Standard Edge Profiles For Granite Plaque Monuments

1. Chamfered and Beveled Edges
    Chamfered and beveled edges are among the most common granite edge profiles for plaque monuments. A chamfered edge features a flat, angled cut at typically 45 degrees that removes the sharp corner. The width of the chamfer can vary from 3mm to 15mm, depending on the plaque thickness. A beveled edge is similar but extends across a larger portion of the stone's thickness, creating a sloping border that frames the top surface. Both profiles offer a clean, traditional appearance that suits most cemetery settings. For plaque monument design, chamfered edges are practical because they reduce the risk of corner chipping during transport and installation. They also provide a subtle shadow line that makes the plaque stand out from its base or mounting wall. This is mainly applied to the rectangle shape headstone, like the book headstone on this page.

https://www.gsdmemorials.com/book-and-hearts-headstones/upright-book-headstone.html

2. Bullnose and Half Bullnose Options
    Bullnose edges create a fully rounded, semicircular profile on the edge of a granite plaque. The radius of the curve typically matches half the stone's thickness, resulting in a smooth, continuous arc from the top surface to the bottom. A half bullnose (also called a pencil round) is a smaller radius that only rounds the top edge while leaving the bottom edge square. Both granite edge profiles are popular for memorial plaques mounted on benches, columbarium niches, or cemetery walls. The rounded shape is pleasant to the touch and eliminates sharp corners that could injure visitors. For families, bullnose edges evoke a softer, more gentle aesthetic compared to angular chamfers. However, bullnose edges require more machining time than chamfered edges, which slightly increases the manufacturing cost. Hearts monument is very suitable for bullnose edge option. We make this elegant twin hearts memorial with bullnose edges around the headstone.

https://www.gsdmemorials.com/book-and-hearts-headstones/emerald-pearl-twin-hearts-headstone.html

3. Ogee Edges for Premium Headstones

     The ogee edge is a decorative granite edge profile that features an S-shaped curve ---- concave at the top flowing into a convex lower section. This profile mimics traditional stone carving and is commonly seen on high-end furniture and architectural molding. For plaque monument design, the ogee edge signals craftsmanship and premium quality. It works best on thicker plaques (minimum 5cm depth) where the complex curve has enough vertical space to be visible. The ogee is often paired with additional detailing such as a fillet (small flat band) between the curves. Because ogee edges require multi-step shaping with diamond router bits, they carry a higher price than chamfered or bullnose options. Families choosing a full kerbset or large upright headstone often select ogee edges to match decorative elements on the monument's base or pillars. Ogee edges on the top with book design in this monument is very popular in UK cemeteries.

https://www.gsdmemorials.com/book-and-hearts-headstones/karin-grey-book-with-rose-headstone.html

4. Impact of Edge Design on Chipping

Edge profile selection directly affects how well a granite plaque resists physical damage. Sharp 90-degree corners are the most vulnerable to chipping during handling, shipping, and cemetery installation. Among all granite edge profiles, chamfered edges provide the best impact resistance because the angled face distributes force away from the corner point. Bullnose edges also perform well, although the rounded tip can still chip if struck directly against a hard surface. Ogee edges, while beautiful, have thin curved sections that are more prone to breakage if the plaque is dropped. For export shipments, we recommend using chamfered or half bullnose profiles on all four sides, then adding decorative profiles only on the top face. Additionally, specifying a minimum edge thickness of 2cm (instead of 1cm) significantly reduces chipping risk. We advise our clients to store plaques vertically with foam padding between each piece and to avoid stacking heavy stones on top of delicate ogee-edged plaques.