All About Bevel Markers

Headstone memorial markers that are raised about 2" taller in the back than they are in the front are called bevel markers. The face of the marker "bevels" down, making it easier to read in the cemetery. 

You can see in the image of a bevel marker above how the back of the stone sits slightly higher than the front. 

These bevel-style memorial markers sit above grade at the head of the cemetery plot. 

You can see in the image below how the bevel marker clearly sits above the grade of the ground. 

This is opposed to flat cemetery markers. 

Flat Cemetery Markers

Markers installed flush with the ground grade, meaning they do not rise above it, are called flat markers. 

Flat markers are typically seen in cemeteries that require flat markers or have a flat marker section. They are also commonly seen when a family wishes to install a marker at the foot of the grave, as many cemeteries require footstones to sit flush with the ground grade. 

In the photo below you can see a flat cemetery marker installed at the foot of a grave. 

In the photo above, you can see how the marker is installed flush with the ground grade. This allows the mowers to drive over the top of the stone rather than around it. Flat cemetery markers are also more likely to have mud wash over them, thus obstructing the engraving. 

Because bevel markers stand above the ground grade, they are a more popular option than their flat counterparts. While they are slightly more expensive, they are easier to view and keep clean in the cemetery.