Identify the component before reading the numbers
A monument assembly can contain several stones, and each component needs its own dimensions.
- Die or tablet
- The principal upright stone is generally described by width, height and thickness. For example, a dealer may write 3-0 × 2-0 × 0-6 for a die that is three feet wide, two feet high and six inches thick.
- Base
- A base is normally wider and deeper than the die it supports. State its width, depth and height separately rather than combining die and base measurements into one line.
- Markers, slants and bevels
- Low memorials may use length, width and height or a supplier-specific order. A sloped face can also require front and back height information, so the drawing remains authoritative.
- Bench components
- List the seat and every support independently. Include seat length, width and thickness plus leg or pedestal size, quantity and spacing.
Read feet-and-inches notation carefully
- Hyphen notation
- In monument specifications, 3-6 commonly means three feet six inches and 0-8 means eight inches. It does not mean a subtraction calculation or a decimal value.
- Dimension order
- Do not assume every supplier uses the same order. Label width, height, depth or thickness in the inquiry and verify the order shown in the quotation and drawing.
- Overall versus stone size
- Overall installed height can include the foundation, base and die. Keep overall dimensions separate from the fabrication size of each granite component.
- Cemetery limits
- Maximum width, height, base projection and foundation rules may vary by cemetery section. Confirm those limits before finalizing the stone dimensions.
A reliable dimension-check sequence
- Name every piece
- Start with a component list: die, base, marker, vase, bench seat, supports or other stones.
- Label every direction
- Write the dimension names beside the values and keep the same orientation throughout the drawing, quote and order.
- Check design fit
- Make sure the inscription, portrait, emblem and margins fit within the usable polished or carved area, not merely within the overall stone outline.
- Approve the drawing
- Compare the drawing dimensions with the written order and cemetery requirement before authorizing production.