While shopping for your monument, it is important to understand that every monument company is different. Some specialize in standard run-of-the-mill memorials while others specialize in custom creations that may be treasured for decades to come.
At Watson Signs & Monuments, we pride ourselves as memorial artists who strive to "get-to-know" your loved one and create a monument that truly depicts who he or she was.
No two monuments that we create are alike. Each monument we make may vary in shape, size, color, polish, and the design. Because so many variables go into our memorials, we are unable to post pricing information on our website.
If you would like to obtain pricing information on one of the memorials you have seen on our website, please call one of our memorial artists at (979) 696-0800 or email us at watsonmonumentco@gmail.com and we will be glad to provide the information that you need.
Monument & Marker Styles
There are many different styles of granite memorials. You need to know the correct terminology so that you can accurately describe them when discussing options with the cemetery or ordering. The following will teach you the definitions of the terms we use.
Upright Monuments
• Designed to stand straight up perpendicular to level ground.
• The engraved marker portion is known as a "die." Most are usually 6 inches or 8 inches thick but can be produced up to 1 foot thick and sometimes more depending on the stone and the quarry it comes from.
• The horizontal portion is known as the base and is usually required. When there is no base to the monument, it is known as a monolith.
• The larger size allows for more personalized expression and room for engraving.
• Scenic designs and the family name are popular additions on the back.
Slant Monuments
• Upright slant shape. The width is measured at the base.
• The top is usually 2 inches thick.
• The top can be flat, oval, or serpentine shaped.
• A standard 2 inches to 4 inches nosing is recommended. This protects the polished, etched surface.
• A base is optional and usually not required.
• May be used for individual or companion.
Flat Markers
• Designed to lie flat at the lawn level.
• All are a minimum of 4 inches thick.
• May be used for individual or ordered double width for a companion.
• Perfect application for adding bronze, some cemetery restrictions may require bronze on granite.
Bevel Markers
• Often called a Pillow Marker or Hickey.
• Slight bevel slant from back to the front of the marker.
• The back is 2 inches thicker than the front to provide this bevel effect
• May be used for individual or companion.
• Usually 6 inches or 8 inches thick, however, thicker markers are available.
Ledgers
• Designed to lie flat at the lawn level.
• All are a minimum of 4 inches thick.
• Covers the entire length of the interred.
• The larger size allows for more personalized expression and room for engraving.
Ledgers with Slant or Bevel Markers
• Combines a ledger with a slant or bevel
• Covers the entire length of the buried.
• The larger size allows for more personalized expression and room for engraving.
Cremation Memorials
• Similar characteristics of the Upright Monument
• Usually, have one or more containers for the placement of cremated remains (cremains). Cremation urns are not used.
• Most cremation memorials and benches have cored spaces in the granite where the cremains are placed.
• Much easier to maintain as the marker does not need to be moved for ground burials.
Benches
• Very popular for both a memorial and as a cremation memorial.
•A base is usually not required but can be beneficial to keep the bench level in the cemetery.
• Some style benches can hold the cremains of up to 6 loved ones.
• Enhances the beauty of burial garden, prayer garden, or any large memorial.
Rock Monument or Back to Nature Boulders
• Similar characteristics of the Upright Monument
• Area available for expression, decoration, and engraving is variable with the size of the stone and the polished face.
• Bronze markers may be mounted
• May also be used as a cremation memorial.