We are agents for tombstones, and outsource this work to a local stone-mason who has given us good service. We act as liaison between our clients and the service provider.

We need to wait about six months for the grave to settle before erecting a new tombstone (time will vary depending on soil conditions).  Traditionally a grave covering includes the headstone, and kerb stones on the borders.  The middle area can be covered by stone chips or tiles on a bed of concrete, or by a ledger (stone slab) covering the grave, resting on the kerbs.

Cemetery regulations will give parameters.  In some parts (the Berm section) only a headstone is allowed, with the grave covered by grass.  Headstone designs are prolific, and the choice is personal. Names, dates, texts and artwork are sandblasted onto the stone and painted.  Space should be left for a future burial. If a ledger is used, the inscription could be done on this, without also having a headstone. These days the design is done on computer, and can be checked before being ‘caste in stone’.

The commonly used stone is Rustenberg Granite (dark grey), with Paarl Granite also used (speckled grey).  Other stones are available – usually at higher prices.

In the case of a second burial in a grave with a headstone and covering, this needs to be removed before the grave is dug.  A second inscription is done before the headstone and grave covering are re-erected.

Stone plaques are cut and inscribed for the following purposes:

• To seal a niche for Ashes in a wall of remembrance
• On a wall of remembrance (Ashes buried or scattered)
• On a grave or in a garden where Ashes are buried
• To record a second burial (no space on headstone)
• A large tablet is used to seal an above-ground Crypt

Perspex/plastic plaques are also used on a wall of remembrance (a substitute for brass), and as a name plate on a coffin and urn.