We understand that planning a memorial can raise many questions, and we are here to provide clear, helpful answers. Our Frequently Asked Questions section covers common inquiries about our services, materials, customization options, and the memorial process. If you don’t find the information you need here, please don’t hesitate to contact us—we’re always happy to provide additional guidance and support.
Where do I start?
The first step is to check your cemetery’s regulations, as they will determine the style of monument you can choose. From there, you can select granite colors and decide on inscriptions, including family names, additional messages, or children’s names. For double monuments, be sure the names are placed correctly to correspond with the graves. You may also choose to include vases or other accessories such as porcelain portraits, bronze ornaments, or memorial lights to personalize the memorial further.
Personalization Tips
Take some time to reflect on your loved one and gather key information, including full name (and maiden name), birth and death dates, names of children, occupation or volunteer experience, special accomplishments, personality traits, favorite quotes or verses, church or social connections, hobbies or passions, and any photos for etchings or porcelain. Having these details allows us to create several design options that honor the many aspects of your loved one’s life, making it easier to choose a final memorial.
Average Completion Time
The time to complete a monument varies depending on granite type, color, design options, and whether it’s a special order, ranging from as little as four weeks to as long as six months. Popular granite colors and sizes are often in stock and can be delivered within a few weeks. Factors that affect timing include ordering granite (some imported types can take 160–180 days), design work and approvals, shipping delays, and cemetery scheduling, including pouring foundations when weather permits. Monuments ordered in late fall or winter are typically installed in spring. If an earlier installation is needed, let us know as a special order, and we can advise on any additional fees for rush delivery.
What is a foundation?
The foundation is a cement pad, poured level with the ground and typically about 30 inches deep, that supports the monument. Its purpose is to keep the monument stable and level, prevent sinking, and protect against frost heaving.
Does the Grave Need Settling?
Some cemeteries require a waiting period, but often there is enough space at the head of the grave to install the monument whenever you are ready.
Why Granite Costs Vary
Granite prices vary for several reasons, including color, availability, and difficulty of processing. Some colors are quarried locally in the U.S., while others come from countries like Norway, India, or Africa. Certain granites have a higher waste factor or are harder to polish, which increases the cost. Limited availability also affects price—for example, Blue Pearl from Norway is quarried only two months a year, while Georgia Grey is abundant and more readily available, making it less expensive.
Should I Pre-Arrange?
Pre-arranging a monument can relieve your family of difficult decisions during an emotional time. Planning ahead allows you to choose the style, size, color, and personalized design that reflects your beliefs, values, and interests, ensuring your wishes are clear. It also offers financial benefits, as purchasing a monument now uses today’s pricing and avoids future cost increases, allowing you to stay within your budget without burdening your family. Please note that the final date lettering for a pre-need monument is not included in the original purchase price. Pre-planning provides peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.
Distance Considerations
We frequently assist customers who live out of town and can communicate with you by phone, email, or mail—whichever you prefer. We do not proceed until your final design is approved, and once the monument is installed, we will provide a photo for your records.
Cremation Monument Options
You will need to coordinate with the cemetery, and we are happy to assist with this process. We offer a variety of cremation memorial products that can be placed in the cemetery or at another location you choose for your loved one.
What is a cemetery fee?
Some cemeteries charge a fee for locating the grave or pouring the concrete foundation, which can range from $15 to several hundred dollars depending on the cemetery.
Cleaning Your Granite Monument
Granite monuments can become dirty or stained from pollution, water, tree sap, birds, and other sources. To clean, use a plastic bucket, plenty of water, rubber gloves, a nylon or fiber brush, an old toothbrush, and a mild detergent or bleach. Wet the monument thoroughly, scrub gently, and use the toothbrush for small recessed areas—never use wire brushes, metal tools, pressure washers, or strong chemicals, as these can damage the stone. Rinse completely when finished. For bronze markers, special cleaning kits are available. These guidelines are for reference only; Spence Monuments is not responsible for any damage caused during cleaning.
How is a monument made?
Monuments are carefully crafted using high-quality granite or other durable materials. The process begins with selecting the stone and designing the layout, including inscriptions, images, and any decorative elements. Skilled artisans then cut, shape, and polish the stone to bring the design to life. Lettering and artwork may be carved, sandblasted, or hand-etched for precision and longevity. Once completed, the monument is thoroughly inspected to ensure it meets our quality standards before being delivered and installed at the cemetery, creating a lasting tribute that honors your loved one.