Understanding Upright Monument Die and Base in Memorial

When selecting a granite upright monument to honor a loved one, understanding the structure and terminology of upright memorials can help ensure you receive exactly what you envision. In the monument industry, every upright memorial begins with two essential components: the die and the base. These two parts form the foundation of most traditional cemetery headstones, with additional design options available based on personal preferences.

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What Is the Die (or Tablet) of a upright monument ?

The die—also referred to as the tablet—is the upright portion of the monument. This is the section that is most visible, typically engraved with names, dates, and personalized inscriptions. The die is mounted on the base using a setting compound, a strong adhesive specifically designed to secure heavy stone.

👉 Learn about setting compounds used in monument installation

When ordering a die, it’s important to specify the desired finish for each side of the stone. While the front and back of the die are polished by default, the sides and top can be either polished or left natural (rocky). Here’s a quick guide to the common finish types:

• P2 Memorial: Polished front and back; rocky (unfinished) top and sides

• P5 Memorial: All sides polished (front, back, top, and sides)

• P3 Memorial: Polished front, back, and top; rocky sides

Each finish gives the monument a different look and feel, allowing you to choose between rustic charm or refined elegance.

Popular Tablet Shapes and Dimensions

The serp top die is the most common shape in memorial design. Other popular shapes include the straight top and oval top. While they may differ in appearance, these top shapes typically cost the same.

When ordering a tablet, accurate measurements are essential. Keep in mind the following:

• Length is measured from the widest points.

• Height is measured from the base of the tablet to its tallest point.

• Expect a minor size variation of up to ±1 inch. For example, a stone ordered as 24″ tall may arrive at 25″.

👉 View common headstone shapes and dimensions

Understanding the upright monument Base

The base is the horizontal stone upon which the die rests. While it may appear to sit directly on the ground, the base is actually installed atop a dry pour foundation that stabilizes the structure over time.

The most cost-effective base consists of a Polished Flat Top (PFT) and a Balance Rock Pitched (BRP) bottom. The top refers to the upper, visible surface that supports the die, while the balance is the lower portion that may be hidden or partially visible above the ground.

This PFT/BRP combination is functional as well as economical. A rough, rock-pitched balance protects the base from scratches or chips caused by lawn equipment like weed eaters or mowers. The rough surface helps hide any accidental damage.

👉 Read about cemetery monument foundation best practices

Adding a Polished Margin for a Refined Look upright monument

For a more refined appearance, many families choose to enhance the base with a Polished Margin (PM)—a 2″ strip of polished granite running around the top edge of the base. In this case, a 6″ tall base would be designed with a 2″ polished band on top and 4″ of rock-pitched stone below.

To specify this enhanced base style, simply list it as:

• PFT, PM, BRP

This combination strikes the perfect balance between visual elegance and practical durability.

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Final Thoughts

Choosing the right upright monument is about more than just stone—it’s about creating a lasting tribute. Understanding monument terminology like die, base, P2/P5 finishes, and PFT/PM/BRP configurations empowers you to make confident, informed decisions.

Whether you’re a monument dealer, a cemetery professional, or a family honoring a loved one, knowing the building blocks of memorial design helps ensure a monument that stands the test of time.

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