Gravestones are designed to classify who was buried in a particular location, but there are several types of gravestones to learn more about before you can determine which kind of memorial marker is right for you or the grave of a loved one. Without adequate identification at a burial plot, it can be impossible to keep track of the deceased. Gravestones are essential to end-of-life records and services, but understanding the differences between each type of monument can make all the difference when you go to visit your loved one's final resting place at the local cemetery. Everyone knows what a headstone is, but do you know what a footstone is?

What Is a Footstone?

A footstone is a grave marker or monument that lies at the foot of a burial grave. Footstones are always placed at the opposite ends of the headstones they correspond to. These stones are used to mark the foot of a grave, serving as a boundary line for the burial plot. However, footstones are also used to provide additional information about the interred deceased. These slab-like stones are only used in conjunction with headstones. Footstones are traditionally smaller and less ornate than headstones, so they can often resemble the headboard and footboard of a bed frame. These memorial stones come in many colors, designs, shapes, and sizes, but most are made of granite because it is extremely durable and resistant to weathering.

A common stone size is approximately two feet wide, which can accommodate about 80 letters. Most people only engrave initials or small inscriptions so as not to detract from the headstone. This grave marker is placed on the footing, or a concrete slab that is horizontal and flush with the surface of the ground. A footboard is any flat, slab-like wooden grave marker that is placed at the end of a gravesite. Whether you choose flush, flat, or lawn-level, we know that a handcrafted footstone will only enhance the beauty of your loved one's gravesite.

Though footstones can be convenient for creating boundary lines between plots, they are also conducive to cemeteries that regularly remove monuments for repair or replacement. As you may already know, most headstones face east because it was believed that the deceased would rise again on the day of resurrection. Members of the Christian faith wanted the dead to face Christ on Judgement Day. A footstone most often faces in the same direction as its headstone does. These smaller stones are commonly used for family plots that contain multiple members. Without space to headstones for every member of the family, a footstone serves as an ideal alternative.

By marking the length of a grave, footstones can be used to avoid overcrowding or accidental excavation. We hope that this article was informative and helpful. If you have any questions about this article or our selection of grave markers, please contact us today. One of our experienced representatives is standing by to help in any way we can.