How do I get started?
There are as many options for monuments as there are people in the world. We’ll help you get started by asking you a few questions so we can serve you best:
- Who is the monument for? (This tells us if you need a monument for one person or two?)
- What cemetery would the memorial need to be installed in? Cemeteries may have restrictions on type, color and/or size of a headstone which can dictate what you can have. Or they may require a special type of foundation that would need to be included. Cemeteries may have fees assessed based on the size of the headstone.
- Would you like a ground level marker or a monument that stands upright on a granite base?
- Do you know what type or color of granite you are interested in?
- Are there interests, hobbies or life’s work you would want shown in the design of the monument?
After we discuss these questions, we work on a sketch and a free estimate for you to consider. We’re flexible to start this process via email, phone or in-person.
How much does it cost?
Our pricing depends entirely on your needs and what you want. Answers to the questions under “How do I get started” will help us give you an accurate cost estimate. However, we can always give an initial, ballpark estimate for markers and monuments.
We have thousands of traditional designs. Our estimates include a traditional design, name and dates on the front of the headstone and a family history on the back. Additional charges will be assessed for personalized artwork, porcelain photos, creative shapes, sculpting, different textures or lengthy verses and poems.
Do you charge by the letter?
Traditional cemetery monument text, name, birthdate and death date and family information i.e., “Parents of…” and marriage date are included in our estimates.
Charges per letter are assessed for Gold leafing individual letters, hand chiseled or raised round lettering.
Historical marker texts are quoted per job.
Civic memorials such as Veterans Monuments and other projects that have names engraved have a per name charge depending on the size of the font.
What is the least expensive option?
A light-gray, ground level marker. From there, depending on if you want it to be for one or two people and what cemetery you want it installed in affect the cost.
Do you have a payment plan?
Yes! Our normal terms are half the total down with the signed contract. The balance is due before delivery. However, we will work with you on a plan that fits your needs.
How long does the process take?
Due to COVID affecting our industry from quarrying and manufacturing of granite to supplies needed for engraving, we cannot guarantee a delivery time. For example: Some granites are taking up to a year for completion. We will be as honest with you about time frames, however, some things are out of our control in this day and time.
Where does the granite come from?
Granites are unique to different areas across the world. The most frequently purchased granites for monument use come from Oklahoma, Texas, Georgia, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, New York, North Carolina, Virginia, California and Vermont. International granites come from Canada, India, China, Norway, South America, and Africa.
Are the colors on the headstones painted?
We use the natural contrast of the granite for as much of the design as possible. The polished granite will be shiny and darker whereas the sanded surface (polish is removed with sandblasting) will be dull and lighter in color. Most monuments in the Southern United States have a black paint used in the v-sunk, sandblasted letters. There will also be a white paint used in etched lettering on darker colored granites as well as in laser and hand etched artwork and text. Anything not natural to the granite such as the black and white paints will fade over time. However, the engraving will always be there.