Choosing a headstone is an important part of honouring a loved one. Families often have questions about materials, cemetery rules, pricing, and what the installation process looks like. At Casket Depot Vancouver, we work with families across the Lower Mainland to help them design and install memorial markers that meet cemetery guidelines and reflect the personality of the person being remembered.
This guide explains the key things to know when selecting a headstone in British Columbia and how to avoid common issues during the ordering and installation process.
1. Types of Headstones Available
Headstones come in several shapes and formats, each suitable for different cemetery sections. The most common include:
Flat Markers
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Set flush to the ground
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Available in granite or bronze
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Typically required by lawn-style cemeteries
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Affordable and low maintenance
View our flat marker selection →https://casketdepotvancouver.ca/products/flat-grave-markers
Bevel Markers / Pillow Markers
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Slightly raised at an angle
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Easier to read than flat markers
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Compatible with many upright or non-upright cemetery areas
View our pillow marker selection →https://casketdepotvancouver.ca/products/pillow-markers
Slant Markers
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Thick, wedge-shaped memorials
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Provide strong visibility with a compact footprint
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Popular for families wanting something more prominent than a flat marker
Upright Monuments
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Traditional two-piece memorials (tablet and base)
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Allow the most space for design elements, portraits, and inscriptions
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Best for family plots or areas that allow vertical stones
View our headstone selection → https://casketdepotvancouver.ca/collections/headstones
2. Granite Options and Durability
Granite is the standard material used for memorials due to its strength and weather resistance. High quality granite can last for centuries with proper care.
Popular colours include:
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India Black
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Blue Pearl
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Grey
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Red
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Pink
Each granite type engraves differently. Darker stones (such as India Black) provide the highest contrast for lettering and artwork. Lighter stones often require shadowing techniques to enhance readability.
3. Cemetery Regulations in BC
Every cemetery in British Columbia has its own set of rules regarding:
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Maximum dimensions
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Base requirements
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Granite colour restrictions
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Bronze vs. granite compatibility
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Installation foundations
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Allowed artwork and religious symbols
For example, some Vancouver cemeteries limit upright monuments to certain rows, while others only accept flat markers in designated areas.
Before placing an order, our team always verifies:
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Size compliance
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Orientation
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Foundation requirements
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Permit approvals
This avoids delays, rejections, or costly redesigns.
Internal link suggestion:
Contact us for cemetery-specific guidance https://casketdepotvancouver.ca/pages/contact-and-address-info
4. Designing a Headstone: What Families Usually Include
A meaningful memorial often includes the following elements:
Essential Information
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Full name
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Birth and passing dates
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Epitaph (short phrase)
Optional Personalization
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Religious symbols
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Floral patterns
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Cultural motifs
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Ceramic photos
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Portrait etching
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Borders and panels
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Emblems (career, achievements, hobbies, etc.)
Casket Depot Vancouver provides free design previews so families can see the layout before engraving begins. This helps ensure correct spacing, symmetry, and readability.
5. Understanding Headstone Pricing
Costs vary depending on size, granite type, engraving complexity, and cemetery requirements. In Vancouver, families can expect:
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Flat markers: $700–$1,800
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Bevel/slant markers: $1,200–$2,500
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Upright monuments: $2,500–$6,000+
Additional fees may include:
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Cemetery permit fees
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Foundation work
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Ceramic photos
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Extra lettering in the future
Internal link suggestion:
Browse our affordable headstone options https://casketdepotvancouver.ca/collections/headstones
6. The Installation Process
At Casket Depot Vancouver, we manage the entire process from start to finish:
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Cemetery permit application (used to confirm whether installation must be completed by cemetery staff or if our team is authorized to perform the installation. Some cemeteries require their own staff under their bylaws).
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Design mockup and approval
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Engraving
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Delivery to the cemetery
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Professional installation with proper leveling and alignment
We ensure the stone meets all cemetery guidelines and is securely set on a proper base or foundation.
7. How to Maintain a Headstone
Granite is low maintenance, but occasional cleaning helps preserve the appearance.
Recommended care:
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Use clean water and a soft brush
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Avoid harsh chemicals or pressure washers
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Do not use wire brushes
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Avoid sealing granite unless instructed
Cemeteries often provide general maintenance, but families may clean stones periodically to remove pollen, dust, or environmental buildup.
Why Families Choose Casket Depot Vancouver for Headstones
Families across Greater Vancouver trust us because we provide:
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Clear, straightforward pricing
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High quality granite and engraving
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Free design previews
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Compliance with all cemetery regulations
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Fast communication
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Professional installation
We also work directly with local cemeteries including Surrey Centre, Ocean View, Valley View, Schara Tzedeck, and Mountain View to ensure smooth placement.
Final Thoughts
A headstone is a lasting memorial that honours a loved one for generations. Understanding the types of stones, local cemetery rules, and the installation process helps families make informed decisions. Casket Depot Vancouver is here to guide you through every step with reliable products, transparent pricing, and experienced support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to make a headstone in Vancouver?
A: Production and engraving typically take 4 to 8 weeks depending on the granite type and design complexity.
Q: Do all cemeteries require a permit?
A: Yes. Every cemetery in BC requires an installation permit, and rules vary by location.
Q: Can I see a design before engraving?
A: Absolutely. We provide free design previews so you can confirm layout and spelling.