What is a headstone

There are many different types of headstones, including Brushed Bronze 

What is a headstone?

A headstone is the final resting place for the remains of a loved one. 

A common style for headstones In NZ, this type is light and attractive. 

Alabaster - A soft stone that feels similar to marble, alabaster is ideal for headstones 

Stainless Steel - Also known as Classic, stainless steel is fine for most situations. 

Carved Wood - Carved wood is especially beautiful when it is unfinished and sanded to a beautiful sheen. 

Granite - A popular choice for memorials, granite is beautiful and strong. 

Chrome - Chrome is the most expensive option but looks very smart when it is finished. 

Monumental - This is the standard option for memorials and cemeteries. 

Custom - If you are looking for a truly personal touch, a custom design is the way to go.

What type of headstone should you design?

There are a few different types of headstones in Christchurch you may want to consider designing. 

These include 

Grave Markers - Grave markers are usually large and rectangular and are meant to sit on the grave site. 

Tombstones - Tombstones are usually smaller and round and are often placed in a vault or crypt. 

Column Headstones - Column headstones are meant to sit on top of a wall or arching structure. 

Rectangular Herophones - Rectangular headstones are meant to sit on top of a wall or arching structure. 

Vaulted Tiles - Vaulted tiled headstones are meant to sit on top of a vault.

Different ways of designing a headstone

There are many different ways to design your headstone. 

Here are a few ideas: 

Mix and Match - Mix and match decorative stones to create your own unique design. This is a good idea for people who want their headstone to blend in with the surrounding environment. 

Directional Headstones - Directional headstones are meant to point in the direction of the deceased, usually south. 

Rectangular Tiles - Rectangular tiles are beautiful and easy to install. They can be used as a standalone headstone or as part of a tombstone. 

Vaulted Tiles - Vaulted tiled headstones are meant to sit on top of a vault. 

Chinatown/Asian Heritage - Asian/Asian American heritage is very common and many headstones incorporate this. 

Creative - If you are looking for a unique and personal touch, an original design is the way to go.

Things to consider before designing your own headstone

These are just a couple of things you should think about before designing your own headstone. 

Type of Terracotta - Different types of terracotta are available and each has a different desert-like look. 

The two most popular types are Blue and Red Sonora - Blue Sonora is a very dark grey while red Sonora is a rich reddish brown. Look for a stone that is in this color scheme or very close to it. 

Stainless Steel or Classic? - Stainless steel is known for being elegant but classic. If you are planning on using it for a long time, it may be better as a headstone design. 

Longevity - If the garden gets too overgrown or the ground too wet, a headstone is meant to be replaced every year or two. While Custom headstones in NZ are only meant to stand for a short time, stainless steel ones can be left standing for years on end.

Conclusion

The design of a headstone is very important. They should be designed to reflect the type of person the deceased was, as well as the date they were born and the year they died. Hence, a headstone that is both modern and contemporary will look great, while a traditional design that is meant to last forever will look elegant and be respected by all those who pass by.