WHERE DO I BEGIN?

We invite you to contact us to schedule a design consultation, which can be conducted in person, online, or via phone. Prior to your appointment, we will gather all relevant information regarding your loved one, such as obituaries and cemetery rules and regulations, to ensure a seamless and personalized experience. During the consultation, we will guide you through our displays, offering expert advice and answering any questions you may have. Following this, we will collaborate closely with you to design a monument that reflects your preferences and honors the memory of your loved one.

To help streamline the design process, we encourage clients to come prepared with some initial ideas. Reflecting on the meaningful aspects of your loved one’s life—whether special holidays, favorite activities, cherished poems, or significant vacation spots—can provide valuable inspiration. Additionally, exploring cemeteries or reviewing our monument displays, either in our office or online, can help you identify specific styles or features you prefer, while ensuring our work aligns with your vision.

If desired, you may also explore our Memorials page, which offers detailed information on the various stone options we provide. Our Granite Colors page features a diverse selection of available colors to further assist in the decision-making process. We look forward to helping you create a meaningful and lasting tribute that honors your loved one’s legacy.

WHAT DOES A MONUMENT COST?

Determining the exact pricing for monuments can be complex due to several variables that influence the overall cost. Key factors include the type, color, and quantity of the granite selected. Typically, imported gray granite is the most cost-efficient option, given its widespread availability. In contrast, darker granites, such as domestic blue, green, and black, are generally more expensive due to their relative scarcity and sourcing challenges. As a result, larger monuments crafted from darker stones often fall into higher price ranges.

Our monuments range in price from $1,000 to $20,000, depending on the specific materials and design choices. For more detailed information, please contact us to request a generalized pricing sheet.

WHAT IS THE TURNAROUND LOOK LIKE?

Unfortunately, difficulties in shipping and manufacturing continue to cause minor delays in the industry.

Currently, monuments can take up to 8 MONTHS from final design to installation.

We are seeing some positive changes and will do our best to ensure your monument is delivered as soon as possible along with sharing timely updates and newsletters.

If you have questions or concerns about turnaround time, do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are happy to provide explanations and share any possibilities of getting the stone completed sooner with options such as inventory pieces.

IS THERE A REQUIREMENT TO MAKE A FULL PAYMENT UP FRONT?

No! We ask for a down payment of 50% when you decide to move forward with your favorite design. We then ask for the last 50% when we receive the monument completed. Please visit our Purchasing Process tab for more information on our process and the steps we take with Families! If you or a loved one thinks the 50/50 payment schedule is not right for you, do not hesitate to ask for a special payment plan.

IS THERE AN IMMEDIATE NEED FOR A DECISION TODAY, AND IS THERE A SPECIFIC TIMEFRAME WITHIN WHICH I AM EXPECTED TO MAKE A FINAL DECISION?

We recognize the emotional nature of the process, and it is not our policy to pressure individuals into making decisions on the day they visit our office. Take the time you need to consider and reflect. When you are ready to proceed or make a decision, please feel free to reach out to us at your convenience.

WHERE DOES THE GRANITE COME FROM?

We source our granite from quarries located both domestically and internationally, spanning the United States and various global locations. Our collaboration with diverse suppliers is aimed at providing timely and cost-effective options for headstones. While we traditionally favored Domestic granite to mitigate shipping challenges and costs, the impact of COVID-19 has led us to prioritize Imported granite. This decision is driven by its relative availability and quicker acquisition, as its lower popularity ensures a more expedient supply chain.

WHY GRANITE AND NOT MARBLE?

While there is a common perception that marble is among the most robust stones, granite surpasses it significantly in terms of strength. Marble is prone to scratching, cracking, and chipping, and over time, it tends to become less legible. In contrast, granite maintains its aesthetic appeal for centuries with minimal signs of wear and tear. Granite exhibits durability against various weather conditions, including rain, snow, and wind. Additionally, granite proves to be a more cost-effective option than marble and is particularly well-suited for laser etching processes.

HOW DOES GRANITE HANDLE WEATHER AND WHAT HAPPENS WHEN IT RAINS?

Granite headstones are renowned for their exceptional durability and resilience against diverse weather conditions. As a natural stone, granite exhibits high resistance to rain, snow, extreme temperatures, and UV radiation. It stands out for its diminished susceptibility to erosion and fading compared to alternative headstone materials. When exposed to rain, granite headstones temporarily assume a darker hue, accentuating the natural patterns and colors inherent in the stone, thereby enhancing its vibrancy. The wet surface alters light reflection, contributing to a shinier appearance. Nonetheless, once the rainwater evaporates or dries, the headstone reverts to its original state.

WHAT ARE OUR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PURCHASING A MEMORIAL?

WHY AREN’T MONUMENTS SET IN THE WINTER?

Granite headstones and monuments should not be installed in the rain or when moisture is present. The porous composition of granite makes it susceptible to water absorption, which, over time, can result in cracking or other damage. Additionally, in freezing temperatures, any moisture within the stone may expand, further increasing the risk of cracking if being moved/manipulated/epoxied together. Therefore, it is imperative to wait for dry weather conditions and ensure temperatures are above 45 degrees before undertaking the installation of granite headstones and monuments. This precautionary measure is essential to ensure their long-term durability and preservation. It is also essential and imperative we follow all cemetery rules and regulations.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO INSTALL HEADSTONES IN ADVANCE OF AN INDIVIDUAL’S PASSING?

Certainly. Headstones positioned before an individual's passing are referred to as pre-need. When consulting with the designer, a placeholder, typically labeled as "future," is incorporated onto the stone design. This placeholder serves as a temporary marker until the date of passing can be added when the need arises in the future. To add a date of passing to a monument, visit our “Lettering” section under “Our Services” tab or contact us for more information.

WHY IS THERE SUCH A LONG WAIT FOR MEMORIALS TO ARRIVE?

As a consequence of the persistent COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant upheavals in global supply chains, the delivery of memorials has been experiencing notable delays, with an average wait time ranging from 4 to 6 months. The pandemic has exerted widespread influence across industries, precipitating shortages in essential raw materials, labor, and transportation resources. These disruptions in the supply chain pose considerable challenges for memorial manufacturers in procuring the requisite materials and components essential for the expeditious creation and delivery of memorials. Our team works to ensure we receive your memorial from the most reliable and quick source to avoid such long waiting periods. We are beginning to have quicker turnarounds for many of our Families within the last few months. As of 2024, we are looking at a turnaround time of 4-8 months.

WHY IS THE LITHOCHROME PAINT ON MY MONUMENT FADING?

Before concluding that the hand-painted litho on your memorial is fading, it is advisable to conduct a thorough cleaning of the stone. In many cases, the appearance of fading may be attributed to accumulated dirt within the engraved areas. We recommend using a mixture of Dawn Dish Soap and water for cleaning. To facilitate the removal of dirt in the sandblasted sections of an Upright or Slant memorial, spray the mixture into the lettering, allowing it to loosen the dirt. Subsequently, use a towel and Q-Tips to wipe away the dirt. For Flat and Bevel stones, spray the cleaning mixture onto a Q-Tip and wipe the dirt from the sandblasted areas. The provided example illustrates a stone that initially appeared to have a "faded lithograph" but was, in fact, affected by dirt. The before and after photos showcase the significant difference cleaning can make. If you or a loved one are interested in having a monument professionally cleaned by our services, please visit our Services tab or contact us via phone. If the litho on your stone is fading, we can also have that fixed for you by our team. Contact us for your best options.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 24” 30” AND 36”?

Reach out to our team to discuss differences in pricing between each size.

WHAT IF I AM HOPING FOR AN EXTREMELY QUICK TURNAROUND?

If you or a loved one is looking for a fast turnaround on a stone, we will recommend our inventory pieces. We have a few blank granite pieces in stock. These can be locally carved to help speed up the turnaround significantly.

Slant Memorials

24” vs 30” vs 36”

Flat Memorials

24” vs 30” vs 36”

HOW DO I PROPERLY AND SAFELY CLEAN YOUR MONUMENT BEFORE PAYING FOR A CLEANING?