Headstones on Long Island: A Granite Memorial Guide for Nassau & Suffolk Counties
Salt air, sandy soil and some of the largest cemeteries in the state. What Nassau and Suffolk families should know before ordering a granite headstone.
Long Island's two counties — Nassau and Suffolk — are home to some of the largest cemeteries in New York, including two national cemeteries: Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale and Calverton National Cemetery on the East End. The island's coastal setting, sandy soils and mix of large memorial parks and old village churchyards all affect how families choose a headstone.
Nassau vs Suffolk
- Nassau County is densely suburban, with large memorial parks and religious cemeteries serving families from the island and from New York City.
- Suffolk County ranges from busy western towns to the farms, vineyards and historic villages of the North and South Forks, where small churchyards and town cemeteries date back centuries.
Memorial parks and lawn sections
Many Long Island cemeteries are designed as lawn-style memorial parks. Sections may allow only flat markers, set flush with the grass for mowing. Others allow bevels, slants or uprights. Rules can be strict on size, material and color, and some memorial parks specify bronze on granite bases. Always ask for written regulations before choosing. Our flat vs upright guide helps you weigh the options, and our cemetery rules guide lists what to ask.
Salt air and coastal weather
Salt spray, humid summers, coastal storms and winter freeze-thaw cycles are hard on soft stone. Marble and limestone can pit and erode. For a new memorial:
- Choose dense, low-absorption granite.
- Polish the face and top so salt and moisture rinse off.
- Rinse occasionally with clean water near the coast.
Our care and maintenance guide covers cleaning.
Choosing a granite color
Long Island cemeteries include a wide range of colors. A few considerations:
- Grey is traditional and forgiving of salt residue and pollen.
- Black offers maximum contrast and suits etched imagery.
- Blue pearl, red and mahogany add character where permitted.
See our granite colors guide.
Veterans on Long Island
At Long Island National Cemetery and Calverton National Cemetery, the VA furnishes headstones and markers — private monuments generally aren't permitted. For veterans buried in private cemeteries, families can choose a private granite headstone with service emblems and may also be eligible for a VA marker or medallion. See our veterans' guide.
Jewish traditions
Long Island has many Jewish cemeteries and families who hold an unveiling ceremony within the first year. Plan production so the stone is installed in time. Our unveiling guide explains the custom.
Sandy soils and foundations
Sandy coastal soils drain well but can shift. A properly sized concrete foundation, poured to the cemetery's specification, keeps a monument level. See our foundation requirements guide.
Factory-direct delivery to Long Island
Marwaa Memorials manufactures in our own factory and delivers door-to-door under DAP terms, with freight, customs and duties included. Design in our Design Studio and request a quote.
Related: NYC five boroughs guide, Hudson Valley guide, statewide county guide and all New York service areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are upright headstones allowed in Long Island cemeteries?
In some sections. Many memorial parks have flat-marker-only lawn sections. Check your cemetery's written regulations.
Does salt air damage headstones?
It can damage soft stones like marble and limestone over time. Dense, polished granite resists salt and moisture far better.
Can I place a private headstone at Calverton National Cemetery?
Generally no. National cemeteries use government-furnished headstones and markers.
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