FAQ
Q: Are there advantages of rough or smooth edges?
A: Having rough or smooth edges is a personal choice, both making the monument unique and distinctive, an advantage to having the edges polished, is that it stays cleaner and is easier to clean should it ever become necessary.
Q: Can we choose the color granite we want, and do you have samples of the different colors.
A: We have a large selection of colored granite on our display yard, and can usually order any color of granite that we do not have here, and yes, we have many samples of the different colors that you can choose from.
Q: Can you add color to your memorial?
A: Yes, designs can be painted with lithochrome, a paint that is designed for rock. Lithochrome comes in many colors and some of the colors last a really long time. Other colors, such as Yellow will not last as long and it is for this reason that we only guarantee painted colors for 1 (one) year.
Q: Can you add pictures to the monument, and if so how long will they last?
A: We have two different options: Porcelain Portraits- These pictures are created by a copy of the original photo. The image is "baked" into a porcelain disc. We guarantee our Porcelain Portraits 100% against fading and vandelism. They will be replaced free of charge should one ever fade or fail in any way. Etched Portraits- Etched portraits are done by hand, with great detail, on Jet Black and a few other dark granites. The etching is guaranteed to last as long as the polish on the stone which will be for several lifetimes.
Q: Does it cost extra to add a date of death or additional lettering after our monument has been set in the cemetery?
A: Yes, carving future date or any additional lettering will be extra and, by law, cannot be included in the contract price.
Q: How long will it take to complete our memorial?
A: This depends on the shape and color of the granite. Generally it takes about 8-10 weeks for a memorial to be completed and installed in the cemetery. Many granites come from overseas so special ordering may extend the wait time to as long as 28 to 30 weeks. After completion of the contract, we can give you a more detailed time frame for completion. It is important to be patient. I have never had a customer tell me that the wait was not worth getting what they wanted for their loved one.
Q: How long will the paint last if we want our designs in color?
A: Paint on the monuments are not guaranteed, it will fade over time depending on the weather and placement of the monument with the sun.
Q: We would like our memorial to be different, can we custom design our monument?
A: Yes! We encourage all of our customers to make their memorial a personal tribute to their loved ones. We do all of our work right here at our business, and have many ways for our families to tell the "story" of a loved ones life.
Q: What are the types of memorials available?
Upright Monument: Stand-up monument usually with a base. Slant: Straight back, slanted face where name/s, date/s and design is carved. Can be set with or with out a base. Bevel: Usually between 10, 8, or 6" high in the back and has a slight bevel down to the front about 2". Can be set with a base. Flat Marker: Completley flat and can be set flush with the ground. Slab/Ledger: Covers the grave on the ground.
Colors: There are many colors of stone to choose from and each color may be represented by several different granites ranging in color and variegation. We have a large display available with most colors represented so you can choose from the real thing, not some photo that has been enhanced.
Shapes: While the standard shapes include a flat or straight top, an oval top and what is called a serpentine top, we are only limited by our imagination when it comes to shape. We will custom draw the shape that you feel represents the person you are memorializing.
Q: What are your hours of business?
A: We are open Monday through Friday from 8am until 5pm. We do close for lunch from 12-1. Although we are closed on the weekends, we will make Saturday appointments with a few days notice.
Q: What is included in the cost of a monument?
A: The cost of the monument includes: Carving the names and dates (known at purchase), a standard design and installation in most local cemeteries within 80 miles of Lake City, FL.
Q: What is the average size of a single upright monument?
A: The average size for single upright monument is 2ft. tall, 2ft. wide and 6 inches thick.
Q: What is the average size of an upright double monument?
A: The average size of an upright double monument is 4ft wide, 2ft. tall and 6 inches thick.
Q: What is the difference between Carving and Etching?
A: Carving is done by a sandblaster, cutting into the granite. Etching is done by hand, using a diamond tip tool to scratch the surface, leaving a small mark in the polish. It is much like drawing with a white pen on a dark surface. To get the best results, etching can only be done on dark, tightly grained granites. The best results are achieved using Black granite.