Memorial Fonts & Lettering Styles

Every Letter Tells a Story

The font you choose for a headstone or memorial isn’t just about appearance —

it carries tone, meaning, and emotion. Whether simple and timeless or elegant and script-like,

the right lettering style adds a subtle yet powerful element to the tribute you’re creating.

At Borth Memorials, we offer a wide range of fonts and engraving styles designed specifically for granite, bronze, and other memorial surfaces. With over 34 years of experience, we’ll help you select a typeface that honors your loved one’s personality, beliefs, and the message you want the memorial to convey.

We believe that great memorial design starts with the details — and font is one of the most important.

A list of various font styles, each displaying the alphabet in both lowercase and uppercase alongside numerals 0-9.

A reference sheet displaying various alphabet and number fonts in black, red, and blue text on a white background.

A menu featuring headings in blue and red text listing various appetizer, main course, and beverage options.

A tall, narrow, vertically oriented list of text in English and Hindi on a plain white background.

Why Font Selection Matters

Memorial lettering isn't just a design choice — it's a functional and emotional decision.

Here’s why the font you choose deserves careful consideration:

Clarity and Readability

Fonts must remain legible for decades in outdoor conditions. Some ornate styles may look beautiful up close but lose clarity when viewed from a distance or over time. We recommend fonts designed for granite carving that preserve clean lines and readability.

Expression and Tone

Just like in a printed book or wedding invitation, fonts convey tone. Block letters may reflect strength and simplicity, while cursive or serif fonts suggest elegance, grace, or tradition. The right typeface sets the mood and emotional tone for the memorial.

Compatibility with Artwork

If your design includes emblems, etchings, or artwork, the font should complement—not compete with—those elements. We'll help you pair fonts and layouts for balance and harmony.

Cemetery Requirements

Some cemeteries have restrictions on lettering height or style for readability and uniformity. We’ll ensure your chosen font meets any applicable guidelines.

Popular Monument Font Categories

We offer an extensive selection of custom fonts for engraved, sandblasted, or etched lettering.

Below are the most commonly used font categories for headstones and markers:

Classic Serif Fonts

Timeless, formal, and deeply readable.

Benguiat
Cambria
Caxton Bold
Times Bold Italic

These fonts are ideal for traditional upright monuments.

Sans Serif Fonts

Clean, modern, and highly legible.

Arial Bold
Arial Rounded
Garrison Sans
Impact

Sans serif fonts are commonly used on flat markers for simplicity and clarity.

Script Fonts

Elegant and expressive, perfect for inscriptions.

Andoley Cokie
Banff
Brush Script
Denmark

Best used in moderation to avoid legibility issues over time.

Gothic Fonts

Bold and intricate, often used on larger letters.

Franklin Gothic
News Gothic
Old English
Old German

We recommend these for decorative accents, not full inscriptions.

Engraving Techniques for Fonts

Fonts can be applied in several ways depending on the material and style of the memorial.

Sandblasting - The most common method for granite monuments. Sandblasting creates deep, crisp letters with high durability.
All our lettering has a crisp edge, and we darken all deep lines with black shadow for better character.
Raised Bronze Lettering - For bronze on granite markers, lettering is cast directly into the plaque. These fonts tend to be more limited.

Where Fonts Are Used

Fonts can appear in many areas of a monument, and in many sizes including:

Last name and inscriptions
Epitaphs or meaningful quotes
Scripture or poetry
Titles or headings Beloved Father or Husband
Wedding date, kids or maiden name
On the base or backside of memorial

Every letter adds to the story — and we’ll help you design a layout that tells it well.

Sample Layout & Preview Process

Not sure what font looks best? We’ll show you.

When you design your memorial with Borth Memorials, we provide:

Side-by-side font comparisons
Layout previews with name, date and design
Full-size print-out of lettering
Sandblasted examples in our show-room
Adjustments to spacing, alignment, and scaling
Guidance on best practices for readability and long-term aesthetics

We provide a free digital mock-up for every memorial (as per drawing below)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use more than one font on a monument?
Yes. Many families choose one font for the name and dates, and another for a quote or message. We'll help you pair complementary fonts that look clean and cohesive.

What if I want a font that’s not in your catalog?
We can often source or replicate specialty fonts for an additional fee, especially if you have a sample or name of the font. We'll confirm whether it’s compatible with your chosen material and engraving technique.

Will the font stay readable over time?
Yes. We guide you toward fonts and depths that preserve legibility even after years of weather exposure. Avoiding extremely thin or delicate styles for long messages ensures your text stays clear.

Do different fonts cost more?
Standard fonts are included in the base price of most memorials. Highly decorative or custom fonts may add a small surcharge depending on production method.

Let the Letters Tell the Story

Choosing a font might seem like a small step, but it plays a powerful role in how your loved one is remembered. At Borth Memorials, we’ll help you find the style that fits — from strong and bold to graceful and delicate.