The Hidden Risk Of Low-Quality Headstones: What You’re Not Being Told

September 25, 2025

 The Hidden Risk Of Low-Quality Headstones: What You’re Not Being Told

You’ve just said goodbye to someone you love. The ceremony is over, and now it’s time to choose a headstone, something that will stand as a permanent tribute to their life. You want it to be beautiful, strong, and meaningful. You want it to last.

Then you start comparing prices. One option looks sleek and affordable online. Another comes from a local headstone maker with a higher price tag. It’s tempting to go with the cheaper one, after all, granite is granite… right?

Not quite.

What many families don’t realize is that not all headstones are of equal quality. Behind that low price could be poor-quality stone, shortcuts in craftsmanship, or materials that won’t survive Alberta’s winters.

The result? Fading inscriptions, cracked granite, and a memorial that no longer reflects the dignity your loved one deserves.

In this blog, we’ll uncover the risks of choosing a low-quality monument and explain how experienced headstone makers ensure the memorial you select today will stand strong for generations.

The Hidden Costs Of Cheap Headstones

1. Premature Fading And Surface Wear

Some suppliers use chemically treated granite or artificially enhanced colours to make their headstones look more appealing at the point of sale. These treatments fade over time, leaving the monument looking discoloured, patchy, or stained.

Low-end imports may use dyes, fillers, or epoxy-based colourings that break down in sunlight, snow, or rain.

At Summit Memorials, we never use dyes or paints in our granite. All colours are naturally sourced and guaranteed not to fade.

2. Structural Weakness And Cracking

Thin granite slabs, inconsistent polishing, and poor craftsmanship can result in visible cracking, chipping, or even the complete failure of the monument. This is especially true in cold climates like Alberta and Saskatchewan, where freeze-thaw cycles put stress on materials.

Summit’s Memorial Guarantee ensures that our monuments will never crack or chip from exposure to the elements, ever.

3. Illegible Lettering And Design Over Time

Low-quality granite and poor engraving methods often result in lettering that becomes hard to read within a few years. Exposure to the elements can lead to fading, erosion, or buildup that obscures the inscription.

Summit Memorials guarantees that the lettering and design on every granite memorial will remain legible for all time.

How To Spot A Low-Quality Monument

Low-quality headstones are often indistinguishable at first glance. Families may only notice issues once the headstone is already installed and exposed to the elements. Here’s what to look for:

  • Stone Thickness: Standard headstones should be at least 3 inches thick. Anything less is at risk of bowing or cracking.
  • Granite Quality: Ask where the granite is sourced. Reputable options include Stanstead Grey, Supreme Black, and Blue Pearl.
  • Polishing: Poor polish often results in uneven surfaces that stain easily or don’t reflect light correctly.
  • Engraving: Look for crisp, clean lines in the lettering, not shallow, jagged, or painted-on text.

The Problem With Online Monument Sellers

Online-only suppliers often rely on third-party vendors for production and local installers for delivery, leading to inconsistency in quality. Many families have received headstones with incorrect spelling, unfinished designs, or cracked surfaces.

In most cases, there is no installation option offered. Families are expected to accept delivery at home via common carrier and handle installation themselves, adding stress and risk to an already difficult time.

If a monument arrives damaged, replacing or repairing it becomes time-consuming, frustrating, and sometimes impossible.

Local headstone makers in Canada, like Summit Memorials, offer more than just production. They provide full on-site services including design, installation, engraving, and future maintenance. This reduces delays, minimizes mistakes, and ensures accountability through direct, in-person service.

Why Working With Trusted Headstone Makers Pays Off

A headstone should never be a gamble. Summit Memorials offers a written guarantee that ensures:

  • The memorial will never crack or chip due to weather
  • No dyes or surface chemicals are ever used
  • Every headstone is built using only natural, premium-grade granite
  • Few suppliers, especially online or bulk importers are willing to make this promise in writing.

Choosing The Right Supplier: What Questions To Ask

When comparing headstone makers, here are the right questions to ask:

  • Where is the granite sourced from?
  • Is the lettering engraved or painted on?
  • Do you offer a written guarantee?
  • Can you install and service the monument locally?
  • What happens if the headstone becomes unlevel?
  • Is onsite engraving or restoration available in the future?

A reputable company will have clear answers to all of these. If they don’t, walk away.

About Summit Memorials

Summit Memorials has been crafting and installing personalized granite monuments across Alberta and Saskatchewan for over 30 years. As trusted headstone makers, we supply only the highest-grade granite from reputable global quarries and never use dyes or chemical treatments.

Our written guarantee ensures your memorial will never crack, chip, or fade, and that your family’s story will be preserved with dignity and care.

Need help selecting a headstone? Contact us today to speak with a memorial specialist.

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