Churchyard headstone question ....

[SWnewstart]

I need to organise a headstone for a grave in a rural churchyard. There's a mix of stones, all of which "fit in". I've narrowed the choice down to a simple polished black granite and a dark grey fleck granite - would anyone know how these component stones weather regarding the lettering?

Definitely get the back shiny stone. Lasts very well.

The black stays perfect, easy to clean too. No problems with lettering either. White marble gets dirty so easily. I have experience of both

I believe they said the lettering can be redone if it wears out 🤔

FIL has black granite and it looks as new 12 years after his death.

Memorial Mason here. The colour of the stone is irrelevant really between black or dark grey if they’re both granite. It would just be your personal preference. It’s the lettering you choose that’s the issue. Most lettering now-a-days is cut then either gilded (proper gold leaf) or painted. Gold leaf will last much, much longer than paint. Absolutely stay clear of marble or soft yorkstone types of memorials as the stone is more porous and therefore has a tendency to get really dirty and can wear away. All polished stones are very easy to maintain. Anything more traditional with rustic edges will collect dead leaves etc and need more attention ie. Cleaning 😁

Thank you everyone for your comments, especially motherstongue the memorial mason.