The monument industry has its own vocabulary that can be confusing for new dealers and occasionally even for experienced ones when suppliers or cemeteries use terms differently. This glossary covers the most important terms you will encounter.
Die: The main upright tablet portion of an upright monument, on which lettering and artwork are applied. Distinguished from the base, which is the lower structural piece that the die sits on. When you see a monument dimension like 24×12×4, that refers to the die.
Base: The lower structural element of an upright monument that provides stability. Bases are wider front-to-back than dies to create a stable footprint. Bases are usually specified separately from the die: a 28×6×12 base is 28 inches wide, 6 inches tall, and 12 inches deep.
Die cap: A molded or profiled top edge on a die, such as a curved (rock-pitched), serpentine, or straight profile. Die cap style is part of the design specification.
Marker / Flat marker / Flush marker: A horizontal monument set at or near ground level. "Flush marker" specifically means one designed to be set level with the ground so mowers can pass over it.
Slant marker: A monument set at an angle, with the inscription face tilted toward the viewer. More visible than a flat marker but lower-profile than an upright.
Bevel marker: Similar to a slant marker but with a curved or beveled top surface, set slightly above grade.
Companion / Double monument: A monument designed for two people, typically wider than a single monument to accommodate two sets of inscriptions.
Saddle base: A base with a central groove or slot into which the die is set for additional stability.
Polished / Honed / Thermal / Sawn: The four primary granite surface finishes. Polished is glossy and reflective. Honed is smooth but matte. Thermal is rough and textured. Sawn is the raw cut surface.
Sandblasting / Abrasive blasting: The process of removing material from a stone surface using high-pressure abrasive grit through a stencil to create lettering or artwork.
Laser engraving: Using a focused laser beam to vaporize the stone surface, producing photographic-quality images.
Setting: The process of physically installing a monument in the cemetery, including foundation work, lifting, leveling, and anchoring.
Foundation: A concrete base poured below the frost line on which the monument rests, required to prevent frost heave.
Perpetual care: A cemetery that charges a perpetual care fee at the time of plot purchase, using the funds to maintain the grounds indefinitely. Most modern cemeteries are perpetual-care facilities.
Sexton: The official responsible for cemetery grounds maintenance and record-keeping. The sexton's office is typically where monument setting permits are obtained.
Cut sheet: A detailed order specification document listing all monument dimensions, finishes, inscriptions, artwork, and other specifications. The foundation document for any monument order.
Proof / Artwork proof: A graphic representation of the proposed lettering and artwork layout on the monument face, submitted for family review and approval before production begins.
Addition: Adding an inscription to an existing monument — typically a death year for a surviving spouse who has passed away after the monument was installed.
Gang saw: A multi-blade industrial saw used to cut a granite block into multiple slabs simultaneously.
LOT number / Lot and section: The cemetery's reference for the specific burial plot. Always required on setting permits and often needed when coordinating with the cemetery office.