BOOK HEADSTONES
Designing & crafting bespoke book shaped headstones
Cardiff, Cwmbran, South Wales & beyond
Book shaped headstones are a popular choice for those seeking a meaningful and unique memorial for their loved ones.
At Mossfords, our skilled team of memorial masons can craft and engrave any book headstone design to honour the memory of your loved one.
We offer a range of pre-made book designs to choose from or we can work with you to create a bespoke design that perfectly captures your loved one’s life and legacy in the most fitting way.
Our dedication to craftsmanship and attention to detail ensure that your book-shaped memorial will be a fitting tribute that lasts for generations.

Request Our 58-Page Memorials Brochure

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Choosing A Book Headstone
The symbol of a book has a long-standing significance in many cultures, representing knowledge, learning, and faith. It is also often interpreted as a book-of-life when used within the design of a headstone or other memorial.
Book shaped headstones have become an incredibly popular choice for those who want to honour the memory of a loved one. Furthermore, book memorials are often used to honour two or more people laid to rest together.
At Mossfords, we offer a wide range of book headstone designs. Our experienced team of memorial designers and masons can also work with you to create a bespoke design that perfectly reflects your loved one’s personality and interests.

Book Headstone Materials & Colours
Our book headstones are available in a variety of materials and finishes, with certain materials offered in an extensive range of colours and shades.
Each headstone material has its unique benefits – be it aesthetic appeal, durability, or minimal maintenance that is required.
Please note that these material and colour examples should be used as a guide only.
The high quality materials that we use are naturally sourced materials, therefore we can expect each headstone to be unique with a colour, shade and pattern that slightly differs to the next.
Popular Book Headstone Materials:
Granite

White Marble

Sandstone

Limestone

Portland Stone

Nabresina Stone

York Stone

Forest of Dean Stone

Welsh Slate

Popular Book Headstone Colours:
We offer a wide range of colours and shades, although options will be dependent on the headstone material that is used.
Below you can view an indication of the various colours and shades that are available in our granite and natural stone materials.
Black

Bahama Blue

Pink

Yellow (York Stone)

Light Grey

Blue Pearl

Emerald Pearl

White

Dark Grey

Ruby Red

Fir Green

White Marble

Avon Grey

Balmoral Red

Imperial Green

Star Galaxy

Twilight Red

Ocean Green

Brown

Teak

Tropical Green


We’re Here To Compassionately Discuss Your Headstone Requirements
Book an appointment to learn more about our headstones and other memorials by contacting us today.
Fine Craft Etching
For Headstones
Add character, personality and something truly unique and special to any bespoke book headstone with a detailed fine craft etching of any image or photograph.

Why Choose Us
For Your Headstone?
1. Established memorial masons since 1821
2. Unrivalled craftsmanship & ability to create bespoke gravestones
3. Over 200 years industry experience
4. Our 30 years memorial guarantee
5. Our Price Promise
6. BRAMM accredited
7. Vast selection of materials, colours & styles
8. Our Aftercare Services – Memorial Maintenance, Insurance etc.
9. Home Visit or Collection Service available

Book Headstone Installation Services
After our team of skilled memorial stonemasons has designed and crafted your book headstone, we offer professional installation onto your chosen grave.
As experts in the South Wales region, we possess extensive knowledge of cemeteries and churchyards in Cardiff, Cwmbran, and surrounding areas, allowing us to provide expert advice on the most suitable types of gravestones for each location.
With our professional headstone installation service, you can rest assured that your cherished book memorial will be carefully and expertly installed to the highest standard.

Home Visit or Collection Service
We understand that it may be difficult for some customers to attend our memorial showroom, so to help address this we offer our Home Visit Service and our Collection Service.
These services help ensure all customers have the opportunity to browse our vast gravestone options while discussing all details with one of our expert advisors.



Learn More About Our Memorial Services
We also offer a wide range of memorial services, from memorial installation and insurance through to memorial maintenance and restoration.
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West Cardiff Showroom

473 – 475 Cowbridge Road West
Cardiff
CF5 5TF
Tel: 0800 093 83 77
Email: info@mossfords.com
Opening Hours:
Mon – Fri 9am – 6pm
Sat: 10am – 12 pm via appointment only
Sun: Closed
Central Cardiff Showroom

Fairoak Road, Cathays
Cardiff
CF24 4YA
Tel: 029 2023 2011
Email: cathays@mossfords.com
Opening Hours:
Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm
Sat: via appointment only
Sun: Closed
Cwmbran Showroom

24 Victoria Street
Old Cwmbran
NP44 3JS
Tel: 01633 549 310
Email: cwmbran@mossfords.com
Opening Hours:
Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm
Sat: via appointment only
Sun: Closed
Book Headstones FAQs
How Do I Choose A Book Headstone?
With a vast range of book headstone designs, styles, and stone materials available, many customers seek our guidance and advice when selecting the perfect book memorial for their loved one.
Our brochure is an excellent starting point, providing examples of book headstone styles, materials, and options to help narrow down your search. If you have a particular book headstone design in mind, whether it’s an idea you’ve formed or a picture you’ve seen online, our expert headstone design team and skilled memorial stonemasons can craft just about any bespoke design you can imagine.
Browsing book headstones at your local cemetery or online, or booking an appointment to speak with one of our advisors and view them in person, can greatly assist you in making an informed decision when considering headstone options to honour and remember your loved one.
What Should I Look For When Choosing A Memorial Stonemason?
When looking for a trustworthy memorial stonemason company, there are several factors to consider. It’s crucial to research their experience in monumental stonemasonry, any accreditations, their craftsmanship, product quality, and knowledge of the cemetery where the headstone will be placed. Equally important is feeling comfortable working with the stonemasons to design and create your memorial.
In addition, a deposit is typically required when placing an order, so it’s essential to have confidence in the memorial stonemasons’ ability to complete the work and remain in business to avoid the risk of losing your deposit. Choosing an established memorial mason directly rather than through a middleman such as a funeral director can also help avoid additional costs.
Ultimately, selecting a reputable and long-standing memorial stonemason will provide peace of mind and assurance that your loved one’s memorial will be crafted to the highest standards.
Can You Help Me Choose A Book Headstone?
We are more than happy to discuss all of your options in detail to assist you in making a decision about which book-shaped headstone would best suit your needs. Our team can walk you through the advantages of various materials, present you with a selection of book styles and designs that meet your specifications, and explain the variety of engraving and detailing possibilities that are accessible for each specific headstone.
What Is The Best Material For A Headstone?
Selecting the ideal material for your headstone depends on various factors, such as the style, lettering, carving specifications, colour, texture, and location. Our memorial stonemasonry company offers a wide selection of popular headstone materials, including granite, slate, limestone, york stone, and more. For those looking for a book headstone in a specific color, granite material is often the best option due to its vast range of colors and shades. However, it’s essential to check if your cemetery has any regulations regarding the acceptable headstone colours.
Are Book Headstones Available In Different Colours?
Certainly, we offer a range of colours for our book-shaped headstones, including a variety of colours and shades in our granite material. Choosing a coloured book headstone can be a personal way to honour and remember a loved one, perhaps by crafting the memorial in a granite of their favourite colour or as a way to add a touch of uniqueness to their tribute.
However, it’s important to note that cemeteries and churchyards may have specific regulations regarding the colours of headstones allowed on their grounds. We recommend checking with the cemetery or churchyard before making a final decision on the colour of your book headstone.
How Long Should I Wait Before Getting A Book Headstone?
Selecting a headstone to memorialise a loved one can be an emotionally challenging task. Therefore, we suggest taking ample time to carefully consider your options and ensure that you are creating a tribute that appropriately honours their life. There is no definitive timeline for making this decision, and we encourage you to take as much time as you need to arrive at a choice that feels right for you and your family.
To ensure the stability of the headstone and to prevent any potential damage, it is generally recommended by cemeteries to wait for 6-12 months after the burial before erecting a headstone. This allows the ground to settle properly and minimises the risk of the headstone sinking or tilting over time. It is always advisable to check with the specific cemetery you plan to use for any regulations or guidelines they may have regarding headstone installation.
Read: Learn More About Grave Settling
The length of time you have to wait before installing a memorial can vary depending on the cemetery and the type of memorial you choose. For example, some cemeteries may require the aforementioned waiting period of 6-12 months before allowing a headstone to be installed, while the same cemetery may permit the installation of a cremation memorial immediately.
If you’re unsure about the specific requirements of a cemetery in Cardiff, Cwmbran or nearby areas, our knowledgeable and experienced staff can offer advice and guidance to help you navigate the process.
Ultimately, the decision of when to install a headstone on a grave is a personal one and there is no prescribed time frame. It’s important to take the time you need to feel ready to honour your loved one in the way that feels most appropriate to you – time can usually better help you decide on the book headstone itself as well as the engraved inscription.
Can I Choose A Book Headstone Design That Isn’t In Your Brochure?
In most cases, yes, we can create a bespoke book headstone design to meet your specific requirements. Our memorial stonemasons are highly skilled and experienced, so if you provide us with an image or description of the design you have in mind, we will do our best to help. We understand that book shaped headstones are a popular choice and you may want a unique design that stands out or a replica of a book headstone you saw and admired elsewhere.
How Long Does It Take To Make A Book Headstone?
Creating a headstone, whether in the shape of a book or any other design, and engraving its inscription requires a great deal of skill. As a result, it can take some time to complete your book headstone order, typically several weeks or even months. The exact timeframe will depend on the current demand of things such as existing orders and stone materials, so we recommend asking for an up-to-date estimated lead time when placing your order to get a more accurate answer.
Can I Add Something To An Existing Book Headstone?
Certainly, it is possible to add or change something to an existing book-shaped headstone. This could be a special design, etching, or additional inscription with a change of font. We are always happy to discuss your requirements and provide information on what amendments can be made to the headstone.
What Is The Average Cost Of A Book Headstone?
It’s difficult to give an average cost for a headstone, regardless of whether it’s book-shaped or not. This is because each headstone is unique and the cost depends on factors like the size, inscription, type of headstone, and variable material costs rather than just the labour involved in shaping it. For an accurate quote, we recommend speaking to a representative who can take your specific requirements into account.
However, we can assure you that our prices are highly competitive and we offer a price promise. If you find the same quality product elsewhere at a lower price from a recognised and reputable local memorial mason or funeral director, we’ll even offer a discount on the price.
Do You Offer A Guarantee?
Yes, we offer an unbeatable 30-year guarantee on all our headstones and other memorials.
Do You Hold Any Memorial Accreditation?
Yes, we are BRAMM (British Register of Accredited Memorial Masons) approved, and a registered and fully licensed memorial mason with over 200 years industry experience having first established ourselves way back in 1821.
Can I See Proofs Of The Book Headstone First?
We can provide you with design proofs of the book shaped headstone before moving forward with the production. If you are not satisfied with the design, we can revise the layout or style until it meets your requirements. We understand the significance of creating the perfect book headstone for you and your loved one, and we are committed to working closely with you throughout the entire process.
Do You Ship Headstone Orders Overseas?
We have experience in shipping headstones abroad, however, please note that there are extra expenses involved in overseas shipping, such as specialised protective packaging, insurance, and customs fees.