Why “Cheap” Granite is Expensive: The Importance of Quality Stone
When you walk through a cemetery in Pretoria after a few years, you notice two types of tombstones.
There are the ones that still look brand new—shiny, legible, and standing tall. Then, there are the ones that have dulled, cracked, or shifted, with lettering you can barely read anymore.
The difference isn’t usually luck. It’s the quality of the granite.
At Forever Stone Tombstones, our name is our promise. We believe a memorial should last forever, not just for the funeral day. Here is why investing in premium granite matters more than you think.
1. The “Pretoria Sun” Test
South African weather is unforgiving. We have blazing hot summers and sudden thunderstorms.
- Inferior Stone: Porous or low-grade stone absorbs water. When that water expands in the heat, it causes hairline cracks. Over time, “black” granite can fade to a dull grey.
- Premium Granite: The granite we source at Forever Stone is dense and non-porous. It resists water absorption and holds its polish against the UV rays, ensuring that deep black or vibrant Cape Red colour stays true for decades.
2. Laser Engraving Needs a Perfect Canvas
One of our most popular services is Photo Engraving, where we etch a high-definition portrait of your loved one directly onto the stone.
You cannot do this on low-quality granite.
If the stone has inconsistent grain or hidden imperfections, the portrait will look “grainy” or fade away. We use only top-tier, polished black granite for our photo engravings because it acts like a high-definition screen—providing sharp contrast that preserves the memory clearly.
3. Structural Integrity (The “Lean”)
Have you ever seen a tombstone leaning over? That is often a foundation issue, but it can also be the weight and cut of the stone itself.
Cheaper manufacturers often cut the granite too thin to save money. A thin slab is fragile and prone to snapping if someone leans on it or if a mower bumps it.
We don’t cut corners. Our Full Body Tombstones and headstones are cut to specific thicknesses to ensure they have the weight and strength to stand the test of time.
4. Long-Term Value vs. Short-Term Savings
Buying a “cheap” tombstone often means buying two tombstones.
- Scenario A: You pay less now for a cement or low-grade stone. In 5 years, the lettering peels, and the stone cracks. You have to pay to remove it and install a new one.
- Scenario B: You choose a quality Forever Stone granite memorial. You use our Lay-By facility to pay it off comfortably. That stone stands for 50+ years.
Quality is the only investment that makes sense for a permanent memorial.
See the Difference Yourself
You can feel the difference between standard stone and premium granite just by touching it. We invite you to visit our showrooms to inspect our materials up close.
- Pretoria Showroom: Unit 7-123 Mosaic Rd, Silvertondale.
- Johannesburg Showroom: 216 Beyers Naudé Dr, Risidale.
Browse our High-Quality Granite Catalogue Here
Key Takeaway: Do not let a low price tag tempt you into a product that won’t last. A tombstone is the final gift you give to honor a life—make sure it is set in stone that endures.
