A Thien Duc granite headstone needs accurate information, balanced proportions, and a fit with both the stone material and the style of the grave. KANNO treats the headstone as one component of the complete design, so its dimensions, lettering layout, photograph, engraving method, and finish are finalized together with the grave drawings rather than handled separately.
Headstone dimensions should suit the proportions of the grave
There is no fixed headstone size that suits every grave design. A panel that is too wide or too tall can overwhelm the grave body; one that is too small can make the lettering difficult to read and the overall design feel unbalanced. Consider the width of the grave body, viewing distance, amount of information, and headstone style before finalizing the dimensions.
- Measure the available width for installing the headstone.
- Determine how much information needs to be engraved.
- Leave a safe margin around the edges of the panel.
- Check the portrait position if a photograph is included.
- Review the headstone proportions on the vertical face of the grave.
For broader guidance, see granite headstones: designs, dimensions, and how to choose.
Choosing granite for a Thien Duc granite headstone
Granite has a hard surface, suits outdoor use, and creates clear contrast with light-colored or finished lettering. For a premium option, KANNO can advise on selected G20 when a family wants a deep black background and a high-gloss finish.
However, headstone quality does not depend only on the stone name. Check color consistency, natural characteristics, flatness, edges, and the actual surface finish. These details are easier to see on a large headstone.
How are sandblasting and CNC different?
KANNO uses sandblasting or CNC depending on the lettering style, depth, dimensions, and level of detail. Sandblasting suits many lettering styles and can create recessed areas using a stencil; CNC is useful when shapes need to be controlled and repeated from design data.
Neither CNC nor sandblasting should be assumed to be better in every case. The final result also depends on file quality, stone type, cutting tool, machine settings, and finishing after engraving. Learn more about Thien Duc headstone lettering and engraving.
Is hand carving still suitable?
Some designs can use hand carving or manual finishing for lettering and decorative details. This method depends greatly on the craftsperson and is not the default choice for every headstone. When it is used, define which parts will be machine-processed and which will be finished by hand so the work remains consistent.
Gold-leaf lettering on a black granite background
Gold lettering creates strong contrast against a black background and gives a formal appearance. Gold leaf should not be chosen only to make the headstone stand out. Balance it with the lettering style, amount of information, panel dimensions, and the level of decoration across the whole grave. Families should also ask about the care or maintenance required for the selected finish.
What information should be prepared for a headstone?
Depending on family customs and requirements, the inscription may include the family name, personal name, birth year, year of death, date of death, age at death or age in life, place of origin, lineage, and a memorial inscription. If a portrait is included, prepare a sufficiently clear image file and approve it before fabrication.
The key principle is to avoid crowding too much information onto a small panel. If the inscription is long, consider a suitable increase in panel size or a clearer hierarchy of lettering rather than shrinking every line.
How to lay out lettering for readability
Set a clear hierarchy for the information
The full name is often the most prominent element; dates and supporting information can be smaller. Viewers should be able to distinguish the information levels from a normal viewing distance.
Leave clear space around the edges
Lettering and photographs should not sit too close to the stone edges. Clear margins make the layout easier to read and help avoid crowding when the headstone edges are rounded or shaped.
Avoid using too many type styles
A consistent type system usually looks more dignified and is easier to read than mixing too many fonts or effects.
Approval steps to reduce headstone errors
- The family provides the correct inscription details.
- KANNO lays out the design to the actual headstone dimensions.
- The family checks names, dates, spelling, and photographs.
- Sandblasting, CNC, hand carving, or a combined method is agreed.
- Lettering color or gold leaf is agreed, if applicable.
- The headstone is fabricated and checked before installation on the grave.
Approving the design file is especially important because correcting an error after engraving on granite is much harder than correcting the drawing.
How should a headstone connect to the grave body?
A headstone should not simply be placed on the grave body by eye. Its position, grooves, supports, or connections should be included in the drawings so the panel remains stable and in proportion. For a separate headstone, check the installation method and whether replacement is possible; for a headstone integrated with a frame, the related components should be fabricated accurately as a coordinated set.
Headstones within KANNO’s Thien Duc project range
Consider the headstone together with the grave and surrounding grounds. Families can review black granite graves at Thien Duc, Thien Duc stone graves, and completed family memorial projects to see headstone proportions in context.
What affects the cost of a Thien Duc granite headstone?
- Granite type and headstone dimensions.
- Thickness, edge shape, and level of finish.
- Amount of lettering, photographs, and detail.
- Sandblasting, CNC, or hand-carving method.
- Lettering color, gold leaf, or another finish.
- Connections, transportation, and installation.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Approving the inscription before checking spelling and dates.
- Choosing a headstone that is too large or too small for the grave body.
- Placing lettering and photographs too close to the edges.
- Shrinking the lettering excessively because the inscription is too long.
- Choosing an engraving method before confirming the lettering style and dimensions.
- Skipping approval of the layout file before fabrication.
FAQ
Each method suits different lettering styles, depths, and details. Choose according to the design and the stone rather than assuming that only one technique should be used.
It can be used for some designs and requirements. Hand carving is an additional option alongside sandblasting and CNC.
Yes. Black granite creates clear contrast with gold lettering; the specific finish should be approved in relation to the lettering style and overall design.
Yes. This is the time to check spelling, dates, photograph placement, and proportions before fabrication begins.
No. The headstone dimensions should suit the grave body, the amount of information, viewing distance, and the overall style.
