MATERIALS AND MAINTENANCE
Granite is the most hard wearing stone. Usually highly polished it comes in many colours from many parts of the world including the British Isles. The working of granite is very difficult, and although it is possible to carve it by hand it is generally sandblasted to produce designs and effects.
Maintenance: granite that is highly polished needs no maintenance, when dirty it can be cleaned with soap and water to restore it to as new condition.

Marble is very versatile to work. Coming in many different colours, the traditional white marble from Carrara is still first choice for many people. The beauty of marble is that it can be carved into any form, and has a soft subtle appearance.
Maintenance: marble requires regular cleaning using water and a sponge, although it can be sealed against weathering this procedure only protects it for a few years and will need to be repeated. It can be professionally cleaned if it has deteriorated in appearance after some years of weathering, which usually brings it back to a nearly new condition. Marble is susceptible to staining particularly by rust from wreaths or artificial flowers, rust staining is usually permanent.

Limestone has been used for centuries in British churchyards and is what gives our old churchyards that particular natural beauty. It is generally a buff colour and can be carved easily.
Maintenance: limestone requires regular cleaning using water and sponge, although it can be sealed against weathering this procedure only protects it for a few years and will need to be repeated. It can be professionally cleaned if it has deteriorated in appearance after some years of weathering, which usually brings it back to a nearly new condition. Limestone is susceptible to staining particularly by rust from wreaths or artificial flowers, rust staining is usually permanent.