Headstone Shapes

Before you choose from among many headstone shapes you should first know the type of headstone you are going to get. There are four main types of headstones: monuments, grass markers, bevel markers, and slant markers. Your cemetery regulations will be the biggest factor in deciding which of these you will use. Check with your local headstone services company to determine your cemetery's available choices.

If you are designing a headstone you will find that there are many shapes to choose from. Almost any shape is possible.

Of the more easily described headstone shapes hearts (or double hearts), angles, crosses, and teardrops are very popular. There are many shapes that are not so easily described. That's why the National Association of Memorial Masons (NAMM) has created a set of standard headstone shapes (see below for some of the standard shapes). To see all of their standard headstone shapes please visit http://www.namm.org.uk

The area available on a headstone to put names, dates, symbols, inscriptions etc. is determined by its size and shape. The size will be limited by your cemetery's regulations. The shape can be determined by you for the most part. Some complicated shapes have size limitations.

Headstone shapes can be divided into two classifications - regular and special order.

A regular shape is simply one that is kept in stock. Regular headstone shapes have been used by the headstone industry for years. Manufacturers of headstones keep the popular shapes on hand in order to fill orders more quickly. These regular shapes are usually less expensive because many people buy them.

A special order shape is one that is made to your exact specifications. If you decide to go with a very complicated headstone shape be prepared to pay more. Also a special order shape will take more time.

Unless you have a special reason not to, it is probably best to go with a regular headstone shape. It will cost less and take less time. Besides, the message of the headstone is more important to most people.

If you live in the South Jersey area and have any difficulty deciding on a headstone shape please contact us. We'll be glad to help.

NAMM Headstone Shapes

Square Top	Checked Top	Raised Shoulder	Square Top and Scotia Corners	Square Top Checked and Rounded Shoulders
Peon Top	Offset Pen Top	Peon With Checks	Square Top and Splayed Corners	Square Top Gothic Shoulders
Oval, Arc or Cambered	Oval With Shoulders	Oval With Checks	Square Top Double Rounded Shoulders	Half Round
Ogee Top	Half Ogee Top	Serpentine Top	Ogee With Checks	Oval Top Scotia Shoulders
Square Top Rounded Shoulders	Round Top Rounded Shoulders	Oval Top Checked Rounded Shoulders	Square Top Ogee Shoulders	Oval Top Ogee Shoulders
Peon Top With Tapered Sides	Norman	Gothic	Deep Ogee	Peon Top with Splay Sides

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