hertfordshire headstones
memorial plaques
Unique stone memorial plaques
Hertfordshire Headstones offers a premium service. We supply bespoke, stone-carved memorial plaques with a masterful finish.
Because we design each plaque individually, you get a truly personal memorial. In addition, we use deeply V-cut lettering. This creates a more beautiful finish that lasts.
We also prefer locally sourced stone. So, we avoid highly polished granite imported from across the globe. As a result, our memorial plaques sit more comfortably in the traditional setting of a British churchyard or cemetery.
What is the best stone for a memorial plaque?
We care about getting every memorial plaque right. That’s why we choose our stone very carefully. From the start, we focus on how the memorial will look, how it will weather, and how well it will take lettering.
Because memorial plaques lie flat on the ground, they face the weather all year round. Rain, frost, leaf staining, and general wear can all take their toll. So, the choice of stone really matters. In particular, you want a material that stays attractive and remains easy to read over time.
Granite is popular for memorial plaques due to its weathering properties. However, granite is also very hard and brittle. As a result, we can’t V-cut the inscriptions. Instead, the lettering usually needs sand-blasting, which creates a shallow, flat letter form.
To stay legible, granite inscriptions typically need paint. Over time, that paint wears away. Consequently, the memorial becomes harder to read and may need repainting to restore clarity.
We prefer to create memorials that last a lifetime. For that reason, we choose stones that withstand the elements and allow deeply V-cut lettering. V-cutting is the traditional approach to lettering in stone. In addition, it does not rely on paint. The V shape catches daylight and casts a natural shadow. Therefore, the inscription stays clear for longer.
If you’d like, we can also advise you on colour, finish, and layout. That way, your plaque feels personal while still meeting churchyard or cemetery requirements. If you’re considering a memorial for cremated remains as well, you may want to view our cremation headstones.
