When people think of memorial materials, granite and wood (natural burials) often steal the spotlight. But there is another material that deserves just as much recognition—slate. Often overlooked, slate is a truly fantastic option for memorials, offering a unique combination of durability, beauty, and affordability. It is also allowed in some natural burial grounds. (Always check with the church or burial ground on what is allowed before purchasing a plaque).
The Longevity of Slate
One of the greatest advantages of slate is its longevity. This natural stone is highly resistant to weathering, capable of withstanding the elements for centuries. Unlike softer stones such as sandstone or limestone, slate does not erode as quickly, ensuring that inscriptions remain legible and the memorial retains its dignity for generations. If you opt for painted letters these may need touching up from time to time.
Aesthetic Appeal
Slate possesses an understated elegance that sets it apart. Its smooth, fine-grained texture and deep, rich colours—ranging from classic grey to deep blue and even green—create a striking yet timeless look. The natural markings of the stone including unique markings, pyrite and fools gold only add to its natural appeal.
Affordability Without Compromise
While granite is often seen as the gold standard for memorials, it can be quite costly. Slate, on the other hand, offers many of the same benefits at a more affordable price. It provides a high-quality, long-lasting tribute without the hefty price tag, making it an excellent choice for those looking to balance quality and budget.
Why Slate Deserves More Recognition
Despite its many benefits, slate remains an underrated choice for memorials. It offers durability, beauty, and cost-effectiveness—qualities that make it an ideal material for honouring loved ones. Whether used for headstones, plaques, or other memorial tributes, slate is a material that stands the test of time, both in strength and sentiment.
So next time you consider a memorial, think beyond granite and wood—slate might just be the perfect, unsung hero for your tribute.
If you have purchased a wooden memorial from us or simply have one and want to know the best way to look after it then this blog will be very helpful for you. We will take you through the different timbers, what you should treat them with and how frequently you should treat them.
Oak
If you have an oak memorial then there is quite a few treatment options available for you. A key feature to note with Oak is that a specific fungal can get into the timber and turn it black so regular treatment is required. Our recommended treatment is Varnish but please be aware not all burial grounds allow varnish. Our oak memorials that are treated with satin varnish are; anti-fungal, 1 base coat, 3 layers of top coats and a wood milk layer. This treatment should last a least a year (depending on whether) and after that, we recommend you re-treat yearly. To retreat varnished signs you want a dry day and to be relatively dust-free. You want to lightly sand down the plaque and then apply a few layers of varnish. You can use a soft rag or a soft paintbrush.
The other treatment options available for Oak is Devon Oil or Osmo Oil. With both of these treatments, we still treat with anti-fungal and then we apply 3 layers of the oils. Devon oil is a completely natural oil, made with all natural products which makes it a great choice for natural burial grounds. The Devon Oil will need to be reapplied a few times a year to keep the plaque looking its best. Osmo Oil is a bit tougher treatment and it takes longer for water ingress to occur than Devon oil so you can leave it longer between treatments however we do reccomend a couple of times year you retreat.
Iroko
If you have just purchased an Iroko memorial then you will have received it with two coats of Devon Oil. Iroko is a fantastic hardwood that works very well for outdoor use. Unlike the oak it does not go black with water ingression but will turn silver. Looking after the Iroko plaque is much easier than oak but more frequent. We recommend re-treating with oil a few times a year. To retreat you simply need to add oil to rag and wipe over the plaque. If the plaque has weathered a little you can lightly sand and then re-oil.
Douglas Fir
Douglas firs is very similar to the oak apart from that it does not go black with water ingression. Treatment can either be our Satin Varnish or Devon Oil. Both of which work very well with this timber and instead its whether you would prefer to treat more regularly but with an easier method (wiping over with oil) or less frequent but more involved (sanding and re-varnishing).
Key Points
The main key point with looking after a wooden memorial plaque is to semi-regularly check the condition of the plaque. If you can spot signs of water ingress and re-treat before the water gets under the treatment then all your wooden plaques will last a very long time. The issues only occur once the water has got in under the treatment. At this point a more thorough refurbishment will be required.
Here at The Sign Maker we do offer refurbishments if you want us to help restore old plaques. Be sure to contact us for more information.
Natural burials have burst onto the scene for memorial services and its quickly becoming a popular choice, but why? The following blog dives into what a Natural burial is and why more people are opting for one instead of a traditional burial.
Natural burials, also known as green burials, are an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional burial methods. This practice focuses on simplicity and sustainability, aiming to minimise the environmental impact typically associated with conventional burials.
The key features of a natural burial ground include:
Eco-Friendly Practices:
Biodegradable Materials: Natural burials utilise biodegradable coffins, shrouds, and urns made from materials such as bamboo, wicker, cardboard, or untreated wood. These materials decompose naturally, allowing the body to return to the earth.
No Embalming: The use of toxic embalming fluids is avoided, ensuring that no harmful chemicals are released into the soil.
Natural Settings:
Woodland Burial Grounds: Bodies are interred in natural settings such as meadows, woodlands, or designated natural burial sites. These areas are often protected and maintained to support local ecosystems and wildlife.
Minimal Landscaping: Grave sites are marked with natural stones, wooden plaques, or indigenous plants rather than traditional headstones, maintaining the natural appearance of the burial ground.
Why are Natural Burial Grounds becoming popular?
Caring about nature and the environment is a change that we have all seen across the country. More and more individuals are making changes in their everyday lives to improve their effects on the environment and this has filtered down into the choices people are making to their funeral plans. Choosing a natural burials helps protect the environment by reducing pollution and conserving resources. Additionally, they contribute to the creation and maintenance of green spaces.
Another reason why natural burials have become a more popular choice is it that families often have the freedom to create personalised ceremonies that reflect the beliefs and values of the deceased, without the constraints of conventional funeral practices.
Finally, they can be more affordable than traditional burials, as they avoid the costs associated with embalming, expensive caskets, and elaborate grave markers.
Here at UK memorials we sell grave markers designed specifically for Green Burials, click here to learn all about these.
Green funerals and sustainably crafted memorials have never been higher in demand. With many keen to lower their carbon footprint, it is unsurprising that memorials have had a greener shift too. At UK Memorials, we have always been passionate about the environment. So, we wanted to share some of the ways in which craft with a mindfulness of the environment.
Sustainable Craftsmanship
Utilising renewable energy is perhaps the biggest way that UK Memorials operates sustainably. Just six months after we moved onsite, we had a wind turbine installed. A number of years later the biomass boiler arrived. This has given us two renewable sources of energy for our workshops, offices and the Price family home! Consequently, our business is run more efficiently in terms of our energy usage. This year, we also installed solar panels – expanding our green energy structure one step further. We care about our environmental impact, and we care about the customers that we provide for. This is why we continue to make significant sustainable changes for our business.
We are keen to advocate for the idea that even the seemingly insignificant eco-conscious acts make a difference. Whether caring for the wildlife to increase biodiversity, planting up a small patch of wildflowers, or making an effort with your recycling – every little helps. These are all things that we like to implement within our business, which in turn gives you the peace of mind that you are purchasing a memorial that has been crafted with the environment in mind.
Memorials Suitable For A Natural Burial Ground
The majority of our memorials that would be suitable for a natural burial ground are crafted from wood. While this might feel like your options are limited, we specialise in bespoke memorials and will aim to get these pieces just right for you. With options when it comes to timber, style and design, there is versatility to play with even within sustainable measures. The most common timbers that we work with for sustainable memorials are Oak, Iroko and Balau.
Oak is known for its traditional class, Iroko is ideal for an outdoor memorial due to its natural oiliness and Balau has a reputation for durability. While these are three timbers that we would recommend for a sustainably crafted wooden memorial, please do enquire about any other timbers that we craft with. We’d love to find the perfect match for you and our experienced team are in a position to support you through the process.
It is also worth noting that some natural burial sites also permit small slate memorials which we also craft. Slate is becoming one of our favourite materials to work with due to is versatility and classic appearance with each piece that we craft.
Memorials Crafted From PaperStone
PaperStone is one of our newer materials, but it is one that our team have really got behind. The material itself is made up of layers of recycled paper and cardboard, before being saturated with a petroleum-free, pigmented natural resin. The resin, much to our surprise, has been extracted from the shells of cashew shells!! Once the elements have been pressed together under extreme heat, PaperStone is formed. This lightweight, sustainable material would be perfect for someone looking for a low-carbon memorial. As far as eco-friendly memorials, you’ll be challenged to find something as well-suited and unique as our sustainable memorials crafted from PaperStone.
Eco-Friendly Caskets
While sustainably crafted memorials are growing in demand, as are eco-friendly caskets – particularly for natural burials or the sustainably conscious. Our eco-friendly caskets are crafted from Oak, just as many of our other caskets are. However, the big difference is that our eco-friendly caskets don’t require metal fixings. We use wooden doweling to fix the box together. This may be a requirement of a natural burial site, or you may find it to your preference.
Nothing is too much trouble for our team. You won’t miss out just because you’re choosing an eco-friendly casket – we want to make these memorials work for you as best as we can. These caskets can be crafted in several sizes, and we can even laser engraved the box so that you don’t miss out on what a plaque might have offered you. Do get in touch with us to find out more.
If you’re at all curious about our crafting processes or our materials, please do get in touch with us. As a member of the Association Of Green Funeral Directors and a business partner of The North Devon Biosphere, we know that these conversations are important – particularly for those who are passionate about securing a sustainable memorial. We craft and operate as consciously of the environment as possible. We aim to do this without compromising on the quality that we deliver to you. Our experienced and award-winning team would love the opportunity to come alongside you to bring together an eco-friendly memorial.
Wooden Caskets are designed for the storage of ashes and are popular after crematorial funeral services. At UK memorials, they are crafted using solid timber and can be designed with or without an engraved plaque. Their simple and elegant appearance is just one part of what gives them their high-quality finish and they can be crafted using a small variety of different timbers to give you the finish that you are looking for.
We appreciate that planning a memorial be challenging which is why we wanted to create this blog to explore some of the casket options we have.
Standard Wooden Casket
The special thing about a wooden casket made at UK Memorials is the high-quality feel. Made from Solid Oak, treated in Satin Varnish or to look like Mahogany or can be painted, the standard caskets are attractive, well made and designed to last – the perfect way to store your loved ones’ ashes safely and securely. The lids of the caskets are permanently fixed to the main body of the box.
In additional to the standard ash casket, in the same style we also stock small, double and tall caskets.
In order to place the ashes within the box, you can open it by unscrewing the bottom. The standard solid oak caskets are perhaps the most popular choice here, but all three make a perfectly fitting tribute.
Wording can be engraved directly onto the wood of the casket and this is not just restricted to the top but we can laser engrave the sides as well.
Many like to include a plaque in the design of the casket (though others prefer to have the lettering and detailing engraved directly into the wood which has a beautiful effect). The plaques can be made from traditional brass, coloured aluminium or acrylic laminate – all three fitting with the wooden caskets well. The brass plaques do require a little upkeep to keep it looking clean and cared for whereas the other plaques require little to no maintenance.
Small images and pictures can be included within any of our engraving options which is a lovely way to personalise a casket. You can speak to us about what you are looking for and we will send you a quote and a proof copy of the design for you to approve.
Shaped Corners
Similar to the standard caskets in the treatments is our Shaped Corner Ash Caskets, with either a natural oak, mahogany finish or painted. These caskets boast more detailed features such as the pillar corners. These caskets come with flat edges to plaques can applied to the sides as well as the top.
Woodland Ash Caskets
The woodland ash caskets are designed without any metal fixtures. These caskets are particularly popular (and necessary) for natural burials. Some natural burial sites will specify that the casket should not have metal within it so that it remains as natural as possible. The fixtures, fittings and fixings are secured with wooden dowels. Though they are similar in appearance to other caskets, they are made using only natural materials which is sometimes a preferable choice.
The engraving for these caskets can be lasered directly into the wood as opposed to having an additional metal plaque. The finish of these pieces is stunning and it would make a special but fitting tribute to a loved one.
Why Choose UK Memorials
The task of designing and choosing a casket can be overwhelming, so we want to reassure you that we have an incredible customer service team who can take you through each step of the process.
You will receive proof of the design for you to approve before production begins in the workshop (unless the casket is left plain without any engraving), and our craftsmen take the greatest of care with each piece that they make. This allows you to confirm the layout of your design and ask any questions to ensure the casket is exactly what you have in mind.
You can find out more information about the wooden caskets we make here, or to browse the full memorial range, click here. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us for more information. We’d love to hear from you.
Welcome back to our blog, we hope you are all well. Today we wanted to bring you a blog about Lawn Memorials and the different types we make.
What are Lawn Memorials
Lawn memorials are thicker stone or wooden plaques that are placed in lawn areas to remember and cherish a loved one. They are very in keeping with the natural surroundings that they are so often placed in. Some natural burial sites will allow lawn memorials but others choose to celebrate their loved one in gardens or sentimental places and a lawn memorial is a beautiful way to do this.
The Types of Lawn Memorials we craft
When it comes to lawn memorials here at UK Memorials we craft either wooden or stone lawn memorials. Both are beautiful materials with very different qualities, but both can be truly bespoke and unique thanks to the help of our highly skilled designer who can help to create a lovely design.
Wooden Lawn Memorials
Our wooden lawn memorials are made onsite by our skilled carpenters from raw timber to finished memorials. You can choose to have your lawn memorial in one of three beautiful timbers Oak, Iroko and Balau.
Oak is very traditional with a beautiful grain. It is a very hard and durable timber but just like all timber does require regular maintenance to keep it from water damage. With Oak, we will either treat with Satin Varnish or Devon Oil depending on your requirements.
Iroko is a stunning, rich timber with a pretty grain. Again this is a fantastic hardwood which is very stable and naturally oil which makes it an excellent choice for outdoor use. Because it is so naturally oily we only treat with an oil and do not varnish. The colour in Iroko can vary from a light golden brown to a dark chocolate brown colour.
Finally, we have a timber called Balau. It is not as pretty as Oak but it is a very hard, stable wood that weathers well in wetter conditions. It is full of its own natural oils which makes it a good choice for lawn memorials. The colour will vary from a light yellow-brown to brown.
The wooden memorials can have the wording/images simply lasered onto the wood which is a very popular option as it is very natural and provides a brown/burnt finish. While others like to have the wording/images painted.
Stone Memorials
The other option available for lawn memorials is stone, here at UK Memorials we create stone lawn memorials in either slate or granite. Slate is a very popular choice because it has a very understated, elegant look. The slate lawn memorials can come in 20mm, 30mm, 50mm and 75mm thick and can be cut to virtually any size but we do have some standard/recommended sizes on our website. Some customers choose to simply have the wording blasted and left while others like to have the letters painted. We have a good selection of stock paint colours to choose from. Finally, with slate lawn memorials we recommend treating them with oil for a darker finish, however if you would prefer to have them left natural we can do this as well.
As mentioned before we do also make lawn memorials from granite. We stock 4 main different granite colours including, Celtic Grey, Black, Classic Dark Grey and Kerula Green. Granite is a lovely, rich material that oozes quality. It comes in a range of thickness and sizes all of which can be seen on our website. Again, just like the slate some customers choose to have the lettering left natural while others choose to have it painted. Popular combinations include Black Granite with Gold lettering and Celtic Grey Granite with Black lettering.
Further Information
We hope you have found today’s blog insightful and if you would like to know more about our lawn memorials contact us using any of the methods listed below.
Hello to all our lovely readers. We hope you are all keeping well, we have a guest blog today! The lovely Sarah from the Leedam Natural Heritage group has been kind enough to put together some information on Natural Burials and what you need to know when considering one. When considering a natural burial it’s important to make sure ‘natural burial’ is right for you.
Initially, you may want to ask ‘What is a natural burial?
The concept behind natural burial is one of giving back to nature. The body is returned to the earth in a biodegradable coffin, wearing only natural materials without embalming or toxic treatment, everything is as natural as possible. Graves become part of the surrounding countryside. There isn’t the worry of tending to graves, which means people can return as often or as little as they wish, and when they return they have the time, space and peace to connect with nature and to remember the people they love.
Is this the right place for me?
It’s important to make sure that you are happy with the natural burial ground you choose and it’s where you want to be. At our natural burial grounds, we have dedicated custodians who can meet you, show you around and answer any questions that you may have. Each burial ground is different; some are woodland, some are meadow, some are a mixture of the two. The best way to see if a natural burial ground is right for you is to visit. If this is not possible you should be able to find out more about a site from the burial ground itself. We have brochures. photographs and information available online for those who cannot visit and our custodians are always happy to answer any questions, including over the phone.
Can I share a plot or arrange to have plots next to each other?
All our plots are single-depth graves which allows a more natural return to the earth, however, we do offer the option to have cremated remains within a natural burial plot. For those who would like to have plots together, where this is possible we can reserve the space and the plot can be pre-purchased so that this is possible. If this is something that you would like it’s important to ask this question to make sure that it is possible to have plots next to each other.
Can I choose my spot?
At some of our natural burial grounds, you can choose which area you prefer, at other plots are allocated in succession. This is definitely something you may want to ask if you have your heart set on a certain area of a natural burial ground.
How do I arrange a natural burial?
Whether you are arranging a natural burial for the future or for a family member or friend who has died there are a number of ways that you can arrange a natural burial. If you are planning in advance you may wish to pre-purchase a plot alongside a funeral plan or pre-purchase a plot with your wishes written for those who will be making the arrangements. This is definitely something to consider if there is a particular plot or place you want to be buried to ensure this is reserved for you. If you are putting a plan together but do not wish to solidify arrangements you may wish to visit and put together information on the natural burial you wish to have and leave instructions for your next of kin. For those arranging a funeral for a loved one who has died this can be arranged through a funeral director or you can arrange a family-led funeral without a funeral director. This is also sometimes also known as a DIY funeral. Whatever your needs are the natural burial should be able to help offer advice on what to do next. We have a range of advice on our website but we are also at the end of the phone to offer advice to those who need help arranging a natural burial.
What type of coffin can I have?
We request that everything that goes into the ground at our natural burial grounds is biodegradable and of a natural material. There is a range of eco-friendly coffins available from cardboard to wicker, and sustainable wood to reclaimed or handmade wood coffins. Another option is to have a wool coffin or shroud. However, what is allowed at a natural burial ground is very much dependent on the natural burial ground that you are using so it’s something that is good to ask.
What type of funeral service can I have?
You should be able to have whatever funeral service you wish at a natural burial ground. From a religious service to a non-religious service or no service at all. At our natural burials, the burial ground is entirely yours during your service. You can take as much time as you need and make it as personal as you like. In the past, people have said goodbye with only the nearest and dearest present, others with a whole assemblage; some like silence, while you may prefer music from a live band. The day is to remember the person you are burying and so we encourage you to make it special. However, it is important that you make sure the burial ground you are using is able to fulfil your requirements.
Can I have a picnic or wake after the service?
This will depend on the burial ground. It is something we offer at our natural burial grounds and can help with advice on erecting a marquee or pop up trailers for those who want something a bit more in-depth. However, it is a question that is definitely worth asking if you would like to have a picnic or wake following the service to make sure this is something that your chosen natural burial ground can offer.
Am I allowed a memorial?
If you feel that you would like to have a personal memorial for your loved one this is a very important question to ask. We understand how important it is to remember those we love and offer simple natural memorials. At our burial grounds, these cannot be placed on graves as it does not work with how our grounds are sustainably managed. However, plaques bearing the names and dates of people there can be mounted in purpose-built frames or within the memorial shelters. The exception to this is the natural memorial stones that are allowed in the woodland areas at our Scottish sites which are locally sourced and blend into the surrounding woodland becoming a part of the woodland itself. At some of our sites, we also offer memorial trees. Memorials will differ greatly between natural burial grounds and it’s important that you understand what is available. It is worth remembering that when grave markers are used, people inevitably tend those areas and place mementos, and the burial ground moves away from a natural environment to become more like a cemetery.
If you are considering having a natural burial, the burial grounds that you are interested in should be able to help with all of your questions or point you in the right direction of someone who can help.
The Longevity of Slate
The Longevity of Slate
Why Slate Deserves More Recognition
If you’re at all curious about our crafting processes or our materials, please do get in touch with us. As a member of the Association Of Green Funeral Directors and a business partner of The North Devon Biosphere, we know that these conversations are important – particularly for those who are passionate about securing a sustainable memorial. We craft and operate as consciously of the environment as possible. We aim to do this without compromising on the quality that we deliver to you. Our experienced and award-winning team would love the opportunity to come alongside you to bring together an eco-friendly memorial.
