Types of Tombstones

Tablet Tombstomes

• Tablet tombstones form some of the more basic types of tombstones. The thin, rectangular standard tablet tombstone sits upright at the head of a burial plot. Domed tablet tombstones resemble the standard tablet tombstone except they have a domed-shaped top instead of a square one. Shouldered tablet tombstones have an angled top that forms a point in the middle. Carvings adorn the top of gothic tablet stones. Carving designs include flowers, angels, hearts, religious figures and crosses. You can set any of these tablet tombstones directly into the ground or into a base. You will find tablet tombstone in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Obelisk Tombstones

• Originating from Egypt, the obelisk tombstone offers a sense of grandeur and importance. The standard obelisk tombstones consist of a four-sided column that tapers into a point at the top. Instead of forming a point, the top of the vaulted obelisk tombstone resembles the arches of a church or cathedral. They may include some carving detail on the face of the tombstone.

Flat Tombstones

• Flat tombstones typically lie flat on the ground at the head of the burial plot. These types of markers come in a variety of sizes, ranging from eight inches by 16 inches to 12 inches by 48 inches. They usually possess a thickness of three to four inches. Ledger stones, another type of flat tombstone, lie flat on the ground and cover the entire length of the grave. Beveled tombstones also run parallel with the ground but have a slanted face and sit on a stone or cement base. The tilted face makes them easier to read.

Slanted Tombstones

• A rectangular block of stone, slanted tombstones sit upright, resting the long side of the rectangle. The sloped face of this tombstone offers easy reading and less long-term maintenance. You can choose between a polished or unpolished slanted tombstone. These tombstones rest on a stone or concrete base.

Monuments

• Monument tombstones resemble slanted tombstones, but they don't have a sloped face. You can inscribe both sides of the tombstone, though the front usually contains the typical information while the back simply has the deceased person's last name engraved. This allows you to find the grave more easily.