Question: I see a lot of polished finishes with the
manufacture of new monuments that was not present in older monument styles. What are the
types of monument finishes?
Answer: This is a good question. Today, the polished finish is commonly observed coming
from the factory production lines originating from quarries around the world. Modern
production techniques allow machines to efficiently grind stone to a smooth finish. While
a polished finish is currently the most popular, other finishes should be considered as
well, both for their durability and a more natural appearance. I learned the particulars
regarding the variety of granite finishes while attending a seminar at the Elberton
Granite Museum in Elberton, Georgia.
Stipple Finish: The stipple finish is produced from granite that was first cut from a
quarry block, with a saw cut, using the large diamond tipped blades that make easy work
carving large blocks of granite, after removal from the quarry. A stone cutter stipples
the sawn finish by using a pneumatic tool and a 16-point chisel.
Steeled Finish: To achieve the steeled finish, the granite is first sawn, and then steeled
using a circular wheel with steel shot. Another technique uses steel shot, mixed with an
abrasive, to score the granite. This finish is rough to the touch and my favorite.
Diamond Saw Finish: This finish is created by the use of a diamond saw. Depending on the
accuracy of the cutting blade, this finish may be relatively straight.
Wiresaw Finish: The wiresaw finish is created by using a “wire saw” machine. A
small one-half (1/2) inch spiral steel wire pulls silicone carbide abrasive over stone
surfaces at a high speed to create this look.
Polished Finish: To achieve the polished finish, the granite is first sawn. It is then
polished with emory rings, using three or more grades of abrasive. Then, for the final
process, a heavy buffing wheel is used with a mixture of water or tin or aluminum oxide.
Stoned Finish or Frosting: A “stoned finish” or “frosting” is created
using a pneumatic tool and a scraper to remove the surface layer of any of the above
finishes; usually, this finish is used to highlight an area within the surface area of
another finish.
Rock Pitched or Rustic Finish: This finish is as common as any finish found in the modern
cemetery. A stonecutter uses a hammer, pointer, and chisel to achieve the desired rustic
finish. This finish is frequently used on the top and sides of an upright monument, and on
the bottom of the base, giving a rugged appearance. I have observed BRP-5, or Balanced
Rock Pitched, on all sides of a monument, with a different finish only in the areas of
lettering or ornamentalization. Personally, I believe the rock pitch or rustic look is
overused modernly. Memorialists like this finish because it is easier to make repairs if
dings occur during shipping, storage, or installation.
Shell Rock Finish: A stonecutter uses a hammer, pointer, and chipper to create the desired
scalloped finish on the exterior of a monument. Working skillfully, the stone cutter clips
out semi-circle spheres to finish the monument. Though this is not my personal first
choice in monument finishes, I admire the skill and workmanship when this finish is used.
Like the rock pitched finish, this finish is usually used on the top and sides of a
monument.
In terms of overall surface smoothness, polished is the smoothest, followed by stippled,
steeled, diamond saw, and lastly, wire saw. Rock pitched and shell rock finishes are
exterior finishes. Any combination of these finishes may be used depending upon budget and
artistic preferences.
Within the industry, a memorialist might communicate to a stonecutter, that the requested
monument is to be P-2, P-3, or P-5. This is a request for a polish on the front and back
sides, or front, back and top, or front, back, top and sides, respectively. P-2, BRP is a
polish on the front and back sides of the monument with the top and sides, or balance,
rock pitched, or chipped.
When shopping for prices, it is important to know whether the same stone is being sold to
the consumer. There are varieties of stone, and one should expect to pay more for a P-3
monument than a monument that is only P-2 and BRP.
