When a loved one passes, selecting a fitting headstone is an essential part of honoring their memory. A monument headstone is a lasting tribute, providing a meaningful marker of a life lived and cherished. However, understanding the timeline for creating and installing a monument headstone is crucial to ensuring that everything is in place for special memorial dates or ceremonies. This blog will cover the step-by-step process of how long it takes to create and install a monument headstone while also addressing an important question: what are headstones made of?
1. Choosing the Headstone Design (1-2 Weeks)
The first step in the process of creating a monument headstone is selecting the design. This part of the process is highly personal and may take some time as families deliberate on which style, material, and inscription best represents their loved one. There are many factors to consider during this stage:
- Type of headstone: The type of headstone chosen will influence both the timeline and cost, whether you opt for an upright monument, flat marker, or a custom-designed shape.
- Material choice: When families ask, “What are headstones made of?” They are introduced to materials like granite, marble, bronze, and sometimes limestone. Each material has its own characteristics that impact both the aesthetic and the longevity of the monument. Granite, for instance, is the most popular choice because of its durability, resistance to weather, and the wide range of colors available. Marble offers a classic, elegant look but is more prone to weathering over time.
This decision-making process typically takes 1 to 2 weeks, as families consult with the monument provider to explore options, discuss pricing, and confirm the final design.
2. Obtaining Cemetery and Regulatory Approvals (2-4 Weeks)
Once a design is selected, the next step involves obtaining approval from the cemetery and adhering to any local regulations. Each cemetery has its own set of rules and guidelines governing the size, materials, and placement of headstones. These regulations are in place to maintain uniformity and ensure the structural integrity of monuments in the burial grounds.
The monument provider usually handles submitting the headstone design to the cemetery for approval. This process can take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the cemetery’s responsiveness and whether any revisions to the design are required.
In some cases, local permits may also be necessary, particularly if the headstone is of a significant size or involves complex installations such as a foundation. The monument provider may need to work with city or county officials to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, adding a bit more time to this stage.
3. Crafting the Headstone (4-8 Weeks)
Once approvals are secured, the actual creation of the monument begins. The crafting process involves several key steps, including material selection, cutting, shaping, engraving, and polishing. The time it takes to complete each of these steps depends on factors such as:
- Material availability: Granite, being the most popular material, is typically more readily available, but rare colors or special requests may require additional time to source.
- Engraving complexity: Simple inscriptions with basic lettering can be completed quickly, but intricate designs, custom fonts, and personalized symbols may require more time. Hand-carved designs and etchings, especially those involving portraits or images, are more labor-intensive.
- Additional features: Headstones that include accessories like bronze plaques, statues, or vases will take longer to produce as these elements often involve separate processes.
On average, the fabrication process takes between 4 to 8 weeks, although it can extend to 10 weeks or more for highly customized or large-scale monument headstones.
4. Shipping and Delivery (1-2 Weeks)
Once the headstone is completed, it will need to be shipped from the monument manufacturer to the cemetery or installer. The location of the monument provider relative to the cemetery can impact shipping time, but generally, the shipping process takes about 1 to 2 weeks. In some cases, expedited shipping may be arranged, but this can increase the overall cost.
It’s important to coordinate the delivery date with the cemetery, as some cemeteries only allow headstones to be delivered and installed on specific days of the week. This can add a few days or weeks to the overall timeline if scheduling conflicts arise.
5. Installation at the Cemetery (1-3 Weeks)
The final step is the installation of the headstone, which typically takes 1 to 3 weeks from the time of delivery. Installation involves several steps to ensure that the monument is properly positioned and secured. This process includes:
- Foundation preparation: Larger headstones require a solid foundation to ensure they remain upright and stable for many years. Some cemeteries may already have pre-built foundations, but in many cases, a concrete foundation needs to be poured and allowed to set before the headstone is placed. This can add a few days or weeks to the timeline, depending on weather conditions and the availability of installation crews.
- Setting the headstone: Once the foundation is ready, the monument is carefully set in place by skilled professionals using cranes or other lifting equipment. The headstone must be level, stable, and aligned according to the cemetery’s guidelines.
The time it takes for installation can vary depending on weather conditions, the availability of installers, and the complexity of the monument. Simple flat markers may be installed in a matter of days, while larger or more intricate monuments may take longer to position correctly.
6. Seasonal Considerations
Weather plays a significant role in the timing of both the creation and installation of a monument headstone. Harsh winter conditions, for example, can slow down or delay both the crafting and installation processes. Many monument providers operate on a seasonal schedule, with most headstones being installed during the spring, summer, and fall months. In regions that experience freezing temperatures, installation during winter may be impossible due to the ground being too hard to dig for the foundation.
If you are planning a memorial service or dedication event, it’s crucial to consider these seasonal factors when determining the timeline for your headstone’s completion.
7. Customization and Delays
While the average timeline for the creation and installation of a monument headstone is typically around 10 to 14 weeks from start to finish, several factors can lead to delays. Some common causes of extended timelines include:
- Extensive customizations: Opting for a highly detailed or unique headstone design can significantly increase the production time. Custom features like hand-etched portraits, intricate sculptures, or non-standard materials require more labor and expertise.
- Backlogs: Monument providers may experience backlogs during peak times, especially during the summer months when many families are arranging for headstone installations.
- Approval delays: Sometimes, delays in cemetery approval or local permitting can add weeks to the timeline. Staying in communication with your monument provider and checking in with the cemetery can help mitigate these delays.
A Thoughtful Process That Takes Time
From the initial selection of the design to the final installation at the cemetery, creating a monument headstone is a multi-step process that requires time, attention to detail, and coordination with several parties. On average, families can expect the process to take 10 to 14 weeks, with the additional time needed for more elaborate customizations or delays due to weather or approval processes.
When selecting a headstone, it’s also important to consider what headstones are made of—the materials used will affect both the timeline and the longevity of the monument. Granite remains the most popular choice due to its durability and aesthetic versatility, but other materials like marble, bronze, and limestone are also available for those looking for a specific look or feel.
Ultimately, while waiting for the completion of a monument headstone can be challenging, the time invested ensures that the final product will serve as a beautiful and lasting tribute to your loved one for generations to come.