Summer Memorials is proud to welcome Graveside Memorials to our family, continuing trusted care for Saskatoon families.Visit us at our new office at 202 33rd St E, Saskatoon, SK S7K 0S3.
May 28, 2026
Choosing the right engraving style for a custom headstone is a crucial step in creating a lasting tribute to a loved one. At Summit Memorials, we understand the importance of this decision and are dedicated to providing families with personalized, high-quality memorials. Our on-site engraving services are performed by skilled professionals in a controlled workspace. For safety and compliance with OHS regulations, customer viewing of active engraving is not permitted without approved personal protective equipment (PPE). We are happy to share photos or videos of the process upon request.
In this guide, we’ll explore the engraving style you choose for a new monument and how it will affect its overall appearance, understanding how crucial it is to consider all options before deciding.
Engraving is more than just a functional element of a headstone, it’s the heart of the memorial. It’s how we honour the life of a loved one and ensure their legacy is preserved for generations.
The engraving style you choose will affect the new monument’s overall appearance, so it’s crucial to consider all options before deciding.
At Summit Memorials, we pride ourselves on offering a range of engraving styles through our on-site engraving services to make sure each new headstone is unique and meaningful.
Shallow-sunk engraving is a classic style often used on dark granite stones like Supreme Black and Regal Red. The engraving is carefully carved into the stone at a shallow depth, giving it a polished, clean look.
This style works well for text that needs to be easily readable and stands out.
Why It’s Popular:
At Summit Memorials, we use our on-site engraving services to achieve precision and clarity in this style, ensuring that each character is sharp and readable for years to come.
Available for: New monuments only.
For lighter granite stones such as Mountain Rose or Gem Mist, deep cut engraving is the preferred choice. This technique involves carving deeper into the stone, creating a more pronounced and bold design.
The deep cut provides high contrast, which is especially important for light-colored stones.
Why It’s Popular:
Summit Memorials offers expert on-site engraving services, ensuring the deepest cuts are made with precision, delivering an elegant yet durable memorial.
Available for: New monuments only.
Laser engraving is a modern technique that uses laser beams to etch detailed designs into the stone. This method is perfect for intricate artwork, such as portraits, landscapes, or detailed religious symbols. Laser engraving allows for an exceptional level of detail and precision.
Why It’s Popular:
With Summit Memorials’ on-site engraving services, families can ensure that their loved one’s image or any intricate artwork is flawlessly captured on the stone.
Note: Laser engraving is only available on Supreme Black granite, as its fine grain and contrast provide the ideal surface for detailed, high-quality engravings.
Sandblasting is a versatile engraving method that involves using compressed air to propel sand against the surface of the stone, carving out the design. This style works well for both text and imagery and creates a rough texture that contrasts beautifully with the smooth surface of the granite.
Why It’s Popular:
At Summit Memorials, our on-site engraving services allow us to carefully sandblast intricate designs, ensuring that every detail is sharp and long-lasting.
Available for: New monuments only.
Choosing the right engraving style involves considering several factors, including the type of granite, personal preferences, and cemetery regulations for the new headstone. Here are some things to keep in mind:
At Summit Memorials, our experts will guide you through every step of the engraving process. With our on-site engraving services, we ensure your memorial meets your expectations and complies with cemetery rules.
Summit Memorials has been proudly serving families across Canada with custom headstones, monuments, and memorials for decades. We specialize in creating memorials that honor the lives of loved ones with dignity and care. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing exceptional on-site engraving services, ensuring that each engraving is crafted with precision and care.
From granite selection to the final engraving, Summit Memorials offers personalized service that helps families create lasting tributes. We work closely with you to ensure that your memorial is as unique as the person it represents.
Choosing the right engraving style for a custom headstone is a personal decision that helps commemorate a loved one’s life. Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of shallow sunk engraving or the intricate beauty of laser engraving, Summit Memorials offers a wide range of options through our on-site engraving services.
Our team is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring that your loved one’s memory is honoured with the utmost respect and care.
If you’re ready to design a custom headstone for your loved one, Summit Memorials is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our on-site engraving services and how we can create a meaningful, lasting tribute.
