Buying a Monument
Buying a monument can be a daunting task whether it is at need or pre-need. Hopefully the following will help you feel confident in purchasing a monument.
How a Monument is Made
There are several different ways to make a monument depending on what you want with the design. Lets start with some nomenclature first. This will help with the differences in the process as you continue reading.
- Carving - This is a process where a sandblaster is used to carve into the granite. The design is cut into a rubber stencil which is then stuck to the granite. The letters and designs are picked out of the stencil and then sandblasted to a specific depth to achieve the “carving.”
- Shape Carving - This process also uses a sandblaster but is more tedious and requires more skill to accomplish. Typically a smaller sandblaster is used at a lower pressure to create a three dimensional effect for the design elements. This is most commonly done on flowers by rounding the edges giving it a life like look.
- Etching - There are typically two different processes that "etching" refers to. The first is “laser etching”. This process uses a laser to burn the image into the stone. Although this process offers the highest detail, it has been known to fade over time. The other process is “impact etching” or "diamond etching". This process uses a diamond tip to chip away at the surface of the stone creating an image that will last as long as the stone. Both processes can be used on different granite colors but India Black has the best results. The black granite starts out as a light gray color. The polishing process creates the deep black luster that you see on the finished stone. As the diamond tip chips away at the surface of the stone it removes the polish revealing the light gray granite underneath. Depending on the strength that the diamond tip hits the stone and how close the hits are together, the etching process creates an image with remarkable quality.
- Porcelain Photos - This is a porcelain tile that has the photo placed on it. The process starts with the photo being printed out to the size and shape of the tile and placed on the tile. A cover is then placed over the photo and is baked in an oven for a long time. These porcelain photos have great quality and have the advantage of being in color. They also come with a lifetime warranty against damage and fading.
Selecting a Monument
The following are some things you should consider when you begin selecting a monument.
- Cemetery Restrictions
- Some cemeteries have restrictions on the monuments that are placed in them. The most common restrictions are the size of the monument, such as a minimum or maximum, and a type, such as flat monuments only. Please check with the cemetery to see if there are any restrictions.
- Single or Double
- Will the monument you are purchasing be for one person or two. In some cases a monument can be used for three or more people. Although there are sizes that are typically associated with “singles” or “doubles”, size does not always dictate single or double. This is only based on the amount of loved ones represented on the monument.
- Size and Color
- These options are based on the preference of the purchaser. In most cases monuments can be ordered in any color of granite, in any shape, and in any size. In some instances there are limitations such as structural integrity or in cases with larger stones the feasibility of handling safely.
Designing a Monument
Let’s start with the end in mind. Monuments are a representation of your loved one(s). The monuments tell their story. Designs can be as traditional as you would like with just the name and dates or they can can be completely customized with sayings, verses, nicknames, and pictures.
Here are some questions to keep in mind throughout the process.
Here are some questions to keep in mind throughout the process.
- What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of your loved one?
- Did they have any hobbies?
- What were their favorites? (favorite animal, favorite sport, etc)
- What were they most known for?
Building a Monument
Once the design is approved we get to work. The design software we used to create your monument is used to cut the design on a rubber stencil. The stencil is then stuck to the granite. Parts of the design is removed from the rubber stencil and sandblasted to a certain depth. Once the carving process is complete the carved portions are then painted with a special paint to produce a contrast with the natural color of the stone. Some granite such as India Black do not need to be painted since the natural color and polished color provide a great contrast.
Once the paint has dried the stencil is removed. The monument is washed to remove any glue or sand remaining on the stone. It is now ready to be placed in the cemetery.
Once the paint has dried the stencil is removed. The monument is washed to remove any glue or sand remaining on the stone. It is now ready to be placed in the cemetery.
Installing your Monument
After the monument is ready to be placed in the cemetery we will schedule a time to install. Some families like to be present during the installation while others do not. Some cemeteries require they are contacted and present when a monument is installed. In any situation we work with the family and cemetery when setting a monument.
We take special care in marking where a monument will be placed at the cemetery. The installation crew will measure, based on the grave space to get the specific location for the monument. After measuring we will run a line with existing monuments to ensure proper alignment within the row.
Once the location has been properly marked the foundation is then prepared. We dig just below ground level to create a space a little bigger than the base to pour dry concrete. Pre-mixed or wet concrete is not used since this would require us to wait several days for it to cure. The dry concrete uses the water from the ground to cure and become solid.
After the dry concrete is poured we place the granite base on top of the concrete and level. The upright portion of the monument is then placed on top of the base. We then seal the upright to the base with a setting compound creating an air-tight seal.
At this time we will add any accessories such as vases or porcelain photos.
Once all the monument has been installed we then begin the cleanup process. We want the monument and grave to be left in a pristine condition.
The typical install process take approximately 45 minutes to an hour. Weather conditions are the biggest factor when scheduling an installation. We cannot set in the rain or in very wet conditions.
We take special care in marking where a monument will be placed at the cemetery. The installation crew will measure, based on the grave space to get the specific location for the monument. After measuring we will run a line with existing monuments to ensure proper alignment within the row.
Once the location has been properly marked the foundation is then prepared. We dig just below ground level to create a space a little bigger than the base to pour dry concrete. Pre-mixed or wet concrete is not used since this would require us to wait several days for it to cure. The dry concrete uses the water from the ground to cure and become solid.
After the dry concrete is poured we place the granite base on top of the concrete and level. The upright portion of the monument is then placed on top of the base. We then seal the upright to the base with a setting compound creating an air-tight seal.
At this time we will add any accessories such as vases or porcelain photos.
Once all the monument has been installed we then begin the cleanup process. We want the monument and grave to be left in a pristine condition.
The typical install process take approximately 45 minutes to an hour. Weather conditions are the biggest factor when scheduling an installation. We cannot set in the rain or in very wet conditions.