All of our prices include a design of your choice, lettering of names, dates, wedding date, and a small verse or epitaph if desired. Long poems are subject to a per character charge. In some cases detailed artwork or customized designs may incur additional charge. Flower vases, photos, etchings, and lettering on the back or other areas of the monument besides the front are additional as well.
We accept VISA, MasterCard, Personal Checks, Cashiers Checks, Money Orders, as well as Cash.
Yes! Our laser etching is done with care and precision. We take pride in all of the work we do.
It is recommended to choose high quality black granite as the laser etching shows best on this granite type.
We work, deliver and install in a 50 mile radius from Charlestown, IN.
For anything in excess of 50 miles it will be at our discretion whether we take on the work and if so it may require a travel charge.
Yes, we have a variety of fonts available and can make the monument and fonts to your liking.
A Date Of Death added is an order that is NOT included in the original cost.
The reason for this is the unknown factor of when a loved one will pass. As well, it takes extra work and resources to add this date at the time it is to be done.
A surviving loved one must place the order at a date sometime after the passing of their loved one.
Yes! We work with customers who live in other states. As well as with customers that it’s not easy for them to get out and about.
We can work with you through any situation to meet your needs and help to get your order placed.
Foundations are required by all cemeteries. We install foundations at many local cemeteries, although some cemeteries elect to do their own. Thus, fees can very cemetery to cemetery. We can help you determine the cost of your foundation based off of which cemetery your monument will be going in.
All of our contracts have a time frame of 4-6 months. This is due to a variety of factors and covers many unforeseen things such as weather. As well, we have to order and wait for the delivery of the granite from which it comes from. This alone can take time. Foundations also have to be complete before any monument can be set.
Typically we are ahead of schedule, but do to the unknowns surrounding some aspects and things out of our hands we offer ourselves the time to do things properly, accurately, and to exceed our customers expectations.
Not necessarily. The monument does not sit on the grave in most cemeteries, so the settling of the grave will not effect the monument if the foundation is properly poured.
Yes, we have both our personal guarantee, and the manufacturer’s perpetual warranty. If any defects in the material or workmanship is detected, we will repair or replace the monument at no charge. We take special pride in our quality and craftsmanship. Your memorial is made from carefully selected solid Granite. Only non-sap stock is used. It is guaranteed to have no cracks or seams, and have a high luster machine all nature polished finish, no artificial coloring or pits.
Granite is a natural product and may vary slightly in its grain from one piece to the next. As with any material, continuous exposure to the elements may cause a certain degree of change. Not included in the guarantee is metal, granite or marble vases, coloring applied or attached to the memorial, staining resulting from neglect, vandalism, acts of war, unusual environmental conditions or natural disasters.
No. There is no requirement that you have to use your legal name on a tombstone. You may wish to use your nickname or another name that you where known by.
Vases are mounted using different methods depending on the type of vase being installed. Granite vases are drilled, pinned, and glued in place using a stainless steel rod. Metal vases typically are installed using a dual system of a metal strap and double-sided tape. The metal strap is bolted to the bottom of the vase and extends out under the monument. Double-sided tape is applied to the bottom making it difficult to pull the vase out from underneath the monument and the metal strap prevents someone from pulling the vase upward. No system is completely thief or vandal proof, but does make it more challenging.
Metal vases come with a manufacturer’s lifetime warranty.
We do not charge extra to modify stock designs. Occasionally there may be an additional charge if complex artwork needs to be created. Custom etching scenes usually incur an additional charge depending on the complexity. Custom shape monuments cost more than standard due to the extra labor involved and will usually need to be quoted.
These are industry terms that refer to the finish of a monument. A standard monument consist of five basic sides – front, back, top, right end, and left end. P2 represents polishing two sides, front and back with the top and ends being rough or “rock pitched”. With P3, the top is also polished and the sides are rock. Likewise, all five sides are polished with P5.
Bevel markers are shorter with less slope. They are viewed looking down on them. Slant markers are taller with a steeper angled front and viewed more directly head on.
Pillow marker is another name for a bevel marker.
The average size for a single upright monument is as follows…
Tablet = 2′-0″ x 0’6″ x 2′-0″
Base = 3′-0″ x 1′-0″ x 0′-6″
The average size for a double upright monument is as follows…
Tablet = 3′-0″ x 0’6″ x 1′-8″
Base = 4′-0″ x 1′-0″ x 0′-6″
These are your typical starting points for single and double uprights.
Not without permission from the owner of the monument. We also discourage it unless the monument was specifically designed for more names to be added. In the event that all parties are deceased, we recommend purchasing an individual grass marker which is usually placed at the base in front of the monument.
It depends on the location of the stone. If it is going to be visible from both sides, then we recommend having it so you can easily find your monument from both directions. If the back is against a hedge row or not visible from the road, then it may not be necessary.
No. It is ill-advised to buy a monument online unless you have first made arrangements for installation. You may be stuck with a monument that you can’t use as many monument companies do not install monuments bought somewhere else.
Yes, we do all our own design, lettering and sandblasting in house. We also have a setting crew and pour foundations in cemeteries that do not pour there own.
Most cemeteries do not allow individuals to pour their own foundation without special insurance. You would need to check the rules for your cemetery.
The price includes a design of your choice, lettering of names, dates, wedding date, and small verse or epitaph. Long poems are subject to a per character charge. In some cases detailed artwork or customized designs may incur additional charge. Photos, etchings, and lettering on the back or other areas of the monument besides the front are additional as well.
No. We include standard lettering of names, dates, wedding date, and small verse or epitaph in the price. Long poems may be subject to a per character charge. Lettering on the back or other areas of the stone besides the front are extra.
Unless you requested otherwise, most cemeteries bury according to standard burial with the husband to the right of his wife as you would stand at the marriage altar. The stone is usually placed at the head of the grave, facing the grave, so the males name would read first on the left. However, depending on the location and the position of the monument, in some sections it may be reversed. However, there is no rule that one must be buried according to standard burial. You may choose to switch depending on various reasons and should discuss this with the cemetery official or your funeral director at the time you purchased your graves or arrange the funeral. We always check with the cemetery before lettering a stone to make sure the position is correct; however, it is advisable for you to verify the position before approving a drawing.
A great recommended personal cleaning method for your monument is using a good concentrated dish liquid, a good scrub brush, and a bucket of water.
No, we will get all the information from the cemetery to locate the correct location and to have it marked off properly.
If you have recently lost a loved one, you may need some time to grieve and reflect before buying a monument. While there is no set time one should wait before purchasing a monument, putting it off too long can perpetuate a sense of dread. When you are ready to buy, we at Charlestown Monument Company can help guide you through the process, explaining your options, making recommendations, helping to ease the difficulty of decisions.
Buying a monument pre-need is a very good idea. Not only do you get to choose what you want, but you also save money because the price of monuments usually continue to rise. Additionally, you alleviate the stress from burdening your family or loved ones with choosing an appropriate memorial for you. Furthermore, it also reduces the risk of having your grave accidentally sold or someone else being buried in your spot.
