputable companies often conduct them. For example, promotional discounts are announced formonuments in winter. They are usually very good. This is understandable: in winter there are few orders from funeral agencies, people are unemployed. So promotions are being announced to spur consumer demand during this difficult time for sales. So here, as in the proverb: prepare a sleigh in the summer, and a cart in the winter. That is monumentin winter it's much more profitable to buy

than at other times of the year, and even more so in the spring, when funeral firms have a lot of clients.

Mistake #3People often make mistakes when

. For example, they do not take into account the climatic features of the area where the cemetery and, accordingly, the grave are located. And yet, we haven’t figured out the characteristics of the stone. Let's say we chose You monumentmarble. You can’t say anything, marble is a beautiful and noble material. Monument done, installed, you are happy with everything. But after a year and a half you suddenly notice that, firstly, lost its original shine , Secondly,V engraved photos and inscriptions somehow “blurred” . And in general, on your marble tombstone mold has appeared ! All this means that, firstly, you did not take into account the air humidity in your region. High humidity is the cause of fungus on marble . Secondly,

marble, indeed, fades over time, and the images on it become more cloudy. monument, plate and other accessories to the grave , stopped at granite. It is beautiful, has different color shades and is durable. Granite monument My great-grandfather’s grave has been on it for over 40 years, and it’s practically like new.

Mistake #4

She's tied up with the wrong one choosing a portrait for the monument. Sometimes people order e.g. too much a large portrait, which either hardly fits into the overall dimensions, or prevents it from being placed intelligently and beautifully on the body monument necessary and symbols. Sometimes there is another extreme: relatives want to have a full-length image on a small tombstone. But we must understand that such choice only suitable for very large monuments , otherwise the face in the portrait will come out too small.

But disappointment – large.

When will you choose photo for portrait,try not to make it group. Of course, modern computer technology will easily make it possible to separate the desired image from the group. But now imagine the feelings of those acquaintances of the deceased from the photograph who will understand that it was she who was used as a prototype. After all, many of us are superstitious, prone to prejudices and would hardly want such a discovery. One more thing. In order not to be mistaken in When choosing, bring the artist several possible photos, and let him choose the appropriate one during the process of making the portrait.

Mistake #5

Many people do it based on purchase monumentcheaper. The desire to save money is quite understandable. Most of us are not rich people. Some unscrupulous funeral companies play on this. They sell cheap promotional discounts are announced for from surrogate materials, passing off artificial stone as natural. And after a short time monument on the grave begins to crumble. This can be both costly and offensive.

Remember, my dears, that real granite, marble or other quarry stone is not cheap. Hence the relatively high price of blanks for a truly durable tombstone. So save wisely: Better use promotions and discounts offered by agencies.

These are my observations and conclusions regarding how NOT to choose a monument for the grave and what to consider in order to avoid mistakes in this complex matter and not add unpleasant disappointments to yourself. I hope my experience is useful to someone!

Natural stone, polymer material, metal, wood or glass? Stele, obelisk, vertically or horizontally oriented slab? Decoration monument: carving, engraving, photoceramics, inscription text? Author's copy or standard project? As it turns out, choosing a monument is not at all easy.

Demand creates supply for absolutely everything. If we add to this the leaps and bounds of progress, it is not surprising that today, even in the matter of choosing a tombstone, the customer will be offered many different options.

Tombstone material

Currently, the main materials for the manufacture of tombstones are natural stone (granite, marble, gabbro, diabase, serpentine, labradorite, etc.) and artificial polymer materials (porcelain stoneware, granite polymer, various resins as a coating). Metal or wood are also used as materials.

A natural stone. Despite its high cost compared to other materials, natural stone is the most preferred choice. Undoubtedly, the expenses incurred will pay off over time: having paid for the monument once, you will not have to spend additional funds on its restoration or premature replacement.

Which stone is most suitable for the conditions of Moscow and the Moscow region? In conditions of significant temperature changes and high humidity, granite is the most problem-free material: it does not require mandatory processing and cleaning, does not crack or fade in the sun, and has a wide color scheme and a unique design. If you have a very limited budget, it is advisable to order a small standard monument made of granite with appropriate photoceramics and engraving.

Marble. Due to its plasticity, marble can be easily processed, which makes this material in demand in the manufacture of complex sculptures with elaborate detailing. In addition, marble has a wide color spectrum and is especially appreciated among those who prefer light colors. The disadvantages of marble include its relative fragility compared to granite, as well as its requirement for regular maintenance. Marble is a porous material, so it must be cleaned carefully. Marble cannot be cleaned with ordinary household products. Even weak acids can destroy the structure of the stone, and the abrasives contained in the powders leave noticeable scratches. Marble also does not like acidic, fatty and coloring liquids (wine, vinegar, oil): these liquids can leave permanent stains on the surface.

To make marble pleasing to the eye long years, you need to purchase a special detergent for caring for natural stone and use it in combination with velvet. Stone care products have a reduced content of aggressive substances and do not contain abrasive elements.

Gabbro – rock, characterized by a dark shade (black, dark green, spotted) and interesting drawing. The main advantages of this material include strength and durability, as well as the contrast of engraving on a dark surface.

Diabase (dolerite)– a strong and impact-resistant material of natural origin, dark gray or greenish-black in color. Compared to granite and marble, the cost of diabase monuments is much more affordable.

Serpentine (serpentinite)– a natural stone of rich green color with white spots and veins. The coil is distinguished by its original color and interesting pattern, unique to each deposit. Serpentinite has low hardness and is easy to machine and polish. The coil can be used both as the main stone and as individual elements of the monument.

Labradorite– in addition to strength, it differs unusual design: due to its mineral composition, the stone shimmers like mother-of-pearl.

Artificial materials. A more budget-friendly alternative to natural stone are synthetic materials based on stone chips and polymer resins. Such monuments are much lighter than their natural stone counterparts, which significantly reduces the risk of soil subsidence. On the other hand, when choosing such a tombstone, you should remember that over the next 8-10 years, all inscriptions and drawings on it will disappear from the monument, and the tombstone itself will become noticeably lighter. In addition, cracks inevitably form at inter-element joints, the appearance of which is invariably promoted by strong temperature fluctuations and high humidity.

Wood and metal. Wooden and metal memorials are typically a temporary headstone option until a permanent memorial is installed. It is necessary to take into account that metal and wooden monuments very quickly lose their aesthetic appeal: everyone is familiar with half-rotten or rust-eaten rickety crosses on unkempt graves.

Tombstone design

On currently The most popular form of monuments are vertically and horizontally oriented slabs. The tombstone can be installed either on one burial or on several graves. Stone steles or obelisks are often installed at the graves of military personnel.

Most companies offer to purchase both individual monuments and entire ritual complexes. Ritual ( memorial Complex) involves, in addition to the monument, the installation of a plinth, a fence, a table, a bench and other elements made in the same style.

Photoceramics and other design elements

Currently, special printers are used to print portraits on ceramics. The automated printing method ensures 100% similarity to the photo and excellent image quality.

Printers for ceramics are either laser (decals, decals) or inkjet. The main difference between these printers is the method of applying the image.

An inkjet printer prints an image on the surface of the monument, after which powder paint is applied and the entire product is fired in a muffle furnace. A laser (or decal) printer creates a special ceramic transfer image (decal), which is transferred to the monument, after which it is fired in a kiln.

In addition to photographic images, inscriptions are usually applied to monuments. Engraving of inscriptions and drawings can be done either manually or mechanically. Most common modern way engraving – laser engraving – provides the most accurate transfer of the design.

Save wisely. When choosing between cheap material and the small size of a standard monument, lean toward the latter option. Even the simplest tombstone made from natural stone will look solid and dignified, which cannot be said about works made from artificial materials and low-quality stones. By choosing a cheap material, in the future you will spend a much larger amount ordering cleaning of the monument, its restoration, updating the inscription and engraving. You need to be especially careful when handling granites from China. If there is an opportunity for an equivalent choice, it is more advisable to choose a monument made of stone mined in Russia or Ukraine.
When contacting a company selling tombstones, ask where the monuments were made. Minimum cost gravestones - from their direct manufacturers. In addition, if monuments are produced at the point of sale, this also reduces their cost - because the company does not spend additional money on delivering them to the store.
A reputable company is ready to demonstrate its products “live”, that is, it has exhibition hall. Be wary of companies that display their products only in catalogs.
If you are not initially inclined to spend a large amount for an exclusive copy, do not give in to persuasion to order a monument based on an individual project. Large companies provide up to 100 types of standard tombstones and several possible options material. Most likely, from this abundance you will be able to choose what you like.
There is a common myth that you can save significantly on a monument by buying a slab from one manufacturer and ordering engraving and photoceramics elsewhere - where it is cheaper. Do not forget that in this case, double transportation of the monument and the services of loaders will also cost you a certain amount.
There is no need to rush into making and installing a monument. The period of one year from the date of the funeral was not invented by chance: after four seasons with their different weather conditions, the soil becomes compacted and actually acquires its natural structure. Under such conditions, the probability of successful installation of the monument, i.e. the even arrangement of all elements without the risk of subsidence, strives for 100%. To avoid unpleasant surprises in the form of a monument falling and sagging, you must also remember that tombstones are installed in warm, dry weather.