How long do gravestones last for?

Some could be very ornate, although few survive beyond 50–100 years due to natural decomposition or termites and other wood boring insects.

Do gravestones stay forever?

Unfortunately, there may be no way to guarantee a gravesite will remain undisturbed forever. You can look up local ordinances and find cemeteries that allow graves to be held in perpetuity. But over decades and centuries, the world around us changes. And so do laws and finances.

What grave markers last the longest?

For this reason, granite is the most durable headstone material. But despite its natural strength, not all granite is the same in terms of reliability. Grade is the term used to signify granite quality, and it reflects: Durability.

What happens when cemeteries get full?

“What happens when a cemetery is full?” – Sabra Johnson “It’s mandated that whenever a burial takes place, a portion of that payment is put into an endowment care trust.” Once a cemetery is filled, the endowment care trust is designed to handle maintenance of the grounds indefinitely.

What lasts longer granite or marble?

In general, granite is very durable, stain-resistant and lower maintenance than marble.

How long does it take for a tombstone to be made?

Typically, it takes at least three or four weeks for the installer to completely create the headstone or grave marker and to place it upon the top of the grave. In some instances, the ground will need to settle before placing the headstone, depending on the climate, the time of year, and the weather.

How long do granite headstones last?

Granite headstones will last for hundreds of years into the future with little to no sign of fading or weathering. Though this is extra on top of your standard headstone cost, applying a sealant to your stone could be well worth it.

What is the difference between a headstone and a tombstone?

What is the difference between a headstone and a tombstone? A headstone is a gravestone, that is there as a monument to the person. Traditionally a tombstone is just there as a marker to show a person is buried there. What is an epitaph?

How do headstones degrade over time?

If a soft stone is purchased for a headstone and a tribute is etched into the surface, the stone will degrade over time. As the stone wears away, the etching and epitaph will wear away as well. To get a better idea of how this works, simply visit an old cemetery and look for the oldest headstones.

What is the longest lasting headstone material?

While you may want the longest-lasting possible headstone, it may not be the most fiscally accessible. The most common materials are quartzite, granite, marble, bronze, sandstone, iron and slate. If you are going to select a material for its longevity, the three most common longest-lasting materials are quartzite, granite, and marble.