New Headstones

90% were made in our own workshops 40 years ago, the majority being marble, slate and stone. Today granite is the preferred material as the new diamond machinery has brought the costs down significantly for the production of this superior material. Producers in India and the Far East supply most of the industry with the blank polished memorial as per your specification. Once in our workshop the inscription, design work and fixing requirements are carried out

Materials

Marble

The only marble we use is Italian white, quarried in Carrara. All other marbles are too soft for memorial purposes. Marble is not as hard as granite, therefore not as long lasting. Easily carved, traditionally the material of Michael Angelo, Will age naturally in 10 years and deteriorate in 50 years

Stone

Local quarries in Yorkshire still produce buff coloured sandstone. Grey, red and blue/grey are also available. Ideal for churchyards where it will quickly lose its new appearance and blend in.

Irish Limestone

Grey in colour, mat finish only. Letters need to be deep cut as surface will weather but colour remains.

Slate

Welsh slate [purple] is not permitted by Manchester Corporation due to its tendency to split. Westmoreland Green is a good quality medium but granite is a cheaper and better option.

Granite

The ideal material for memorials. Available in many colours and ‘multi colours’ Black is the most used and is probably the beat because it is the hardest, densest and heaviest. Polish will last for 100 years to 1000 years. Lettering at least 1000 years. The softer granites used by the Faros are still quite legible.

Anchor System

This is a stainless steel device developed in the industry to stop memorials from being pushed over. The anchor goes through the base, plinth and foundation and deep into the ground but still allowing the memorial to be removed

Additional Inscriptions

These are either carried out in situ or brought into the workshop. The size and style of the original lettering is followed as closely as possible. Hand cutting with hammer and chisel and sandblast techniques are employed for this operation.

Kerb Surrounds

Whilst most pre war memorials had kerb surrounds most cemeteries in this area will no longer allow anything to cover their graves, preferring instead to be able to mow a grassed area hence the term "Lawn Type" memorial.

Cleaning Memorials

DIY; Power washing gives the best results, scrubbing brush and water is second best. NEVER use solvents or acids as some materials are very sensitive to these especially granite. Very smooth sand paper can be used on marble and York stone but be not near any lettering. Cuttle fish purchased from your local pet store can be used with water on polished granite but again you should keep clear of any lettering and designs.

Professional; Cleaning is achieved by a combination of power wash, sandblast & buffing. Some stains can be impossible to remove in one operation but most are dealt with successfully.