Securing your Tombstone to the Ground

2497 Views 14 Replies 12 Participants Last post by tjlwolf, Oct 2, 2009

Big Nick

Discussion Starter · Sep 28, 2009

How do you guys and girls go about securing tombstones to the ground? Last year i used rods and duct tape but if there is a better way to modify an already created tombstone, i'm all ears.

Thanks!

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1 - 15 of 15 Posts

I fit my tombstones with PVC (all spaced the same). I then have 16" rebar bars. I cut a jig which is nothing more than just a big block of wood with 2 pieces of rebar (same spacing as my props/tombstones) at my set height. I just place the block where I want the prop/tombstone. Insert 2 rebars pieces and pound them down flush to the top of the block. Pull the block up and off, and slide the prop/tombstone on. Plus since they are all spaced the same, I can quickly change tombstones around.

You're welcome to stop by Big Nick and I can show you how I have it setup.

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rupertoooo

· #3 · Sep 28, 2009

I use this for all of my props

1. Drive a piece of rebar in the ground
2. Use a 1/2" piece of pvc as a sleeve
3. Use one or two hole strap hangers to secure.

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Nevergoback

· #4 · Sep 28, 2009

I use 1/2 inch metal conduit, it is easy to cut with a tube cutter. I gorilla glue a slat of wood to the back of the styrofoam object ( I make silhouettes too) then screw on metal pipe straps a size bigger (3/4" conduit size) so I can hammer the conduit while it is already through the pipe strap. For thin items I glue an extra piece of styrofoam sheet insulation to the back as well, so the screws don't go through.

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Big Nick

Discussion Starter · #5 · Sep 28, 2009

The Pod said:
I fit my tombstones with PVC (all spaced the same). I then have 16" rebar bars. I cut a jig which is nothing more than just a big block of wood with 2 pieces of rebar (same spacing as my props/tombstones) at my set height. I just place the block where I want the prop/tombstone. Insert 2 rebars pieces and pound them down flush to the top of the block. Pull the block up and off, and slide the prop/tombstone on. Plus since they are all spaced the same, I can quickly change tombstones around.

You're welcome to stop by Big Nick and I can show you how I have it setup.

I think i am going to have to make a trip some time soon because i am running behind schedule hear and i need to get my *** in gear.

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Mikon

· #6 · Sep 28, 2009

I've been using liquid nails to glue wooden stakes to the back of my gravestones and that works o.k., but I have had some come loose when I pound the stake in. I really like the rebar/pvc alternative. I'd have to think much less wear and tear on the gravestones.

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Scary Firefighter

· #7 · Sep 28, 2009

That rebar method is a great idea..... I think I'm going to modify my graveyard fence so I can do it that way.

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CraigInPA

· #8 · Sep 28, 2009

Mikon said:
I've been using liquid nails to glue wooden stakes to the back of my gravestones and that works o.k., but I have had some come loose when I pound the stake in. I really like the rebar/pvc alternative. I'd have to think much less wear and tear on the gravestones.

I, too, used to use wooden stakes on the back of the tombstones. Then, one year there was a draught, and the ground was super hard. I knocked so many stakes off the back of the 'stones that I changed all of them over to grey pvc and rebar. I use Gorilla Glue to attach the PVC.

Craig

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Scary Firefighter

· #9 · Sep 28, 2009

Same here with the wooden yard spikes glued to the back of the tombstones.... and I've made those "break loose" a few times as well. I started watering the lawn the night before to make sure it was as soft as possible but I think I'm done with that B.S. I'm switching over to the PVC/rebar method as soon as possible.

Man I'm glad I found this site!!!

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JohnnyAppleseed

· #10 · Sep 28, 2009

I use Pods method as well, attaching the 1/2" PVC to plywood, glueing the tombstone to the plywood, painting the whole mounting set-up the same color as the tombstone, and then pound rebar into the ground using a jig spaced at 15" (which is the same spacing used on the back of the tombstone). Pod has heavy winds in the fall much like we experience in the Puget Sound and his mounting worked for him so it should do well here!

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anijunga

· #11 · Sep 28, 2009

Gee, I just use rebar and duct tape. No one sees the back of my graves the way my stuff is set up anyways.

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MadDog

· #12 · Sep 28, 2009

Oh Pod, I like the jig idea for spacing the rebar!

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Boo Baby

· #13 · Sep 28, 2009

Nick, great minds must think alike...I was JUST about to start a thread about the exact same subject.

Every year our tombstones either fall down or start to blow away, alas not this year! Great ideas everyone...guess we'll be taking a trip to the hardware store again...

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Scary Firefighter

· #14 · Sep 28, 2009

I just modified the 5 longest sections of my graveyard fence over to the PVC/rebar method. Before I had inverted yard spikes (the same type of pieces that made up the fence posts) on each end of each section that I would stick into the ground by stepping on.... often times cracking the fence. This method works WAY easier, was very simple to do and will certainly reduce the wear and tear on the fence sections.. Now I just have to work on the other 5 shorter sections of fencing.

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tjlwolf

· #15 · Oct 2, 2009

Guys...drive the 2-3ft stake into the ground... use liquid nails on the stake and then press the Tstone onto the wood. Hold firmly for 10 seconds and your all good.
Dont attach to the stake THEN drive it in!

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