Monuments - gravestone monument - production and installation of monuments. When and what kind of monument to place on a grave? What size monument is best to choose?

This article is not devoted to the cost of the monument, but about the quality of work that should be done and what materials should be used.

When the time has come to order a monument, there is no need to be led by various rumors and superstitions that allegedly give exact dates for the correct installation of this structure from the date of burial.

This is not true, since there is no such clear time. Work can be carried out after 2 months, or even years. The Church has no recommendations on this issue either.

To avoid any misunderstandings in the future with the owners of the cemetery or relatives of the person buried in a neighboring grave, make accurate measurements of your area without going beyond its boundaries.

If there is a monument that you want to replace, you should remove it yourself. First you need to take a photo of him and a nameplate. And then, for ease of transfer, destroy it with a sledgehammer.

This way, it will be easier for you to transport it to places designated for waste. Thus, your wallet will save approximately 2 thousand rubles. After this procedure, you can start searching for companies that provide the services you are interested in.

You need to be prepared for the fact that making a monument will not be cheap. However, a number of companies provide the possibility of partial payment. That is, half of the cost must be paid for the work immediately, and the rest can be paid over the course of a year. In this case, storage of the finished monument is not paid.

Shape and dimensions

Which monument should you choose? They are made from marble chips, natural or synthetic granite. The difference in materials lies in strength.

For example, a monument made of marble chips with a black insert will be weaker compared to granite. Although it costs less, its quality is much worse.

Therefore, it would be better to order a small granite stele. In addition, this material lends itself well to the hands of a craftsman to acquire the necessary forms. Monuments made of artificial granite and marble chips are usually made in advance, and their sizes and shapes cannot be changed.

The next step is to design the engraving. This is enough important point in the design of a tombstone. If you plan to have a photograph engraved on the monument, then pay attention to other works of the master.

Evaluate them by quality; the portrait should accurately copy the image in the photograph, and should not be flat. And also make sure that the work is done in even letters. Specify how engraving is performed: manual or mechanical.

The best option would be monuments made by the hands of a master. Of course, they will cost more, but they will last longer and will differ noticeably in quality.

You can also ask where the material came from. The best black granite occurs if its homeland is Karelian deposits, Swedish, Ukrainian, Chinese and Italian quarries.

Moreover, such material should not change its shade when sunlight. High-quality granite does not have inclusions, prominent spots or strong cracks.

If you find defects, you have the right to ask for a discount. To find the most profitable option, go through several companies, checking the cost of work based on the same parameters.

Once the monument is made, it is not necessary to supervise its installation. The workers will do everything themselves; all they need to do is show them the burial site.

You can check the readiness of your order after installation. Carefully inspect the finished monument, the joints, whether it is placed evenly, and whether there is any clutter. Then be sure to check about the warranty.

In order to get rid of grass overgrowing the grave, you can concrete the area. If you still have money in stock, you can decorate it with tiles. As a cheaper option, it will be enough to cover the ground with a layer of crushed stone, under which you first place polyethylene.

If you follow this minimum number of tips, you will be able to avoid wasting your financial resources and will be satisfied with the finished monument for your grave.

There are no church laws on this matter. First, measure the length and width of the burial; when taking measurements, do not go beyond the boundaries of the site, otherwise there will later be problems with the cemetery administration or with the owners of neighboring burials. If there old monument, then it is advisable to dismantle it yourself. First, remove old photos and signs, break the monument with a sledgehammer. It’s easier to take out the pieces; every cemetery has special place for waste disposal. By dismantling the old monument you will save a couple of thousand. Next we go to the companies producing monuments.

Of course, ordering a monument is expensive, but there are also concessions. For example, most companies ask for an advance payment of 50%, you can extend the payment even for a year, storage of the monument should be free.

Which monument to choose? There are several main types: marble chips, natural granite, synthetic granite. Marble chips with a black granite insert are cheaper, but they are not as strong as natural granite. Sometimes it is easier to order a small granite stele than a set of marble chips. Granite can always be shaped into whatever shape you want. Marble chips and polymer granite monuments are standard; it is impossible to change their appearance or size (our Rusgranit workshop began producing polymer granite monuments of any size, up to 120 x 140 cm, in 2011).
If your plans include engraving a portrait (not to be confused with a photo in the form of an oval) embossed on granite, then pay attention to others portrait works this company, demand to show quality. Look at the similarity of the original, at the three-dimensionality of the portrait, this is important. The letters must be even, ask how and with what they are made. Must be handmade, the price is of course handmade more, but such letters will always be visible, their appearance will be better in itself, they will not turn green from moss, and if desired, they can be painted, for example, “bronze”.

Ask where the granite came from. Black granite should not turn gray or whitish when exposed to light. Good stones from Karelian deposits, as well as from Ukrainian, Swedish, Chinese, Italian quarries.

Look at the structure of the granite; there should be no foreign inclusions, bright spots, or cracks. Otherwise, ask for a discount (companies usually make concessions). Discuss the deadline for full completion, usually a month (if you have paid in full). You can also go around several companies in search of an acceptable price, ask the cost of the order and the dimensions of the sketch to be written down on paper, show it to other companies, and ask their price for the same order option, see the difference.

You don’t have to watch the installation of the monument, just show the place. After everything is ready, you can evaluate the quality of installation, look at the “evenness,” at the joints in the tiles, and at cleanliness. Check everything carefully, ask about the warranty period.

To prevent the area from becoming overgrown with grass, you can order the production of a concrete platform with a height of 5 centimeters and lay it with tiles; if this seems too expensive, then you can fill the area only under the monument. This is not the only way to deal with grass and thickets; you can fill the area with crushed stone, having first spread a thick plastic film under it. It is advisable to cut down all trees or overhanging branches, otherwise the monument may turn green. By following at least some of these recommendations, you will get a job well done and will be satisfied with the appearance of the burial.

Monument for a grave: how to choose? - complex issue for those who have never encountered organizing a funeral before. There is no need to rush in this situation, because the only thing that can be done for the deceased is to adequately perpetuate his memory.

The death of a person is what is usually least expected. Fortunately, exceptions are much rarer.

What material is used as a basis when creating

Making a monument for a grave is a difficult and time-consuming task. By visiting cemeteries or encountering monuments on the roads, you can be convinced that by their shape and features appearance they are different. Before you make a choice, you should find out what gravestones are made of. There are several materials that are used as a basis:

• Stone chips;
• Bronze or wrought iron;
• Polymer granite;
• Marble;
• Granite.

The last option is the most common. Monuments created from this material last much longer than the same structures, the basis of which is other raw materials. Granite is very resistant to external conditions: it cannot be damaged by any severe frost, nor large hail. Before choosing a granite monument, it is important to make sure that the original material has high quality and will not deteriorate over time. About, Experts will advise you on how to choose granite monuments.

How not to make a mistake when choosing a monument for a person of a different faith

The question of how to choose the right monument for the grave of a Chechen is very important. Religion is something that requires respect, and this concerns not only life, but also the memory of a person. Installing a monument in the form of a sculpture is strictly prohibited. It is also unacceptable to install mazars, which from the point of view of Islam is wasteful and will in no way help the deceased.

Understanding how to correctly sign a Kazakh monument on a grave will help you avoid conflicts with both representatives of Kazakh nationality and Chechens. An important rule is the absence of a photograph. According to Islamic law, only the name of the deceased can be written on a stone.

Which monument is best for the grave of parents?

Often spouses who have lived together all their lives ask to be buried next to each other. This long-standing tradition is passed on from one generation to another. That is why it is important to understand how to choose a monument for the grave of your parents and fulfill them last will.

Paired grave monuments are a common practice that has many advantages and disadvantages:

1. Less money is spent on this;
2. It looks aesthetically pleasing;
3. Saving space at the disposal site.

The area where the remains are buried usually does not exceed an area of ​​5 square meters. If you place two monuments on this small piece of land, it will look bulky and ugly. Putting up a bench or planting trees is out of the question. That is why such a choice of a monument for a grave will not be the most successful, but a paired structure, on the contrary, will help you to remain a winner.

Currently, there are many funeral agencies that will provide monuments of all sizes and shapes. You should not be skeptical about the proposal on how to choose a monument for a grave based on reviews, because in this situation not only your preferences are important, but also the advice of relatives and close people of the deceased. Knowing potential performers is also important because you will have big choice.

Installation of the monument

There are no restrictions on which monument is best to place on the grave in the photo. Here it is important to understand what faith the deceased professed. For example, among Muslims, as mentioned above, this is completely unacceptable.

In order to decide which is best to install a monument on the grave, it is important to understand your own financial capabilities and wishes of the deceased. Once you have made your choice, you need to decide when you will erect the monument. Doing this immediately after the funeral is not necessary and in most cases undesirable. It is recommended to wait about a year until the earth can settle and compact and then erect a monument. In this case, he will not squint or fall.

It is also undesirable to install a monument in winter time of the year. The ground is frozen at this time and therefore the installation cannot be of sufficient quality. However, the site cannot be left empty.

The replacement in this situation is the usual wooden cross IC, on which it is necessary to note reliable data about the deceased person. Decide which monument to choose for your grave: based on reviews or on your own - only you.

Thus, choosing a monument to the deceased is not an easy matter, it is important to know which monuments for the grave are better, as well as to navigate religious practice.

Choice tombstone to the grave is not the easiest question, especially for those who have never dealt with it before. There's no need to rush into this important matter. After all, a correctly chosen tombstone will help perpetuate the memory of the deceased - this is the most we can do for him.

How to choose the right material

Creating and installing a monument to the deceased is not a simple and time-consuming task. In cemeteries you can see a wide variety of different types and shapes of tombstones. There are a wide variety of materials from which tombstones can be made:

1. Natural stone chips.
2. Wrought iron and bronze.
3. Polymer granite.
4. Granite.
5. Various types of marble.

Most often, monuments are made of marble or granite. Distinctive feature granite is its high durability. It is better to consult with a specialist when choosing a tombstone made of this material.

Features of choosing tombstones for the deceased of another faith

Religious beliefs are a very sensitive issue that requires a special approach and very careful attention. It is important to remember this not only during the life of the believer, but also when paying tribute to him.

In particular, it is strictly forbidden to install sculptures on the graves of followers of Islam. It is also forbidden to install mazars - from the point of view of the Muslim religion, this is wasteful and cannot help the deceased in any way.

Understanding the correct installation of tombstones on the graves of people of other nationalities and religions helps to avoid conflict situations. There should be no photographs on the stone - you can only immortalize the name of the deceased.

Which headstone is best to choose for your parent’s grave?

Often married couples who have lived for many years in harmony and understanding, ask to be buried close to each other. This tradition has existed for many centuries different nations. This way you can fulfill the last wishes of your parents and express your respect and respect to them.

Paired monuments are very widespread nowadays and have a number of advantages:

1. This requires less financial costs.
2. The graves have a very aesthetic appearance - two tombstones will look less aesthetically pleasing.
3. Thanks to such a monument, you can save on the area of ​​the site, which, as a rule, is very limited.

A standard plot for a paired burial takes up about 5 square meters. meters. Placing two tombstones in such a limited area will not look very aesthetically pleasing. In addition, there will be no space left for planting trees or installing a bench. A paired structure will allow you to avoid all these difficulties and pay tribute to your departed parents.

Monument installation technique

You can put any photo on the tombstone. However, religious and cultural traditions should be taken into account here.

It is necessary to choose a monument for installation taking into account the personal financial capabilities and preferences of the deceased. After the choice of one or another model of the monument has been made, it is necessary to determine the timing of installation. It is not very advisable to do this immediately after the funeral has taken place. It is recommended to wait at least one year. During this period, the soil on the grave will settle and compact and the monument is guaranteed not to fall or tilt.

The season of the year has a great influence on the correct installation of the tombstone. It is strictly not recommended to do this in winter at low soil and air temperatures. At this time, the ground is very damp and freezes.

Therefore, the quality of monument installation cannot be reliable. However, after the funeral has taken place, it is also impossible to leave the grave empty. In this situation, a temporary simple cross made of wood may be the solution.

A sign must be fixed on it, which indicates information about the person - his name and surname, date of birth and death. Over the next year, you can decide on the choice of monument, based on your own preferences and capabilities, or guided by recommendations and reviews.

Choosing a monument to the deceased is not the most simple task. In this case, you can be guided by the opinion of experts and take into account religious and cultural characteristics.

Read also:

In order to replace a tombstone with a monument, you need to submit an application to the cemetery administration on the basis of a death certificate. This application can only be submitted by the person who was appointed responsible for the burial at the funeral and, accordingly, has a certificate of the construction of the tombstone.

To obtain permission to install a monument, you will need to provide the administration with a passport, a certificate of construction of a tombstone, an agreement with a payment receipt indicating that you ordered a monument or fence, and you will also need to write an application.

Usually the installation of monuments is carried out by the cemetery administration itself. However, you can also submit an application stating that you want to do the installation yourself. It should be understood that monuments, flower beds, fences are your personal property and the administration is not responsible for their damage.

Before installing a monument, ask the administration about rules, among which may be that the monument should not obstruct or block access to other graves, it should contain reliable information, correct dates and full names. Legally you can't use one big monument for 3 let's say related graves, as confusion may occur. Part of the monument should not protrude beyond the boundaries of the site, and its size, for example in some cemeteries, is regulated by no more than two meters in height.

The same rules apply to fences. Not all cemeteries allow you to install a fence; for those that do, you must first submit a written application. The fence should not block access to other graves, the size of the fence should correspond to the size of the plot, the average height is 0.5 meters, the use of sharp peaks is prohibited.

Which monument to choose?

Marble monument light color, and therefore they do not engrave on it, that is, the master will not be able to transfer the image itself and the inscriptions directly onto the stone, since it will be difficult to see. Not some people still carve a portrait on a light stone:

Therefore, most often additional granite slabs are attached to the monument, where inscriptions or images are already embossed (in the center there is a circle of granite):

Or they use photoceramics, gluing an oval color photograph to the monument:

Although marble is rare black color, however, it has pronounced white patches:

Marble is a more pliable material and is used to make stunning statues, monuments, and sculptures. In any case, marble is more suitable for decorative elements, for example, from it, you can make a cross like this, as you can see, they added a granite tablet at the bottom to leave an inscription, they decided not to take a photo:

To add a photograph to a marble monument, you can use any photo sealed in glass:

Due to its pliability and relative softness, marble is inferior to granite in durability; under the pressure of nature, inscriptions become discolored, the color of the stone fades, small cracks may appear, and in addition, light-colored monuments become dirty faster. At least once every 5 years you need to call a master to renew the protective layer on the monument and, if necessary, carry out restoration.

Granite is a more durable material, but complex sculptural works are practically not made from it; marble and granite are often combined together in one monument. Granite has many types and colors from yellow to red. However, for portraits drawn on the stone itself, only black colors are used; for the rest, just like for marble, you will have to use inserts.

Karelian and Australian gabbro-diabase are considered the best; Ukrainian gabbro is cheaper, but of lower quality. In any case, the agency will advise you and select a monument depending on what you want to do with it: an image, an inscription, or a sculpture.

If you want to the image or inscriptions were directly on the stone, then you need to take black granite. Previously, artists transferred images onto black granite. This process is complex, but high quality. The artist puts his soul into the image, the image turns out as if it were alive.

In addition, when individually tapping with knitting needles, the image is stable and reliable. Today, funeral firms are increasingly purchasing so-called engraving machines; in this case, all that is needed is to place the photograph in the printer, and the machine itself will “tap” and emboss the portrait on granite. After the machine knocks out the portrait, the stone with the image is transferred to the engraver, who completes the unbroken areas and, in general, brings the portrait to the desired state.

In addition to the photograph itself, on the back of the granite they often depict what the deceased loved. For example, an artist will be able to knock out a car, summer garden, sea, and much more. Therefore, if you want a truly high-quality image on a monument, still find a funeral agency with real artists who can transfer the image to the monument as if it were alive.

Before ordering an image on granite look at the portfolio artists:

Each artist is individual and sees and transfers the image to the monument in his own way. Color images are obtained by applying special paint to the monument, after direct engraving. As for the design itself, it can be anything, only you decide what shape, size, and material the monument will be. It can be in the shape of a heart, a cross, a stele, and many other shapes.

In any case, contacting a funeral agency will help you choose something to your liking. However, remember that natural stone is always more expensive than artificial stone, the work of an artist more expensive than work automatic machine.

Advice. Choose your granite carefully. Any granite monument Not Pure black, if you look closely at it, it has a grainy structure, these inclusions affect the work of artists. Imagine that there is a bright spot exactly in the place where the pupil of the eye should be located, and if there are many such spots, then the image may turn out a little worse than if there were fewer inclusions. However experienced artist He will always be able to draw a portrait, although it will be more difficult for him to do it on such a stone.

Conclusion. First, decide whether you want the deceased to be depicted on the monument. Then choose exactly how you want to transfer the image to the monument: photo ceramics, a portrait in glass, an artist or a machine will draw on the monument itself.

For example, if you want to use a photo in glass, then you do not have to choose black granite; you can choose a monument of any color, because the photo of the deceased will simply be embedded in the stone. For non-black granite monuments, workshops, as a rule, make special inscriptions that are not stamped on the stone itself, but are sort of glued to it.

Be sure to ask how it will look! It is not uncommon for people, out of ignorance, to order engraving of inscriptions or even a portrait on light marble or other stones not intended for this. It works out cheaper, but looks like white on white.

Also ask, what technology to choose for applying the image? For example, you want to order photoceramics. The decal is more durable, of higher quality and more expensive, while the Thermal Transfer is cheaper, is faster to produce, but is of lower quality and is more suitable as a temporary option for a cross.

In addition, there are different types of ceramics: Slip cast ceramics - cheaper and of lower quality, Dry pressed ceramics - more expensive, but high quality. And porcelain tiles, which are ideal for placing a large portrait.

Compare both options and choose the one that suits you. Remember that photoceramics can be of any shape and size, from a standard oval to a rectangle. The technology of applying an image to the monument itself is called engraving; it comes in two types: manual - when the image is embossed by an artist, and automatic, when it is done by a machine. It is believed that handmade images are more durable and durable.

Questions and answers:

The portrait on the monument is not similar:

Perhaps you gave too small a photo and the artist brought out what is shown in the photo, but in real life the man looked a little different. In any case, before the artist started working, you should have been shown an enlarged image and shown what the final result will be. If the image is very different from what was shown to you, you can order a resurfacing of the monument to redraw the image or use another method of applying the image, such as photoceramics.

In practice, we often encounter dissatisfied clients who do not like the image, which is exactly like the photograph, but relatives claim that in real life the person is completely different than in the photo. But an artist simply cannot know what kind of person he was during his lifetime, so one should not expect anything beyond a miracle from him. The image turns out exactly the same as in the photograph, only in black and white.

How to take a photo from a monument?

If it is photoceramics, then, as a rule, it is tightly glued to the monument. However, you can try to carefully punch through the edges of the portrait using a chisel and hammer. Be prepared for the fact that the photoceramic product will crack and become unusable.

How to transfer a photo to a monument with your own hands?

If you are not an artist, then no way. Even if you know how to draw portraits, you will need special equipment: knitting needles, an engraving machine or a kiln for firing photoceramics. However, it happens that people themselves carve inscriptions on the stone and decorate it themselves:

What is the name of the photo on the monument?

That’s what they call it, a photograph for a monument. You can often come across names like engraving a portrait on a monument or photoceramics on a monument.

Caring for a monument made of granite and marble

Granite. Granite has one unpleasant thing: it literally absorbs grease, which means all your fingers can get imprinted on it. If this happens, then cleaning the monument is problematic, but the advantage is that within a month the small stain will evaporate on its own.

If the stain absolutely needs to be removed, you can use baking soda. Apply a teaspoon of baking soda and water to the greasy stain until the baking soda resembles yogurt. When the solution dries (about a day), simply wipe it off.

To clean a granite monument from dust and dirt, you can use special products purchased in the store, or you can also use a regular soft cloth soaked in warm water. Sometimes a weak soap solution is used.

You cannot use household chemicals that you use to clean the kitchen! After cleaning the monument, wipe it with a dry cloth so that there are no streaks left. Advice: in stores they sell special wipes for stones; take it out and wipe everything clean and there are no streaks.

If there are cracks in granite, even small ones must be covered with a special putty for stone. If this is not done, then in winter, freezing moisture can contribute to the destruction of the stone. If you notice that drops do not form into balls when they hit the monument, then it’s time to renew the protective layer of the monument. To do this, after cleaning with soapy water, apply a special product (usually a spray) and let the sealant soak in for about 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove excess sealant with a dry cloth.

If paint gets on granite, it is better to purchase a special solvent for stone. It is not recommended to restore inscriptions and portraits on monuments yourself; for this you need to turn to professionals.

Marble. Marble is cheaper and therefore more problematic material. As a rule, even in the workshop, light and black marble is coated with a special compound that prevents contamination and fading in the sun. Marble does not tolerate moisture and high temperatures. When wiping, the rag does not need to be heavily soaked in water. You need to handle the candle carefully, not bringing it too close for too long.

Just like on granite, greasy fingerprints can remain on marble; once again, it is better not to touch the monument, or do it with gloves. When cleaning a marble monument, as a rule, you can use a simple soft rag or sponge soaked in warm water. If necessary, use either special products for cleaning marble or detergents with a low pH level.

Regular detergents can damage the monument. After cleaning the monument and allowing it to dry, apply protective agent and wait until it is absorbed. Afterwards, an anti-fading agent is applied (if the marble is colored). Then a special water-repellent composition is applied. To protect the inscriptions, you can use a special emulsion to protect the engraving.

Remember, if you have a vase installed, then before winter you need to pour out the accumulated water from it.

If the appearance of your monument no longer pleases you, if it has lost color, cracks have appeared on it, the image and inscription have begun to wear out over time, then it is better to contact specialists who will carry out all the necessary procedures to restore the monument and give it the best appearance. Typically, such services are ordered once every 5 years.

What to do with the cross after installing the monument?

1.Leave a wooden cross next to the monument. Some people honor traditions and believe that a cross must be on the grave, especially if the cross is not depicted on the monument itself.

2. Ask the workers who are installing the monument to take the cross or ask where it can be taken. For example, to the temple, which is located next to the cemetery.

3. Bury the cross in the gravestone.

4. Give the cross to a poor, needy family for a funeral.

5. Burn the cross if it was wooden. Under no circumstances should you throw a cross at trash can next to the cemetery, also the cross cannot be sold.

What to write on the monument?

The monument serves us so that we remember. At the end of the epitaph, many people ask to depict a rose or other flowers. The text of the epitaph can be invented by the relatives themselves, or taken from the Internet. Usually a phrase expressing the feelings of mourners or talking about achievements - good qualities deceased. However, nothing prevents you from using any phrase that you want to see on the grave dear person, for example your poems.

You need to remember that if the text is large, then you need to say in advance that you want to place an epitaph. Since on the monument there is first a photograph, then the full name, then the date of birth and date of death, and only then the epitaphs, and if there is a desire and a place, then at the end they can add a rosette. If desired, or if there is no space in front, kind words can be placed on back side monument, or on the reverse side you can make a three-dimensional image.

How to choose a photo for a monument?

Engraving. When engraving, the size of the photo is also very important. If, for example, the detail of the eye is not visible in the photo when enlarged, then the artist (if the artist draws) will have to complete the drawing of the eyes himself. Imagine yourself that you give a 3 by 4 photograph, and it is enlarged to A4 format in order to transfer it to the monument. Of course, in this case the image loses quality.

The larger and clearer the face image, the easier for an artist paint an accurate portrait.

There are difficult cases when the artist is brought a small, worn passport photo, since no other photographs have survived. Then, in addition to the enlarged copy, the artist uses a magnifying glass and peers into small parts faces and redraws (knocks out) these details on the monument. However, in this case, and in all other cases, when the photo is too small and the details are very poorly visible, the artist does not guarantee 100% similarity to the original, but similarity to the small photograph is guaranteed.

Many workshops that produce images for monuments can use Photoshop and retouching.

Should I depict a man in a hat?

For some reason, this is considered bad manners, but if a person wore a cap all his life, loved it very much, and in almost all photographs he is wearing it, then why not depict him in his favorite cap? However, some people ask to remove the headdress using Photoshop.

How old should you portray the person?

Any one you want. There are no religious or ethical considerations on this issue. There are people who believe and depict on the monument the photo closest to the time of death, while others believe that it is possible to depict a younger, old man when he was still in his prime.

Conclusion: Use photos where the face and fine facial details are clearly visible. The larger the photo, the better. If possible, use a glossy photo. In the workshop they will help you choose a photograph, you can select it and take it with you best pictures deceased. As a rule, they will immediately print out a photo enlarged to A4 format in front of you so that you can see what the end result will be.