What types of materials are available for monuments and what are their differences?

Choosing the right material for your monument is crucial for longevity, appearance, and budget. At Gifford Monument Works, we primarily work with granite due to its exceptional durability and aesthetic versatility, but we also offer bronze, marble, and specialty materials depending on your preferences and cemetery requirements.

Granite: The Premier Choice

Why Granite Dominates Monument Materials:

Granite is the most popular monument material worldwide, and for good reason. This igneous rock formed deep in the earth offers unmatched durability, lasting centuries with minimal maintenance. Unlike softer stones, granite resists weathering, acid rain, and biological growth.

Granite Advantages:

• Longevity: Lasts 500+ years with minimal deterioration
• Weather Resistance: Withstands freeze-thaw cycles, heat, rain, and snow
• Low Maintenance: Requires only occasional cleaning
• Color Variety: Over 40 colors from classic to exotic
• Engraving Quality: Holds fine detail in lettering and artwork
• Polish Retention: Maintains mirror finish for decades
• Universally Accepted: Meets nearly all cemetery requirements

Granite Color Categories:

Classic Granite Colors (Most Popular):

• Black Granite (India Black, Impala Black): Deep, rich black with fine grain
• Gray Granite (Barre Gray, Mist Gray): Traditional, dignified appearance
• Red Granite (American Red, Ruby Red): Warm, distinctive reddish tones
• Pink Granite (Salisbury Pink, Carnelian): Soft, gentle coloring
• Brown Granite (Autumn Brown, Mesabi Black): Earth-toned warmth

Specialty Granite Colors (Premium Options):

• Blue Pearl: Stunning blue-gray with shimmering crystals
• Aurora: Unique black base with gold and green reflections
• Bahama Blue: Oceanic blue tones with wave-like patterns
• Emerald Pearl: Deep green with metallic shimmer
• Paradiso: Multi-colored with burgundy, gray, and black swirls

Granite Pricing Factors:

• Domestic vs. imported origin
• Color rarity and demand
• Cubic or square footage needed
• Surface finish (polished costs more than rock-faced)
• Typical range: $20-100+ per cubic foot

Bronze: Classic and Traditional

Bronze Monument Features:

Bronze has been used for memorials for thousands of years, offering a traditional, prestigious appearance. Most commonly used as plaques mounted on granite bases, bronze can also create full memorial markers in some cemeteries.

Bronze Advantages:

• Traditional Aesthetic: Classic, dignified appearance
• Detailed Casting: Excellent for intricate designs and emblems
• Patina Development: Ages gracefully with distinguished green or brown patina
• Theft Deterrent: Modern anchoring systems secure bronze firmly
• Lightweight: Easier to transport and install than solid granite

Bronze Limitations:

• Higher Maintenance: Requires periodic cleaning and waxing
• Patina Variation: Color changes over time (some prefer, some don't)
• Temperature: Can be very hot or cold to touch
• Cemetery Restrictions: Some cemeteries limit or prohibit bronze
• Cost: Generally more expensive than comparable granite

Bronze Applications:

• Plaques mounted on granite bases
• Military and veteran emblems
• Civic and organization memorials
• Memorial benches
• Cremation monuments

Bronze Pricing: Typically $1,500-$5,000 for plaques, depending on size and complexity, plus granite base costs.

Marble: Traditional but Less Common

Marble Monument Characteristics:

Marble was the dominant monument material in the 19th and early 20th centuries, prized for its pure white appearance and carving properties. However, marble has largely been replaced by granite for modern monuments due to durability concerns.

Marble Advantages:

• Classic Appearance: Pure white, elegant aesthetic
• Carving Detail: Excellent for sculptural elements
• Historical Association: Traditional, Old-World craftsmanship feel
• Softer Look: Less stark than polished black granite

Marble Limitations:

• Weather Vulnerability: Acid rain causes pitting and erosion
• Staining: Absorbs biological growth (algae, lichen)
• Inscription Fading: Lettering becomes less legible over decades
• Shorter Lifespan: Significantly deteriorates within 50-100 years
• Higher Maintenance: Requires regular cleaning and sealing
• Cemetery Restrictions: Many modern cemeteries discourage or prohibit marble

When Marble Makes Sense:

• Matching existing family monuments
• Indoor mausoleums or crypts
• Covered or protected locations
• Specific aesthetic preferences despite maintenance
• Historical or cultural significance

Marble Pricing: Generally comparable to mid-range granite ($30-60 per cubic foot), but lifespan considerations make granite better value long-term.

Fieldstone and Natural Stone

Characteristics:

Fieldstone or natural boulder monuments offer a rustic, organic aesthetic. Collected from fields or quarries, these uncut stones provide unique, one-of-a-kind memorials.

Advantages:

• Unique Appearance: No two are alike
• Natural Aesthetic: Organic, unprocessed beauty
• Durability: Many stones are very weather-resistant
• Eco-Friendly: Minimal processing required
• Regional Connection: Can use local stone

Limitations:

• Irregular Surfaces: Challenging for engraving
• Limited Text Space: Smaller inscription areas
• Cemetery Restrictions: Many cemeteries prohibit irregular shapes
• Transportation: Awkward shapes, difficult handling
• Inconsistent Quality: Stone integrity varies

Fieldstone Applications:

• Natural burial grounds
• Memorial gardens
• Estate monuments on private property
• Rural or informal cemeteries

Composite and Synthetic Materials

Characteristics:

Modern composite materials attempt to mimic natural stone at lower costs. Made from crushed stone mixed with resins and polymers.

Advantages:

• Lower Cost: Significantly cheaper than natural granite
• Lightweight: Easier installation
• Color Consistency: Uniform appearance
• Moldable: Can create complex shapes

Limitations:

• Shorter Lifespan: Unknown long-term durability (30-50 years estimated)
• Cemetery Restrictions: Most cemeteries prohibit composite monuments
• Appearance: Experienced eyes can spot artificial look
• Degradation: UV exposure causes fading and weakening
• Resale Value: Significantly lower than natural stone

Recommendation: We don't typically recommend composite materials for permanent memorials. The modest cost savings don't justify the compromised longevity and cemetery acceptance issues.

Material Comparison Chart

| Material | Lifespan | Maintenance | Weather Resistance | Cost Range | Cemetery Acceptance | |----------|----------|-------------|-------------------|------------|---------------------| | Black Granite | 500+ years | Very Low | Excellent | $$$ | Universal | | Color Granite | 500+ years | Very Low | Excellent | $$$-$$$$ | Universal | | Bronze | 100+ years | Moderate | Good | $$$$ | Common | | Marble | 50-100 years | High | Poor | $$$ | Limited | | Fieldstone | Varies | Low | Good | $$ | Limited | | Composite | 30-50 years | Moderate | Fair | $ | Rare |

Selecting the Right Material

Consider These Factors:

1. Cemetery Requirements: Always verify allowed materials first
2. Budget: Balance initial cost with lifetime value
3. Climate: Consider local weather patterns
4. Maintenance: Who will clean and maintain the monument?
5. Aesthetics: Personal preference and family traditions
6. Longevity Goals: How many generations should this last?
7. Existing Monuments: Matching family monuments nearby?

Our Recommendation

For most families in Oklahoma and Texas, we recommend granite for these reasons:

• Climate Compatibility: Withstands temperature extremes
• Universal Acceptance: Meets all cemetery requirements
• Low Maintenance: Minimal care for generations
• Value: Best longevity-to-cost ratio
• Variety: 40+ colors accommodate all preferences
• Proven Track Record: Centuries of confirmed durability

Finish Options by Material

Granite Finishes:

• Polished: Mirror-like finish, maximum contrast for engraving
• Sanded/Honed: Smooth but non-reflective, softer appearance
• Rock-Faced: Natural, rough texture on edges or backs
• Flamed/Thermal: Rough, slip-resistant texture
• Combined: Polished front, rock-faced sides (popular)

Bronze Finishes:

• Natural Bronze: Bright, metallic appearance (new)
• Antique Bronze: Pre-treated for aged appearance
• Polished Bronze: High-luster finish
• Patina: Allowed to develop natural green/brown color over time

Get Expert Guidance

Choosing monument materials involves balancing durability, aesthetics, budget, and cemetery requirements. Schedule a consultation at Gifford Monument Works' Ada, Oklahoma or Wylie, Texas showroom to:

• See granite color samples in person
• View finished monuments with various materials
• Discuss cemetery-specific requirements
• Compare long-term value across materials
• Design a monument that honors your loved one beautifully for generations

With 88 years of experience, we'll help you select the perfect material combination that meets your needs and stands the test of time.