Information about Lettering Depths

It is a widely held misconception that the deeper the lettering is engraved, the longer it will last.  While this might hold true for soap or limestone, it is NOT the case with granite.  In fact, there are circumstances where excessively deep lettering in granite is not advisable.  For example, in flat or sloping markers, water could collect in the lettering and freeze, expanding to break off parts such as the centres of A's and B's.  Also, in climates where there are rapid and repeated extreme temperature changes, differential rates of expansion and contraction occur between the bulk of the monument and any small extremities, resulting in the formation of minute fault lines and eventual weakening and loss of these parts (usually the centres of sunken letters or raised punctuation).  

Properly engraved lettering is not subject to this kind of stress and experienced monument engravers are always careful to ensure that the depth of cutting is appropriate to the design, lettering type, and location of the monument.