Foot Stones: Practical guide to choosing and using

Foot stones are small grave markers placed at the foot end of a burial plot. They serve as a complement to a headstone, a discreet primary marker when a headstone is not used, or a way to mark a specific location in a cemetery where no full burial has occurred. The term “foot stone” can also refer to related objects, the Wikipedia entry for footstone notes the broader historical use of the term, but in the cemetery context, it specifically means a marker placed at the foot of a grave.

This guide focuses on cemetery foot stones. It covers the practical aspects of selecting, ordering, and installing a foot stone, including materials, sizing, inscriptions, cemetery rules, and cost.

How foot stones are used

Foot stones have several uses in modern cemeteries. The most common is as a complement to a headstone: the headstone carries the full name and dates at the head of the grave, and the foot stone carries initials, the surname, or a brief epitaph at the foot. Together, they give the grave a balanced appearance and provide additional inscription space.

Foot stones are sometimes used alone when a smaller, more discreet marker is preferred. This is common in cemeteries with strict monument size limits, in family plots where uniformity is desired, and in cases where a small, low-profile marker is more in keeping with the family’s wishes.

Foot stones are also used in some cemeteries as boundary markers, small stones placed at the corners of a family plot or at the foot of a grave to define its extent. These markers often carry no inscription beyond a name or a number.

Materials

Foot stones are made from the same materials as other grave markers. The most common are:

• Granite: durable, weather-resistant, available in standard gray and premium colors. The most common material for modern foot stones.
• Marble: traditional in older cemeteries. Weathers faster than granite but matches the historic aesthetic.
• Limestone and sandstone: traditional in some regions, especially where local stone is used. Weather faster than granite.
• Bronze: cast bronze foot stones are less common but available. More expensive than stone and visually distinctive.
• Fieldstone: natural stones, sometimes engraved with a small plaque or carved directly. Common in informal or DIY memorials.

Sizing and Inscription

Foot stones are smaller than headstones. Common sizes include 10x20, 12x24, and 14x28 inches, with a thickness of 4 to 6 inches. The size is chosen to be proportionate to the grave and to comply with the cemetery’s monument rules.

Inscriptions on foot stones are typically brief:

• Initials: “J.S.” or “M.B.”
• Surname: “Smith” or “The Johnsons”
• Full name: “John Smith”
• Full name with dates: “John Smith, 1942 鈥?2024”
• Brief epitaph: a short phrase or Bible verse

The inscription is usually engraved or sandblasted into the stone. Cast bronze foot stones can include raised lettering and emblems.

Costs

A standard granite foot stone runs $100 to $400 depending on size, stone, and inscription. Premium colors and custom engraving add cost. Installation is typically $50 to $150 if not bundled with a headstone installation. Cast bronze foot stones are more expensive, typically $300 to $800, because of the casting cost.

When ordering both a headstone and a foot stone from the same monument company, ask for a bundled price. The installation can usually be done in a single visit, which reduces the total cost.

What is a foot stone?A foot stone is a small grave marker placed at the foot end of a burial plot. It can serve as a complement to a headstone, a discreet primary marker, or a boundary marker. Foot stones are typically smaller than headstones and carry less inscription.

Are foot stones required by cemeteries?No. Most cemeteries do not require foot stones. Some families choose to add one as a complement to a headstone; others choose not to. The decision is personal and depends on the family’s preferences and the cemetery’s rules.

What size is a typical foot stone?Common sizes are 10x20, 12x24, and 14x28 inches, with a thickness of 4 to 6 inches. The size depends on the cemetery’s rules and the family’s preference for the marker’s prominence.

Can a foot stone be added to an existing grave?Yes, if the cemetery permits. Adding a foot stone to an existing grave is usually straightforward; the new marker is set on its own foundation at the foot of the grave. Some cemeteries restrict the placement or require a specific distance from the headstone.

Do foot stones need a foundation?Most cemeteries require a foundation for any permanent marker, including foot stones. The foundation is typically a poured concrete footing 4 to 6 inches deep. Some cemeteries allow direct ground-setting for very small foot stones.

How is a foot stone different from a headstone?A foot stone is placed at the foot of the grave and is typically smaller; a headstone is placed at the head of the grave and is typically larger. Traditionally, both were used together. The headstone carries the full name and dates; the foot stone carries initials, a surname, or a brief epitaph.

References

• legacyheadstones.com
• en.wikipedia.org
• www.amazon.com
• www.brownmemorials.com
• vancouvergranite.com
• www.upstatestoneworks.net
• www.sbmonuments.com
• markersandheadstones.com
• 800monument.com
• www.etsy.com