Steel Tombstones

Special tombstones for special people: As an experienced master stonemason company from Crailsheim, we provide competent and compassionate support in finding the right tombstone for your loved ones. Benefit from our many years of expertise in the industry! With our own production and cutting-edge technology, we at Messerschmidt Tombstones fulfill your individual wishes, creating unique memorials.

Whether limestone, marble, granite or glass – our tombstones are crafted from a variety of materials. A contemporary alternative to traditional natural stone tombstones is steel. For creating a stylish memorial, different types of steel are available to you: Corten steel, stainless steel, and raw steel. In this article, you will learn about the characteristics of each material and the benefits you can expect from a steel tombstone.

Why Choose Steel for Headstones?

Opting for an elegant steel headstone offers numerous advantages. At first glance, this material impresses with its modern, aesthetic appearance. While stainless steel headstones shine in bright, silver tones, rusted steel varieties boast their red-brown hue. Headstones made from weathered and rusted steel are also highly versatile. Alternatively, steel headstones can be powder-coated in any color.

To honor the final resting place of a loved one, it's essential that the materials used are especially weather-resistant, as they are continuously exposed to a variety of weather conditions. This makes it all the more important to choose durable materials. Steel not only offers remarkable resilience and weather resistance but is also renowned for its longevity. Additionally, steel headstones require minimal cleaning and maintenance. These modern monuments are considered particularly low-maintenance.

Types of Steel Headstones

Whether classic steel headstones made of Corten or stainless steel or unique models with glass elements and artistic decorations – steel headstones offer a wide range. Each type of headstone impresses with distinct advantages and visual characteristics.

Corten Steel Headstones: Corten steel is known for being extremely weather-resistant and has a long lifespan. Another advantage is the low maintenance required for this high-quality steel type. This way, you can enjoy the chosen memorial with minimal effort. Visually, Corten steel headstones are characterized by warm, earth tones.
Stainless Steel Headstones: Stainless steel, a metallic material, boasts a high level of purity. The material's shiny surface gleams in white or silver tones. Stainless steel headstones thus appear particularly high-end and modern.
Raw Steel Headstones: Raw steel headstones captivate with their unique appearance. While initially displaying uneven shades of light rust tones, a natural patina forms over time. This is caused by weather conditions such as rain, snow, or temperature fluctuations, giving the material darker brown and red hues. The patina acts as a protective layer, shielding raw steel headstones from unsightly rust spots.
Black Steel Headstones: With their dark and often weighty presence, black steel headstones provide a deep, rich appearance. Natural weathering processes change the material’s look over time, adding new characteristics.
Powder-Coated Steel Headstones: Searching for a colorful steel headstone? Then powder-coated steel headstones might be just what you're looking for!. These headstones feature a durable, colored coating offering reliable protection from wind, water, and the like. They are available in various colors including neutral browns and reds, as well as yellow, white, or green options.
Engraved Steel Headstones: Individually engraved steel headstones provide a more personal expression of grief. Messages, pictures, or other designs are engraved directly into the steel, allowing for a highly personal memorial.
Steel Headstones with Glass Elements: Steel headstones can be elegantly combined with fine glass elements. The glass is often used for detailing letters or images – perfect for creating a unique remembrance. Alternatively, colored glass can be incorporated as an element.
Steel Headstones with Stone or Marble Elements: Combining tradition and modernity – to create a unique, multi-layered memorial, a material mix with natural stone or marble is a viable option. While limestone and sandstone impress with their natural, classic appearance, marble – being the most expensive headstone material – is renowned for its elegant marbling.
Illuminated Steel Headstones: Illuminated steel headstones use light elements to stylishly highlight the memorial. This creates a memorable tribute visible even in the evening hours, while also providing a comforting atmosphere.
Artistic Steel Headstones: Whether abstract forms or detailed figurative representations – artistic steel headstones are characterized by unique, non-traditional designs. Another advantage: these headstones are typically handcrafted. Custom details and decorations are easily accommodated.

Personalization and Gravestone Design

Steel gravestones can be customized individually, offering a more personal expression of grief. For instance, you can choose ornaments, inscriptions, or symbols that reflect the life and personality of the deceased. Modern gravestone art with steel also allows for the inclusion of a beautiful picture of your loved ones or cherished moments on the memorial.

A unique memorial can also be created by combining steel with other materials such as natural stone, marble, or glass. This not only creates a stylish material mix but also highlights individual details and embellishments. Additionally, artistic elements can be incorporated as desired to personalize a steel gravestone.

Sustainability and Environmental Aspects

Compared to other gravestone materials, steel is considered particularly environmentally friendly. It is durable and boasts an exceptionally long lifespan, requiring minimal maintenance. This sustainability helps to conserve resources while ensuring long-term satisfaction with the chosen gravestone. Additional materials for repairs or maintenance are usually not necessary. Furthermore, steel is fully recyclable and has minimal impact on the environment.

Maintenance and Care of Steel Grave Markers

Over time, unsightly dirt can accumulate on a grave marker. To prevent moss, dust, bird droppings, and other debris from becoming permanent and to maintain the original appearance, you should clean the stone regularly. For steel grave markers, warm water and a brush are usually sufficient. This can easily remove tough dirt. A cloth or sponge can be used to carefully clean fine inscriptions and intricate details. However, you should avoid using aggressive cleaning agents as they might damage steel grave markers.

In general, steel grave markers are very low-maintenance. This is primarily due to the natural patina that forms over time, providing a protective layer on the stone’s surface, thus preventing further corrosion. However, it takes several months of exposure to varying climates for the patina to develop. While prolonged wetness can disrupt the process, a combination of wet and dry periods is ideal. To speed up patina formation, you can also dampen steel grave markers with salt water.

Conclusion: Steel Grave Markers – Durable and Modern

Steel grave markers are known for their esthetic, contemporary look and are seen as a modern alternative to traditional stone markers. They are also recognized for their durability, sustainability, and weather resistance. The recyclable material boldly withstands environmental and weather conditions such as moisture and temperature fluctuations. Extensive cleaning and maintenance routines are not necessary for steel grave markers.

If you are looking to purchase a steel grave marker, there are numerous design options available. It's an ideal way to create a personalized memorial for a loved one. For a classic look, materials such as Corten, stainless, or raw steel are well-suited. Alternatively, various material mixes with glass, marble, or natural stone are also available. Personalized details can be incorporated through custom inscriptions, images, or artistic elements.