How It Works

Creating a lasting memorial involves several steps, each important to ensure that your wishes are perfectly translated into a beautiful monument. Below is our 9-step process that outlines the journey from selecting your plot to installing your custom-made stone. Our goal is to provide clarity and ease throughout this important process, from start to finish.

1) Obtain a Cemetery Plot and Permit: After obtaining a plot at a cemetery, you will need a permit to place a marker. The funeral home you work with can help with this, or you can go to the city or district that manages the cemetery you choose, to complete the permit process. Please note: we require proof of permit to move forward with the production of any stone.


2) Review Size and Shape Allowances: Your permit will specify the sizes and allowances for the plot you purchased. Each section in a cemetery has different bylaws set by the city or regional district.


3) Choose Stone and Design: After we know what you are allowed for shape and size, you can pick a color of stone and what you want on it.


4) Submit Names, Dates, and Images: We need the names and dates you want on the stone and any images you would like.


5) Place a Deposit: We require a 50% deposit to hold a stone that is in stock, or order one in for you. Production will not start until the deposit is paid.


6) Review Digital Proofs: We set up a digital proof that will look like the final product. We usually do 2-3 different proofs with different fonts and images. Three sets of changes to your proof are included.


7) Approve Design: Once we receive written approval, we can start production.


8) Production Time: If your stone is in stock, production should be complete within a few weeks. If not, it could take around 6 months due to industry standards.


9) Final Product and Delivery: Once your marker is produced, we will send you a picture. Delivery will be arranged as specified.

Creating Stone Monuments & Markers

Sandblasting

This process is done by hand with a blast gun that shoots compressed air and blasting medium through a hose at an object covered with a rubber mask. The exposed parts are 'blasted' out by the sand.

Laser Engraving

The laser engraving process is similar to printing on a regular printer, but instead of different inks, you print with a percentage of power.

Creating Bronze Plaques & Plates

Our custom plaques begin with digitally produced art designed for memorial or historical purposes. The art file is sent to a foundry plant that creates a custom mold using a combination of zinc, aluminum, and other metals. After casting and cooling, the plaques are painted, polished, and sent back to us for installation. The production process typically takes about 6 weeks after a quote has been approved and deposit has been made.

Stone Monuments & Markers FAQs

  • Why do different sections of the cemetery allow different shapes and sizes?

    Sometimes, only flat markers are allowed, while upright monuments may be permitted in specific sections. These restrictions are often due to ground maintenance concerns, the slope of the land, or soil instability. Additionally, some cemeteries may allow for larger stones when combining two adjacent plots. These rules are set by the city or district that manages the cemetery. You can contact them for further clarification on bylaws and their underlying reasons.

  • Is it possible to get something bigger or different than what the bylaw says?

    Sometimes the city or district will make an allowance for your request, or they will have an application for special requests.

  • Why do different colours cost more than others?

    Different colours of stone come from different parts of the world, wherever the deposit of minerals was that made that colour. The production costs and freight are more or less depending on where they are from. If the colour is found in America, it might be cheaper but colours that come from the Bahamas or Europe would cost more.

  • Do different colours last longer than others?

    Yes, different colours last longer than others but you only start seeing this difference after about 10-15 years of age on a stone. Sometimes longer. The lighter the stone colour the more wear you will see generally over a long period of time. Light coloured stone has more quartz and it breaks down faster than darker colours that are more dense.

  • Does the shape of the stone matter or is it just personal presence?

    Yes, the shape does matter in reference to the life and condition of the stone although the shape may be determined by the bylaws in the section where your plot is in the cemetery. Flat and bevel (pillow) markers see more degradation over time on the face of the stone because of water and debris pooling and sitting on them. Upright markers stay cleaner because the snow/rain and debris run off. Polished surfaces stay cleaner than rough ones if you are deciding between broken edges and sawn or polished.

  • What if I want just one name on a companion stone right now because the other person is still alive?

    Our company can go to the cemetery whenever needed and add the name and date at a later time. This is called an on-site addition. It is a flat rate and includes all letters and numbers you require. Images are an extra charge.

  • What if I made a mistake in the spelling and I need it fixed?

    Our company has the ability to fix mistakes made in stone. We fill and redo the mistake. Although all information should be double checked before signing off on your proof. There is a charge for this service depending on what needs to be fixed.

  • What if the stone gets damaged after installation?

    If the marker is damaged by us during installation, we will fix it. If the marker is dropped off at a city yard and they are doing the install then you will have to call the city or district office. Once we have delivered, we take a picture of the marker and we are no longer responsible for the condition once it is out of our care.

  • What if my stone gets dirty after installation or after a year or 2 being outside?

    We suggest getting a can of compressed air (from staples or Walmart) and a toothbrush and possibly a bottle of water and gently washing the marker with the water and toothbrush. Then blow off the water and dirt with the compressed air. Do not use any harsh cleaners with acid or bleach or abrasives on the stone.

  • Can you clean stones?

    With our restoration services we can clean a stone of any age and make it look new or close to new again. Check out some of our restoration pictures to see some of the transformations.

For more specialized engraving services, please visit our partner company Caufield's Engraving.

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