Columbarium – An above-ground structure with niches for holding urns containing cremated remains.

Crypt – An underground burial chamber.

Mausoleum – A building, typically made of granite, that houses multiple crypts for above-ground entombment.

Vault – A protective container placed in the ground to enclose a casket and prevent soil collapse.

Ledger – A flat stone slab covering a grave, set flush with the ground.

Bevelled – A surface that is cut on a slope to improve readability.

Pillow Marker – A low-profile memorial with a gentle slope, offering more visibility than flat markers.

Serpentine (Serp) – A curved monument top, available in full, half, or three-quarter shapes.

full serp

3/4 serp

half serp

Hickey – A monument with a sloped face, typically thicker at the base than the top.

Scotia Curve – A concave, rounded edge used as a decorative detail where two surfaces meet.

Margin – A contrasting edge finish along a monument, either polished, sawn, or natural.

Inscription – The wording engraved on a memorial, including names, dates, and messages.

Epitaph – A meaningful phrase, quote, or message honoring the deceased.

Engraving – The process of cutting lettering or artwork into granite.

Etching – Detailed surface artwork, often used for portraits or complex images on polished granite.

Raised Lettering – Lettering that appears raised by removing the surrounding background.

Sunken Lettering – Lettering carved directly into the stone using sandblasting.

V-Cut – A hand-chiselled engraving style with a V-shaped groove for a refined finish.

Double Outline – A decorative lettering style typically used for family names.

Polished – A smooth, glossy granite surface created using diamond abrasives.

Smooth – A flat surface without shine or reflection.

Natural Finish –  An untreated surface that retains a rough, stone-like appearance.

Pitching – A technique used to create a rough, natural stone edge.

Frosted / Dusted – A lightly sandblasted surface used to improve contrast for lettering.

Texture – The natural pattern, grain, and color variation within granite.

Polish Levels (1, 2, 3, 5) – Indicates how many sides of a monument are polished (front only up to all sides).

Footing – The concrete foundation that supports a monument and keeps it level.

Setting (Set) – The process of installing and assembling a monument at the gravesite.

Stake-Out – Marking the exact location of a monument before installation.

Pinning – Using metal rods to secure stone pieces together for added strength.

Sandblast – A high-pressure stream of abrasive material used to engrave granite.

Stencil – A rubber template used during engraving to protect areas not being cut.

Proofs – A preview of the engraving layout provided for approval before final work begins.

Layout – The arrangement of lettering and artwork on a memorial.



Rubbing – A transfer method used to replicate or verify existing engravings.

Corner Posts – Small granite markers placed at the corners of a cemetery plot.

Footstones – Small markers placed at the foot of a grave, often indicating identity or relation.

Panel – A defined area on a monument where lettering is placed.

Tooling – A chiselled surface finish used to create texture and contrast.

Lonite – A historical composite material previously used for monuments before granite became standard.

Lithochrome – A dye used to enhance engraving contrast, though natural contrast is preferred.

Contrast – The visibility difference between granite and engraving, influenced by material and finish.

Paint (Industry Term) – A discouraged method of enhancing lettering using inferior materials instead of proper engraving techniques.

Spot Work – Small, often complimentary onsite adjustments or maintenance tasks.