Monument FAQs

When people use the term "monuments," they often have in mind larger headstones, which are, as the name implies, quite substantial. However, monuments can come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, extending beyond the traditional headstone form. Some gravesites feature towering obelisks or tall, slender spindles, reminiscent of the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. Monuments may also incorporate three-dimensional representations of specific icons or images.

Headstones are the most prevalent type of memorial for a gravesite. Typically crafted from granite or marble, they stand upright on the ground, making it easy for passersby to identify the individual interred. You can have various details engraved into a headstone, ranging from the person's name and dates of birth and death to meaningful quotes, sayings, or intricate inscriptions.

Markers, on the other hand, offer a smaller and more subtle alternative for commemorating a gravesite. Due to their size, markers don't draw as much attention as monuments or headstones. They are usually flat and readable only when viewed from directly above (although some bevel markers are slightly angled for easier reading). Markers allow for the same essential information as headstones, making them an appealing choice, especially for those on a limited budget and unable to invest in a larger monument or headstone.

The majority of headstones feature the fundamental elements, which are the name of the departed individual and their birth and passing dates. However, some headstones go a step further and incorporate symbols, images, or meaningful epitaphs. Our expert and seasoned team will collaborate closely with you to determine precisely what you'd like to include on the monument. You'll receive a computer-generated visual representation that showcases the exact design for your approval.

At Franklin County Funeral Home, we are engaged in every phase of the process and will guide you patiently through each step, from the initial design to fabrication and eventual installation, ensuring that your memorial is crafted to your exact specifications.

We understand that the process of purchasing and designing a permanent memorial can be overwhelming, especially given the specialized terminology and jargon involved. To assist you, here are explanations of some of the common terms associated with designing headstones and markers:

• Granite: Granite is a prevalent type of intrusive, felsic, igneous rock commonly used for memorial creation.
• Marble: Marble is a metamorphic rock composed of recrystallized carbonate minerals, like calcite or dolomite. While it's not as durable as granite, some still use it for certain memorials.
• Flat Marker: The most cost-effective type of monument, these sit flat on the ground, and some cemeteries require this to allow mowing.
• Bevel Marker: This monument is thicker in the back (six inches) and slopes to four inches in the front, making it easier to read than flat markers.
• Bronze Marker: Composed of different metals cast to create specific designs and lettering. Often required by perpetual care cemeteries, but they tend to patina after about 10 years.
• Slant Marker: These are typically ten inches thick at the bottom and sixteen inches tall at the back center, with the lettering on the face.
• Upright Monuments: Usually consisting of two parts - the top (die) and the bottom (base). Upright monuments are the most common.
• Wing Monuments: This term is used when two dies are placed on one long base, creating double monuments.
• Laser Etching: The process of etching a photo or scene on a granite monument using a laser etching machine, typically best achieved on black granite.
• Sandblasting: The process of cutting letters deep into the stone.
• Hand Etching: An artist's rendition of a photo or scene on black granite.
• Polish: The use of diamond or carbon-based pads to smooth and darken the stone, which helps seal it and prevent fungus growth.
• Rock Pitched: Rough edges on the base that help conceal areas that a lawnmower might hit.
• Frosting or Flashing: Removing polish from an area of the stone to create contrast and make lettering stand out better.
• Sawn: A smooth, flat cut on the stone that may have lines from the saw blade, typically used on non-visible surfaces after installation.

In short, no. Generally, it takes eight to twelve weeks to produce and deliver a headstone or marker to the cemetery. This timeframe allows ample time for the grave to settle properly.

We are flexible and can accommodate your communication preferences. We frequently utilize various methods such as email, teleconferences, faxes, traditional mail, and even texting to stay in touch with the families we serve. In fact, we have successfully completed numerous headstones and markers for families without ever meeting them in person. Furthermore, we ensure that you receive a photograph of the headstone upon its completion and placement in the cemetery.

An increasing number of individuals are opting to proactively acquire their own headstone before the need arises. This proactive approach empowers you to choose the style, size, and color that align with your preferences. By participating in the design process, you can create a personalized monument that reflects your beliefs, values, or anything that holds special meaning for you. It's an opportunity to leave a lasting statement for future generations about yourself and your family.

Moreover, there are practical benefits to planning ahead. By purchasing a headstone now, you lock in today's costs, ultimately saving money. Just like any other investment, the price is likely to rise in the future.

Furthermore, taking this proactive step can make the process less emotionally taxing. You have the chance to discuss the purchase with all family members, ensuring that the decision is made with the interests of everyone in mind. Most major purchases are made with family input, and acquiring a memorial is no exception to this, making the process smoother and less emotionally challenging.

When utilizing readily available inventory stock material, you can anticipate the delivery of your completed headstone within eight to twelve weeks after you've approved the artwork and design. However, for custom monuments or headstones that require non-inventory stock, the timeline may extend to three to six months for completion and delivery. Numerous factors can impact the time required, including the quarry's location, the rarity of the stone, seasonal weather conditions, and any changes in the final design.

The cost of monuments, headstones, and markers can fluctuate based on several factors, including their size, features, color, and adherence to cemetery requirements. We've discovered that sharing specific prices can sometimes lead to confusion among families. To streamline the process and minimize any extra components, we strive to keep our pricing as straightforward as possible.

It's important to remember that each of our memorials, even if they belong to common types, is unique in its own way. Our preference is to furnish you with a comprehensive and precise price, allowing you to make an informed decision based on your preferences and requirements.

Headstones serve a vital purpose in honoring a departed loved one and providing a space for the living to revisit and cherish the memories of that special person. Regardless of the final disposition chosen for the individual, a headstone offers a fitting and enduring recognition. It also serves as a valuable resource for genealogical information, ensuring that the legacy and history of that individual are accessible for future generations.

Certainly, we have the capability to replicate a wide range of colors, shapes, sizes, and designs to match your specific preferences and requirements.

It's essential to be aware of the specific rules and regulations regarding monuments, headstones, and markers in the cemetery where you plan to purchase a lot. Some cemeteries, often referred to as memorial parks, may only permit flat markers, which means you won't have the option to place a traditional upright monument there. However, some of these cemeteries might have dedicated sections for upright monuments, although they might impose size restrictions.

Before acquiring a cemetery lot, it's crucial to inquire about the cemetery's rules, especially regarding the allowance of traditional upright monuments, as well as any potential limitations related to their placement and size.

Our professional staff is well-versed in the guidelines and regulations of our local cemeteries. Fortunately, the majority of cemeteries in Graham and Greenlee counties tend to have more flexible guidelines and will typically allow a wide range of common monuments, headstones, and markers.

In our enduring dedication to serving those who have served our country, we are here to assist you in obtaining the government-provided memorial. At Franklin County Funeral Home, we provide installation services for various memorial types, including upright granite or marble headstones, flat granite, marble, or bronze plaques mounted on a granite foundation, and we ensure their placement in the cemetery of your choosing.

If you have any questions about eligibility, either for yourself or a family member, please don't hesitate to contact us at 208-254-7866 or send us an email through our contact form. We are here to assist and guide you in honoring your loved ones who have served.