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Materials & Colours
Materials & Colours
The material and finish you choose determines the longevity, maintenance, and overall aesthetic of your memorial. We work primarily with premium natural granite, alongside marble and other quality stone materials.
Premium Granite
Why Granite is Our Most Popular Choice
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma cooling deep within the earth over millions of years. This slow cooling process creates a stone of incredible density, hardness, and durability.
Unlike softer sedimentary stones like limestone or sandstone, granite is highly resistant to weathering, staining, and erosion. While we also work with marble and other materials when appropriate, granite remains our most popular choice for lasting memorials due to its exceptional durability and low maintenance requirements.
Exceptional Durability
Granite is one of the hardest natural stones available, ensuring your memorial withstands the test of time and weather.
Low Maintenance
Unlike marble or soft stones, granite requires minimal cleaning and naturally resists staining from elements and foliage.
Versatile Finishes
Can be polished to a high mirror shine, honed for a matte look, or left naturally rustic depending on cemetery regulations.
Colour Variety
Available in a wide spectrum of natural colours, from absolute blacks and classic greys to rich reds and subtle greens.
Granite Colour Variations
Because granite is a natural material, every piece is unique. The exact shade, veining, and grain structure will vary slightly from the samples shown, ensuring your memorial is truly one-of-a-kind.
Black Granite
Most PopularThe most popular and timeless choice, offering elegance and sophistication. Our black granite has deep, rich tones that provide excellent contrast for gold lettering.
Extremely durable with minimal weathering. The dense structure makes it highly resistant to staining and fading.
Traditional memorials, modern designs, maximum durability
White Granite
Popular ChoiceA pure, pristine white granite that creates a light and airy memorial appearance. Perfect for those seeking a clean, modern aesthetic that stands out beautifully in any setting.
Exceptionally durable white granite with natural light tones that maintain their brightness over time. Provides excellent contrast for dark lettering.
Modern memorials, light and airy designs, coastal locations
Grey Granite
Very PopularA versatile and contemporary option available in various shades from light to dark grey. Offers a subtle, understated elegance that blends beautifully with natural surroundings.
Excellent weathering resistance with a natural, organic feel. Less contrast with lettering than black granite.
Contemporary designs, natural landscapes, subtle elegance
Blue Granite
PopularStriking blue tones ranging from deep navy to lighter blue-grey. Creates a unique and memorable memorial with distinctive colouring.
Highly durable with unique blue hues that maintain their vibrancy over time.
Making a statement, unique memorials, coastal locations
Red Granite
PopularWarm, rich red tones that bring warmth and character to memorials. Available in various shades of red, from deep burgundy to lighter terracotta.
Exceptionally hard and durable with natural warmth that doesn't fade over time.
Adding warmth, traditional designs, family memorials
Green Granite
Specialty ChoiceBeautiful green shades that evoke nature and tranquility. Perfect for creating a peaceful, natural feeling memorial.
Durable and weather-resistant with calming green tones that blend with garden settings.
Natural settings, peaceful memorials, garden-like cemeteries
Please note: Cemetery and churchyard regulations dictate which colours and finishes are permitted. We will advise you on the approved materials for your specific location during consultation.
Other Materials We Work With
Marble
Marble offers timeless elegance with its distinctive veining and smooth, polished finish. While it requires more maintenance than granite, marble creates a classic, refined appearance that many families appreciate for its traditional beauty.
We work with various marble types, including white Carrara marble and other premium varieties. During consultation, we'll discuss whether marble is suitable for your location, as some cemeteries have restrictions on new marble memorials due to its softer nature and maintenance requirements.
Other Natural Stones
Depending on your location and cemetery regulations, we can also work with other natural stone materials such as limestone, sandstone, or slate. Each material has unique characteristics and aesthetic qualities. We'll guide you through the options available for your specific memorial location and help you choose the material that best meets your needs, budget, and local requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some cemeteries ban certain materials/finishes?
Many traditional churchyards prohibit highly polished granites or certain colours (like red or black) to maintain the historic character of the grounds. They usually prefer unpolished, natural lighter greys or local stone that blends with the surroundings.
Is marble a good choice?
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that we do work with. However, it's important to understand that marble is more porous and softer than granite, so it weathers more quickly, especially in damp or polluted environments, and requires more frequent professional cleaning to maintain its appearance. Some modern cemeteries and churchyards have restrictions on new marble memorials. We can discuss whether marble is suitable for your location and needs, or whether white granite might be a more durable alternative that offers similar aesthetic appeal.
Does the colour affect the price?
Yes. Light and dark grey granites are generally the most affordable as they are more readily available. Distinctive colours like Galaxy Black, Blue Pearl, or rich ruby reds are quarried in specific global locations and are typically more expensive. Material type also affects price - granite is generally more affordable than premium marble varieties.
How should I clean a memorial?
For general maintenance, simply wash the memorial with clean water and a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid using household detergents, bleach, or stiff brushes, which can damage the polish, the lettering enamel, or the natural stone itself. Marble memorials may require more frequent cleaning and professional maintenance to preserve their appearance.
Request Material Samples
Photographs can only do so much. We are happy to provide physical samples of our materials during a consultation so you can see the true colours, textures, and finishes in natural light.