top of page

FAQs

A monument is a large purchase you only make once, so it is important you have all of the information you need to do it right. Here are some common questions customers have asked us. Don't hesitate to reach out to us if you have more questions. We want our customers to buy with confidence. 

How long will it take to get my monument?

It typically takes 3-6 months from the time you order your monument to when it is placed in the cemetery. Foundations are only placed April through October and we set stones March through November weather permitting. 

Why buy local?

We know the cemetery guidelines, handle the foundation installs, and the stone setting for you. Often times when customers order stones online they are promised that a local company will set stones for them or the cemetery will. We only set stones we sell because we assume liability for them when we set them. Granite is very heavy and involves special equipment to carefully move it and set it. Online prices look especially low because they don't include the foundation and installation costs. Our pricing is competitive with online prices, and we handle any problems and the install.  Before buying online, contact us. 

Why are monument's so expensive?

A lot of hands touch headstones before they're set in a cemetery. The granite is quarried, cut, shipped. Our graphic designer puts together your formal proof used to run a rubber stencil which is picked out on the stone for the sandblasting, which usually requires at least 2 processes. If laser etching is involved or porcelain then there is added labor for the editing, etching and install. A foundation is dug and concrete poured, the stone is received, inspected, then transported to the cemetery where it is set. The granite itself is meant to last the test of time outside. All of this contributes to the cost. 

I bought a headstone online. Will you set it for me?

We only set stones we sell for liability reasons. Before buying online always check with us first. Customers generally find in the end it is less expensive to go with us because we handle the foundation and set the stone. 

The cemetery said I have to buy my monument through them. Is this correct?

You are not obligated to purchase a headstone through a cemetery. We work with all cemeteries in the region. 

How far away do you set stones?

We travel up to a 45 mile radius from our storefront at 1632 Cassopolis St, Elkhart, IN 45614.

What are your payment options?

You have the option to make payments or pay in full at the time of the order. We require a minimum of half down to place the order and the remaining half when the stone is ready to set. 

Are your stones guaranteed?

We stand behind our stones and our stones come with a lifetime guarantee that covers the stone itself. This does not cover external factors such as a lawn mower hitting a stone, a tree limb falling on a stone, or cleaning materials that harm a stones finish. 

The cemetery said I need a foundation. What is that?

All headstones in our region sit on concrete foundations to minimize shifting with our winter frost heaves. Each cemetery has different guidelines. Foundations are anywhere from 4" deep to 36"' deep. Some cemeteries place their own or have specific people they contract with to put in the foundations. In cases where we install the foundation, we charge $0.60 sq/inch including the wash. 

What do you mean by in stock stones?

We share a warehouse of inventory with our sandblast companies in Ohio and Indiana. 

Who does your sandblast and laser etching?

All of our sandblast and laser etching is done here in Indiana and in Ohio. We share a high quality laser etching machine so the image is crisp and clear. 

What colors do you have?

We offer all granite colors. There are no granite colors we do not have access to. We carry these popular colors in stock: Bahama Blue, India Red, Blue Pearl, Black Ultimate, Georgia Gray, Indian Mahogany, Dakota Mahogany, Paradiso. 

bottom of page