Shopping for a flat granite headstone or a flat Bronze headstone can be challenging for the first time shopper. We have been in business since 1997 first located in Norwalk, California and later moving to Orange County. We have served the Los Angeles area cemeteries and now reach as far south as San Diego creating beautiful granite works of art. Flat granite grass markers are typically 12×24” or 16×28” with slightly larger sizes allowed.
Some of the local popular cemeteries are Rose Hills , Forest Lawn, Orange County Cemetery District, Pacific View, Holy Cross and Harbor Lawn Cemeteries. These cemeteries all have regulations on size and material so please check prior to purchasing. Because of our years of working with most of the Los Angeles and Orange County cemeteries we have a working knowledge of the specifications.
Flat Bronze markers are very special and complex when designing. There are many constraints on whether it is for a single person or a companion marker. The date plates must be designed for easy installation for the second passing or it will be a problem when trying to install the new plate. Always make sure the company you are working with knows what the limitations are for designing a Bronze marker.
Granite markers are your best choice for designs and maintenance. Granite although can be scratched by lawn equipment and can chip when accidentally hit by lawn maintenance equipment the granite can always be cleaned and polished with ease. The biggest complaint we see is with the litho ink flaking off, because the flat granite headstone is always sitting on wet ground from the watering it tends to deteriorate quickly. It depends on the cemetery location and drainage around the marker. Due to California EPA requirements on the paint we no longer can purchase the highest quality Litho chrome paints offered. We are constantly trying new sealing techniques to delay this process. Of course the option of not using inks are the best solution. Some colors of granite can be rather attractive without any highlight inks applied.
Flat Headstones continue to be the choice of many people due to the unlimited art that can be applied in the engraving process. All cemeteries allow almost any design but most require the final approval before we cut stone. We discourage trade-mark or copy right logos being placed on a flat grave marker unless you get it approved thru the cemetery first. We also have experience in constructing full ledgers for all cemeteries. Full ledgers are 32” x72”x 4” thick solid granite. Uprights and slants are also available through American Headstones Company.
