How To Set Up a Tombstone?

After buying a tombstone for your loved one, you may be faced with a choice, whether to ask a professional stonemason to install it in the cemetery of your choice, or to install it yourself?

Most cemeteries have information about tombstones Installation regulations, and they also provide additional installation services. Many times you should always consult with your cemetery administrator to ensure compliance. Tombstones are actually very heavy and dangerous to install, but you can go and take certain safety measures to make sure your tombstone installation goes smoothly. In this article, we'll review how to set up a tombstone with or without concrete so you can install your own tombstone accurately and safely without expert help.

First, How do you build a tombstone out of concrete?

Building a heavy tombstone requires some tools to make sure it doesn't sink or tip over time. Visit your local home store and invest in a shovel, tape measure, grade, four or more reinforcing bars, wire mesh, wire twist ties, hammer, water, three to four bags of concrete mix, mixing vessel, PVC pipe 6 to 8 inches in diameter.

Use a tape measure to measure the length and width of your tombstone and dig a hole accordingly, about 2 to 3 feet deep and the same size. We recommend that you dig an extra inch or two on each side, just in case. Once the dirt has been dug, dig two holes to accommodate your rebar on the outside edges using a shovel or pole hole digger. The holes should be at least 2 to 6 feet deep. Install the rebar with a hammer until only 3 inches of the steel is exposed. Attach the steel mesh to the bottom of the hole and fasten it to the rebar with metal twist tape. If you're installing a grass marker with a vase, you'll want to dig a shallow hole in its place to install the PVC pipe. Mix the concrete according to the manufacturer's directions and pour it into the hole in your tombstone. After 24 to 48 hours of drying time, you can safely install your grave markers. Never try to install a tombstone yourself. We recommend that you seek help from more than one person.

Second, how to build a tombstone without concrete?

Some tombstones are small and may not require the support and stabilization of a concrete base. You may be in luck if you choose a grass-grade, pillow-top, or slanted tombstone no larger than 24" x 12" x 4". Get a shovel, a bag of sand, a tape measure and a spirit level.

Please measure the accuracy of your tombstone and the size of the graveyard in which it will be installed. Add an inch or two on all sides to make sure your tombstone fits. Using your shovel, dig out the sand and keep it aside. Dig deep enough to accommodate the thickness of your grass marker. With the help of two or three people, carefully mount your marker and check that it lays completely flat. Using the reserved sand, you can align your mark and make sure it's securely mounted in the cemetery.

After installation, we recommend that you clean the tombstone and surrounding area. We hope this article helped you decide whether tombstone installation is best done on your own, or with the help of a trusted professional.