A trip to your local cemetery will astound you with the variety in types of stone used for monuments. The shining white of limestone competes for your attention with the soft pink of granite; a cast concrete angel with golden wings gazes thoughtfully across the grass towards the graceful lines of a red marble bench. Why is there such a variety, and which type should you choose?

Concrete is an inexpensive material which is easily formed into an unlimited variety of shapes and accepts paint or stain well. However, its lifespan is limited and the finer details will crumble away in a few decades.

Limestone is an old favorite, often used in formal public buildings and in the memorial stones of your great-grandfather’s era. The same characteristics which make it easy to shape and inscribe also make it vulnerable over time to weather and acid rain. We can re-carve the lettering on a weathered stone, but the stone will continue to slowly degrade.

Marble is moderately hard and its fine grain and clear color make it a favorite of sculptors. Its incredible beauty shines from such works of art as Michelangel’s David and the Tomb of the Unknowns in our Capital.

Granite, the hardest of the group, comes in a variety of colors. The rough texture of the unpolished rock makes a beautiful contrast to the mirror-smooth surface which will hold lettering or other carvings. You need only to look at the famous faces of Mount Rushmore to understand the possibilities of working with Granite.

The staff at Sheboygan Monument and Stoneworks are experts in the different types of stone and their best uses. Stop by our showroom to explore the options, and let us help you find the best material for you.

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