Frequently Asked Questions:
How does a ‘typical’ memorial selection process go?
Whether you meet with us at our office or we come visit with you, an expert counselor will take time to “listen” to your needs and wants regarding the memorial. It is important for us to understand about your loved one and your vision (if you have one) of the memorial. Our designers will show you sample memorials, discuss with you how to personalize the memorial, and develop a design that memorializes the life of your loved one.
Do I have to buy a monument from my funeral home or cemetery?
No, a funeral home or cemetery is lawfully unable to force you to purchase a monument from them when arranging other funeral purchases.
What do I need to know when purchasing a cemetery monument?
Some cemeteries have restrictions on the monuments they accept, so it is a good idea to check with your cemetery first to find out what guidelines you must follow. You must also know how much you can spend; most styles can be adapted to fit any size budget.
From here, you can decide on a monument style that expresses the life of you or your loved one. You can choose from a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and materials for your memorial. Harris Monument Company will be happy to help you further customize your monument with text, engravings and other decorations.
How can I order a custom cemetery monument?
Harris Monument Company will be glad to help you design a completely custom monument to commemorate your life or that of a loved one. We offer a wide variety of styles, shapes, colors and materials. Please give us a call for a custom quote.
What if I live far away from you but our cemetery is close to you?
If you live outside of our area, we can consult with you over the telephone and use email, mail, and/or a fax to handle the details.
What materials are used in monuments?
Before you purchase a monument, make sure you check with your cemetery regulations. Lots of cemetery’s has specifications monument styles and sizes they require in certain parts of the cemetery or as a whole. Make sure to check and read the guidelines before purchasing your memorial. If needed, we can check the guidelines and regulations for you if we do not know of them already.
GRANITE:
Granite is the most popular monument type. It is also the most durable and weather resistant. Granite comes in many different colors that can be etched or sandblasted depending on the color.
MARBLE:
Marble has been used for centuries and is well known for its traditional beauty. White is the most popular color used in monuments and typically has various degrees of gray “veining” adding to its attractiveness.
BRONZE:
Bronze markers are what you see in most perpetual cemetery’s. They can be set on a stone base or without a stone base. We offer bronze monuments that can be set in any perpetual care cemetery.
Do you sell the same type of bronze memorial as my cemetery?
Yes, there is just a handful of reputable bronze memorial foundries in the United States and we are authorized dealers for them. These are the highest quality bronze memorials available in the world.
What is Granite?
Granite is a tough, durable rock composed primarily of three different minerals. The minerals are easy to see due to their different colors. Granite is less expensive than marble. It is found in many colors and textures. Gray, blue gray, red and black are found in our suppliers quarries. Other colors are found around the world. Granite is the most popular monument material we use today because of it’s ability to withstand extreme climates and temperatures.
What is Marble
Marble, also found in our suppliers quarries, is a softer material. Marble is for affected by weather and absorbs stains more easily than granite. Marble is more expensive, and is available in a number of colors and textures. The most used is white Georgia or Vermont marble.
What is the difference between Marble and Granite?
Marble is simply limestone that has been compress. Granite is a molten rock, made up of a number of minerals Granite is very hard and depending on the kind shows the grain or color of the stone. Marble has a single mineral -calcite- has little variation in colors. Marble is softer in color and texture.