Wood and Metal Tree Stakes,
Memorial Plaque Holders, Grave Markers

Frequently Asked Questions – Choosing a Tree Stake or Plaque Holder

Which tree stake is best for a small memorial plaque?
For a small memorial plaque mounted onto a backing board, a single wrought iron spike is a simple and attractive choice. These handmade stakes are galvanised and painted black and work particularly well for small memorial plaques, tree plaques and grave markers.

Which tree stake should I choose if I do not want a backing board?
Choose a wrought iron spike with a fixing plate. The plaque is attached directly to the metal plate using very strong double-sided tape, so there is no need for a separate wooden or Corian backing board. Different plate sizes are available to suit the plaque.

What is the best stake for a larger or heavier memorial plaque?
For larger plaques, we recommend a more substantial wrought iron plaque holder, double-spike holder or metal framed plaque holder, depending on the plaque size and material. Two spikes provide greater support for wider plaques, while framed holders are particularly suitable for heavier stone and timber.

Which holder is suitable for a 20mm or 30mm slate or granite plaque?
Our metal framed plaque holders are designed for substantial plaques and can be used with 20mm or 30mm stone, including slate and granite. They can also hold timber plaques and 12mm Corian. Most of the upright is buried or concreted into the ground to create a sturdy installation.

What should I use for a thin engraved plaque?
For smaller lightweight plaques up to approximately 3.2mm thick, the stainless steel rod stake is a neat and unobtrusive option. It is particularly suitable for small engraved metal or acrylic plaques where a large backing board is unnecessary.

Which stake is best for a plaque mounted on a backing board?
There are several choices. A wrought iron spike gives a traditional appearance, while an angle iron stake provides a particularly robust solution. Wooden tree stakes can also be fixed to the back of a wooden backing board so that no fixings are visible from the front.

Should I choose a back-fixed or front-fixed wooden tree stake?
A back-fixed wooden stake is ideal when you do not want screw heads visible on the front of the plaque or backing board. A front-fixed shaped wooden stake is screwed through the backing board into the stake and provides a particularly secure fixing. Front-fixed stakes are intended for backing boards rather than fixing directly to wooden plaques.

Which plaque holder is suitable for a woodland burial or natural burial ground?
Where metal fittings are not permitted, our oak or iroko posts with angled tops are an excellent option. The wooden plaque is fixed to the angled top using wooden dowels. They are particularly useful as natural-looking grave markers in woodland burial grounds.

What is best for a wooden memorial plaque?
Wooden plaques can be mounted onto a wooden tree stake, angled oak or iroko post, oak plinth or substantial timber stand. The most suitable option will depend on the size of the plaque, how high you want it displayed and whether you prefer the plaque upright or angled towards the viewer.

What should I choose if the plaque is to be displayed close to the ground?
A wooden wedge is ideal for displaying a memorial plaque close to ground level. The angled face makes the inscription easier to see while keeping the memorial discreet and relatively low. A stainless steel fixing bar can also be fitted where additional ground fixing is required.

Can I mount two memorial plaques beside the same tree?
Yes. A double wrought iron spike can hold two plaques beside the same tree, while our double-spike holders with flat plates are useful when a wider plaque or larger fixing surface is required.

Which stake is suitable if it needs to be concreted into the ground?
The angle iron stake is a good choice for a permanent installation. It is powder coated and the ground spike can be reinforced using the supplied pin when it is set into concrete. Larger metal framed holders can also be buried or concreted into position.

What is the best option for a large information or commemorative plaque?
For a large plaque, consider a metal framed plaque holder, solid wooden stand, oak plinth or bespoke backing board with posts. These provide considerably more support than a single tree stake and can be made to suit larger memorial, commemorative and information plaques.

Can you help me choose the right tree stake for my plaque?
Yes. The best holder depends on the size, thickness and weight of the plaque, whether it has a backing board, the ground conditions and how high you would like it displayed. If you tell us the plaque size and material, we can recommend the most suitable tree stake or plaque holder.