Horizontal and vertical monuments must have a base, while for slant monuments the base is optional. The base is a substantial part of the monument’s overall size but equally a substantial part of its beauty. Like the die, the base can be fully polished, rough cut or steeled.

Memorial lettering can be in virtually any size and font. Letters can be raised, frosted or deep carved.

The die, which is the main part of the monument, can have various shapes, for example, rectangular, oval, heart-shaped, or a cross. The die can be polished, rough cut or steeled. The top of the die can also have various shapes, such as, straight, curved or serpentine.

The graphic elements on the face
of the stone, except for the lettering, are collectively referred to as design. These elements include panels, lines, carvings and etchings. Deep carvings are more costly than shaped or flat carvings, but add great impact. Some design elements, such as etchings, work best on dark color stones.