Here you will find our most frequently asked questions about our stone products and services. The following questions are compiled of questions we receive most from our customers and if your question is not answered here, please feel free to contact us and we'd be happy to help you.
How long does it take from the time of purchase to installation?
The normal time for installation from time of purchase is four to six months. We process each order as quickly as possible and install once customization has been completed. Please note that this can vary and changes due to availability!
What are your hours?
Our normal business hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00AM-4:30PM. We can meet you after hours by appointment only. If required, please give us a call at: 434-736-9489
What if I see a monument that I like at another cemetery several hours or states away?
Simply take a photo of the stone and any important details or design aspects that you like. For us to match the monument exactly please be sure to measure the width (left to right), thickness (front to back) and height (top of base to top of the stone).
Will I get to preview the design before my decision is final?
Absolutely! We want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase. During the design process we will provide you with a proof, showing exactly how your stone will look including, font, lettering, logos, emblems and special features. We're also able to email, text, fax and/or mail a copy of the proof to other family members or yourself should you live out of the area.
I've seen stones in the cemetery that have the person's name and date of birth and no date of death. Is the stone removed to add that information once death occurs?
We can add the date of death to a stone or marker right in the cemetery without removing the stone. Other instances do require us to transport the stone back to our office to customize such as addition of several graphics or extensive customization but in most cases we take care of the work in the cemetery.
When I purchase my monument, is the cost of engraving my death date included in the price?
We do not accept payment up front for the addition of death dates and that cost is not included with any monument sale. We do not accept this up front to protect you if the business were to change hands and the new owner does not honor that request etc. The money for this is collected at the time of death either from a family member or your funeral director.
What's the timeframe to have a date added to a monument?
Our goal is to have any death date additions completed within sixty days from the date the order was received. Please note it can take up to ninety days if delayed by weather, time of year etc.
What if I purchased the stone originally from another monument company and I want you to add information or match it?
This is a simple process and we can easily match the information to your original design no matter where you purchased it originally.
I see some stones that have a black/dark look to the letters while others are the same as the stone color. Why is that?
Each customer is different in what they envision their stone product to look in the end. The blackening that you see is done with a special product which enhances all types of stones by providing contrast to the lettering and/or design background. This is called lithichrome that bonds to the surface of the engraved stone.
What can I use to clean a mounment?
Please note that certain products can damage the finish and/or the stone itself. Please call or email our office so that we can may determine the type of stone you have before we can recommend a product to use. We offer cleaning services with our trained technicians and we'd be happy to discuss the work needed if your efforts are not successful.
Do you customize the stones at your office or is this completed at another location?
We're proud to say that we handle the majority of the customization right here in our office in Keysville, Virginia. With the use of the latest technology in stone design including our computerized engraving equipment along with hand etching and shaping by our skilled staff, we complete most stones here in our shop. Some specialized items are handled off-site but we oversee all aspects of design while communicating with our customers.
How long does the lithicrhome color on a monument last?
No matter whether it's a traditionally engraved monument or a laser etched stone, the length of time that the lithichrome will last before fading is dependent on various factors such as the amount of sunlight that side of the monument receives daily, the harshness of the weather in the geographical area where the monument is installed. If it's a flat grass marker, does that area of the cemetery flood that causes water to cover the marker regularly? All lithichrome will fade gradually over time no matter the condition but some faster than others depending on the above conditions. We use the highest quality paint made specifically for granite that's applied in thin coats to allow better adhesion in multiple layers.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash or check and we can accept payments by credit or debit card online, over the phone and here in the office.
