Where do to begin?

We extend an invitation for you to contact us to schedule a design appointment. In preparation for your visit, we commit to gathering comprehensive information about your loved one, including obituaries and grave locations. During the appointment, we will accompany you through our displays, providing guidance and addressing any inquiries you may have. Subsequently, we will engage in a collaborative process to design a monument that resonates with your preferences.

Many of our clients find it beneficial to have a preliminary idea before the design appointment. To assist you in this process, we recommend reflecting on the aspects that were significant to your loved one – whether specific holidays, activities, poems, vacation locations, etc. Additionally, exploring cemeteries or reviewing our monument displays through our office or website allows you to identify attributes you prefer or dislike, while confirming you like our work.

If you prefer, you can also consider the type of stone you would like by visiting our Memorials page, which outlines the different varieties we offer. Lastly, our Granite Colors page showcases a range of colors available for your selection. We look forward to assisting you in creating a meaningful and personalized memorial.

What does a monument typically cost?

Determining precise pricing for monuments can be challenging due to various factors influencing costs. The primary cost determinants include the type and color of the chosen granite, as well as the quantity required. Generally, imported gray granite is regarded as the most cost-effective option due to its abundant availability. Conversely, darker colors such as domestic blue, green, and black may be less economical as they are more challenging to source. Consequently, stones with darker hues and larger dimensions tend to be more expensive. Monuments encompass a pricing spectrum ranging from $850 to $20,000. Contact us to see our generalized pricing sheet.

Is there a requirement to make a full upfront payment?

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!

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 is granite better than 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?

Can monuments be set in the rain or cold weather?

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 6 to 12 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.

Why is my lithochrome paint 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.