Understanding the cemetery regulations is an essential first step in choosing a memorial for your loved one. Just like homeowner's associations, cemeteries have specific rules and regulations regarding the size, style, and placement of monuments.
Some cemeteries may only allow lawn level grass markers, while others may have restrictions on the height of monuments. It's important to have a clear understanding of any regulations that may impact the design and size of the monument you choose, based on the dimensions of your plot.
Your local monument dealer will likely be familiar with the regulations of your cemetery, but it's still a good idea to do your own research and be aware of any limitations or requirements to ensure that the monument you choose is the perfect fit for your loved one's final resting place.
Once you have a clear understanding of the cemetery regulations, the next decision is usually whether the memorial will be for an individual or a group of people, such as a married couple or a family. The width of the plot or plots typically determines the base width of the monument, which can constrain your choices.
Families may have several plots, which can be memorialized by individual stones for each person or a single, large monument that celebrates the family as a unit. The choice often depends on the family's wishes and preferences, as well as the size and shape of the plot.
We can help you explore the various options available and work with you to find the perfect monument to honor and celebrate the memory of your loved one or family.
If your cemetery does not have height restrictions on upright monuments, you have a wide range of options to choose from, ranging from bevels at 6 inches in height all the way up to sky-scraping obelisks.
The main restricting factor, aside from your budget, will likely be the width of the plot or plots, which determines the width of the base on which most upright monuments depend.
Grass markers can still be personalized with images, laser etchings, and decorative artwork, but upright monuments provide even greater opportunities for creativity and customization.
With an upright monument, you have a broader range of design options, including various sizes, shapes, and materials, to create a personalized and lasting tribute to your loved one.
We can work with you to find the right design and material for your monument, ensuring that it meets both your preferences and the regulations of your cemetery.
Upright memorials offer a wide variety of shapes, more than you may have ever expected.
From traditional serpentine and round tops to custom shapes that you can imagine, the possibilities are endless. Do you want a memorial in the shape of your native state? It can be done. How about a cowboy boot, a lego block, or a giant book?
With upright monuments, your imagination is the primary limitation when it comes to shape.
We can help you explore the various options available and work with you to create a unique and personalized memorial that reflects the life and memory of your loved one.
There are literally dozens of colors to choose from when it comes to selecting the right material for your memorial.
These colors are mined from all over the world and come in a wide variety of shades and patterns.
Here are some of the most popular colors you can choose from for your memorial:
When it comes to finishing your granite memorial, there are several options to choose from:
• Sawn: This finish results in a smooth surface that is the natural texture of the granite itself.
• Polished: The granite can be polished to create a smooth, glassy finish that is highly refined and attractive. Depending on the color of the granite, the polish can cause the monument to shimmer and reflect sunlight.
• Rock Pitched: This finish is achieved by chiseling the granite by hand to give it a more natural and textured appearance. Although rough, there is an aesthetic symmetry to the sides of the monument, resulting in a unique and unmatched appearance.
When it comes to selecting the font for your memorial, there are two primary elements to consider: the style of the font and the font finish. While there are many popular memorial fonts to choose from, we can also create original fonts if that is something you would prefer. Here are some of the most popular memorial fonts:
• Roman
• Vermarco
• Murry Hill
• Old English
• Times Italic
• Condensed Roman
• Brush Script
We can help you choose the right font and finish to ensure that your memorial is a fitting tribute to your loved one.
V-Cut
Polished Edge
Skin Sunk
Frosted Outline
Polished Outline
Frosted Edge
Here are some of the most popular engraving techniques for granite monuments:
V-Cut: This is the standard text cut into the stone.
Polished Edge: In this technique, the letters are carved with a standard V-Cut, while the stone immediately surrounding each letter is polished to a shine. This creates a frosted panel around the text, which makes the polished edge stand out in contrast.
Skin Sunk: This technique involves forming the letters by "skinning away the polished granite," which provides a contrasting natural stone finish. This process is also known as frosting and is used on our laser engraved monuments.
Frosted Outline: In this technique, the letters are formed by frosting/skinning the polished granite while sandblasting a V-cut outline around each letter.
Polished Outline: This technique involves leaving the letters polished while frosting the surrounding stone for contrast, with a V-cut outline around each letter.
Frosted Edge: This technique involves V-Cutting the letters into the granite and then frosting the surrounding edges of each letter against a polished background.
For greater contrast between lettering, carvings and the surrounding stone, there is a process called tinting, which is similar to painting the stone with a silver, black, gold, tint.
We have a wide selection of catalogs that feature hundreds, if not thousands, of different artworks that can be carved into the stone of your monument.
From natural settings to hobbies, military insignia, trade emblems, religious symbols, animals, vehicles, and more, we have a variety of graphics to choose from that can honor your loved one in a meaningful and personalized way.
Here is just a small representation of what can be done
A great alternative to sand-carved memorials is laser etching on black granite. Laser etching provides a precise, detailed, and long-lasting engraving on black granite that is perfect for showcasing images, text, or custom designs.
We have an extensive library of images to choose from, or we can create a custom setting just for you.Our team can work with you to select the perfect image or design to be etched onto your loved one's monument, ensuring that it is personalized, beautiful, and long-lasting.
With laser etching, the possibilities are endless, and we can create a unique and special monument that celebrates the memory of your loved one.
Porcelain memorial portraits are a beautiful and long-lasting way to honor your loved one's memory. Images are inset into the memorial on durable, non-fading porcelain tiles, creating a beautiful and personalized tribute that will stand the test of time.
The porcelain tiles used for the portraits are made of high-quality materials that are designed to withstand the elements and maintain their vibrant appearance over time.
With porcelain memorial portraits, you can create a beautiful and personalized monument that will stand the test of time and be a lasting tribute to your loved one.