The Disadvantages of Reusing a Tombstone
Many families find it difficult to imagine placing a reused tombstone on the grave of a loved one, especially if the tombstone originally belonged to someone else.
Another criticism of tombstone recycling is that reusing an old stone can often be more expensive than having a new one made. The time and effort involved in tombstone recycling are considerable. While you might save on materials, the planning process and labor are significantly more demanding. For this reason, many stonemasons do not offer such redesigns, as removing existing fixtures, filling drill holes, and sanding down inscriptions and layers is very time-consuming.
Who Buys Old Tombstones?
Surprisingly, a stone does not lose its value over time. If you want to sell a used tombstone, you can inquire with funeral directors and stonemasons. Especially if the stone is of high quality, they might be willing to buy old tombstones. You can expect to receive around 10 percent of the original purchase price.
The cemetery administration can also dispose of your old stone, although this usually incurs a fee.
Additional Uses for Used Tombstones
Another way to reuse a tombstone is to repurpose it as a decorative piece at home to continue remembering the deceased. You could place the tombstone in your garden as it is, or you might have it redesigned by a stonemason. You could alter its shape or size, so it no longer resembles a tombstone and creates a new ambiance for remembering your loved one. Additionally, the former tombstone could be used as a walkway or table top. Stonemasons also offer redesign options for these purposes.