The Memorialist: Wash or No Wash: the Answer is Easy; a Wash Is a Relatively Inexpensive Upgrade

Author: Burton Fletcher
Publication Date: 2005-12

Question:

I was in the cemetery, and I observed a slope on a base that I liked. I have been looking at monuments and talking to monument dealers, and I stopped in one of those places that claim to have the “largest display,” but your online selection far exceeds their offerings. I enjoy your website and your articles, so can you write more on the subject of bases?

Answer:

Dear Reader, I know exactly how you feel. The most common base in the cemetery is the polished flat top with balance rock pitch sides. This is also my least favorite style, as it is lacking in both creativity and harmony.

If the tablet is polished, the base should tie in to the appearance of the tablet through a polished margin. When the front, back, and sides of the base are all rock pitched, there is disconnect between the tablet and the base. The tablet and the base should harmonize well together. If the tablet is steeled, then use a steeled margin on the base. If the face of the tablet were rock pitch, then the base would look fine with all rock pitch; otherwise, my answer is “Don’t do it!” Above all else, maintain harmony between the appearance of the finish for the tablet and the base.

A wash, shown in the photo with this article, is one of the least expensive upgrades to make a monument more attractive. We commonly recommend a wash, with a margin and balance rock pitch combination for the base. A flat top on the base will allow water to puddle, while the wash encourages water to run off, thereby decreasing the likelihood of staining the granite. The drop between the bed and the edge of the wash can vary, but 2 inches is common.

Now, the choice is yours, and to wash or not to wash is your decision. I recommend that you wash. (Smile.)

About Burton Fletcher:  Burton Fletcher, with over 20 years’ business experience, owns USAMonuments.com.    He is a nationally published expert, frequently writing on monument building and memorialization.    He designs, builds, ships and installs across the United States and Canada.     Reach Burton at 229.245.8858 or e-mail to Burton@ValdostaMemorials.com for your memorialization needs.

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