When families plan a burial or memorial, one of the most important choices is the material for the headstone. Two of the most common options are granite and bronze. Each offers its own look, level of maintenance, and long-term durability.
Understanding how these materials perform over time helps families make a confident, lasting decision. At Bakerview Memorial Cemetery in Langley, both granite and bronze memorials are available, each designed to provide beauty and permanence for generations.
Understanding Granite Memorials
Granite has been used in cemeteries for centuries because of its strength and natural appearance. It is a dense, igneous stone that can withstand harsh weather while retaining its polish and colour.
Why families choose granite:
- Durability: Resistant to cracking, fading, and erosion, even in changing climates.
- Variety: Available in many colours and finishes, from classic grey to deep black or red.
- Engraving options: Allows detailed etching, photographs, or religious symbols.
- Low maintenance: Requires only occasional cleaning to remove dust or growth.
Considerations:
Granite’s weight makes installation more labour-intensive, and custom finishes may cost more. However, once installed, a granite memorial typically lasts for decades with minimal upkeep.
Understanding Bronze Memorials
Bronze is a metal alloy made primarily of copper and tin. It is often mounted on a granite base to combine metal craftsmanship with stone stability. Over time, bronze develops a natural patina a soft, greenish-brown colour that many families find elegant and timeless.
Why families choose bronze:
- Refined appearance: Smooth surface and detailed casting allow precise lettering and images.
- Longevity: Extremely resistant to corrosion and designed to last for generations.
- Uniform style: Commonly used for flat markers, creating a neat, park-like layout.
- Ease of cleaning: Can be wiped or gently polished to restore its shine.
Considerations:
Bronze memorials can darken or change colour as the patina forms. This is natural and part of the material’s preservation process. Regular light maintenance keeps the surface clean without removing the protective coating.
Comparing Granite and Bronze Durability
Both materials are long-lasting, but they behave differently over time. Granite maintains its original colour and texture, while bronze slowly changes tone but remains structurally sound.
- Weather resistance: Granite resists moisture and temperature changes; bronze resists corrosion and wear.
- Appearance over time: Granite may dull slightly but can be re-polished. Bronze develops a protective patina that preserves the metal beneath.
- Maintenance: Granite needs little care beyond cleaning. Bronze benefits from gentle washing to prevent buildup.
- Lifespan: When properly maintained, both can last well over a century.
Choosing between them often depends on personal taste. Granite offers a natural, classic appearance, while bronze provides a polished, refined look that remains consistent across memorial sections.
Cost and Customisation
Granite memorials range in price based on size, colour, and engraving detail. Bronze markers can cost slightly more due to metal casting but are often used in cemeteries that prefer a uniform design.
At Bakerview, families can customize both granite and bronze memorials with inscriptions, symbols, or family names. Our staff help match each design to the family’s faith and preferences while keeping costs clear and manageable.
Planning Ahead
Choosing materials early helps families coordinate designs for shared plots or family estates. Pre-planning also locks in current pricing and ensures consistency across future memorials.
At Bakerview, every memorial installation includes perpetual care, meaning the area around each stone or plaque will always be maintained and accessible. Families can trust that their loved ones’ resting places will remain well cared for far into the future.
Why Choose Bakerview Memorial Cemetery
Bakerview Memorial Cemetery provides families with clear choices, professional guidance, and lasting peace of mind. Our team understands the importance of faith, family, and tradition in every decision.
We offer designated areas for all faiths and cultural practices, including a Crescent section for Muslim burials and a Holy Resurrection section for Orthodox Christian families. Families can also choose burial and interment options for cremated remains, ensuring that religious customs and personal wishes are respected.
Every arrangement at Bakerview includes transparency, accessibility, and long-term maintenance. With flexible planning and affordable memorial options, families can make decisions confidently and at their own pace.
For families across Langley, Aldergrove, and the Lower Mainland, Bakerview Memorial Cemetery offers a reliable and respectful place to plan ahead and honour loved ones with care. Ready to plan ahead or design a custom memorial? Contact us or call 604-856-0330 to connect with our Family Service Advisors. We’re here to help every step of the way.
Published: September 24, 2025
