Frequently Asked Questions
Discover answers to all your questions about ordering, designing, and installing headstones and monuments. Our comprehensive FAQ page covers essential topics such as selecting materials, customization options, payment plans, delivery timelines, and customer service inquiries. Whether you're exploring design possibilities or need installation advice, our detailed guide provides all the information you need. With a focus on clarity and customer support, we ensure you find the answers quickly and confidently.
Buying & Ordering FAQs
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Our memorials stand out due to our unique ability to fuse design with execution. We’re fast with iterations and especially creative when it comes to customization. Our team of top design talent not only crafts visually stunning designs but also ensures flawless implementation. This expertise guarantees that the final product is both beautiful and durable. While you can sometimes purchase memorials from cemeteries and funeral homes, they often use vendors to fill orders and are not specialists in monument making. Each of our monuments is created behind a deep well of experience that guarantees a smooth buying process and best-in-class results. Our reviews speak for themselves!
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When ordering a headstone, consider the following:
The cemetery’s regulations on size and type
Material and durability
Design and customization options
Installation and maintenance services
Total cost, including any hidden fees
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The cost of a headstone in Pennsylvania varies widely depending on the material, size, design, and customization options. On average, a basic headstone can cost between $1,000 and $2,500, while more elaborate designs can range from $3,000 to $10,000 or more.
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The least expensive way to mark a grave is typically with a flat grave marker, also known as a grass marker. These markers lie flat on the ground and are made from durable materials such as granite or bronze. Prices for flat markers start at around $300.
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Purchasing a headstone online can be risky due to potential delays, miscommunications, and even fraud. Many online retailers rely on external vendors, which can lead to excessive delays or, in worst-case scenarios, no delivery at all. A memorial is a significant investment that often requires a deposit upfront, and without a physical address to hold accountable, resolving issues can be challenging. Our in-house capabilities ensure quality and timely delivery, giving you peace of mind during a difficult time.
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Only if you want to! We are fully capable of working remotely to complete the order so that you never have to set foot in our office. Since the design process can often require some back and forth, we like to iterate designs with clients over text messaging or emails. For instances where more focused collaboration is required, we’re happy to set up a meeting on Zoom to host a virtual design session for you. For your signature, we use Docusign, and you can pay over Zelle, Venmo, and other electronic options.
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At Timestone, we strive to make the payment process as smooth and convenient as possible for our customers. We understand that purchasing a memorial can be a significant expense. Therefore, we offer flexible payment plans. We're partnered with American First Finance to provide no interest loans for our customers, even for those with no credit. You can also use Buy-Now-Pay-Later apps like Afterpay, which we process through Square. Timestone is also happy to set you up with an installment plan ourselves, however, installation will not take place unless all payments have been made. We accept various forms of payment, including credit and debit cards, checks, electronic bank transfers, and other forms of online payment.
Monument Design FAQs
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We primarily use granite and bronze for our headstones. Granite is renowned for its durability, wide range of colors, and ability to hold inscriptions over time, making it a preferred choice. Bronze, known for its longevity and resistance to weathering, is typically mounted on a granite base. Our stones are sourced domestically and from India, and each stone undergoes rigorous quality testing upon arrival to ensure the highest standards.
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A gravestone and a headstone are essentially the same, both marking a burial site. The term "gravestone" is more traditional, while "headstone" is more commonly used today. Both terms are often used interchangeably.
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Granite headstones, regardless of color, are extremely durable. Darker colors like black or dark grey may show wear less over time, but any high-quality granite headstone will last for many decades with proper care.
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We offer extensive design options, including engraved inscriptions, custom shapes, and color choices. You can also add imagery, portraits, or religious symbols. Explore our customization gallery for inspiration.
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An inscription often includes the person’s name, birth/death dates, and a meaningful message or quote. Consider family input and whether you want religious or symbolic elements. We provide guidance on crafting memorable inscriptions in our inscription guide.
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Yes, we can add etched or ceramic photos and emblems that personalize the monument. These can depict religious symbols, hobbies, or military insignias. View examples in our custom headstone section.
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Each cemetery has specific regulations regarding monument size, material, and features. We recommend contacting your cemetery to confirm rules before ordering. We’ll assist in ensuring your design complies. Visit our guide on cemeteryrules for more information.
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Yes, we provide digital proofs for your approval before production. This ensures the design matches your expectations. Once approved, we proceed with crafting your monument.
Delivery & Install FAQs
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For in-stock inventory, our advanced machinery and in-house capabilities allow us to deliver headstones within 1-2 weeks. Out-of-stock and special orders may take 6-8 months. Our significant investment in state-of-the-art equipment enables us to offer faster delivery times without compromising on quality, unlike many others who rely on outdated machinery or external vendors.
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Yes, we provide professional installation services. Our team coordinates with the cemetery to ensure compliance with their rules. We handle everything from transportation to placement.
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Installation is dependent on approval from the cemetery and could delay the final steps for a few weeks. If the foundation is poured by Timestone, installation will be scheduled for the first dry day 30 days after cemetery permit approval. If the foundation is poured by the cemetery, installation can take 2-3 months post-permit approval, depending on their schedule.
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While it is technically possible to install a headstone yourself, it is highly recommended to hire a professional to ensure proper installation and compliance with cemetery regulations.
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In the rare event of damage, we work with our insurance providers to repair or replace the monument at no cost to you.
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We install in most cemeteries, but some may have restrictions. Please provide the cemetery details, and we’ll handle the necessary approvals.
Customer Service FAQs
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Our monuments come with a lifetime warranty covering material defects and craftsmanship. We ensure each headstone is made to last, and we will repair or replace any monument that fails due to quality issues.
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Once you’ve approved the design and production begins, changes are difficult but not impossible. Contact us immediately, and we’ll do our best to accommodate. Additional fees may apply.
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We work tirelessly to correct any mistakes on our end. If fixing is not an option, we will even redo the memorial altogether, or refund your money. In the unlikely event of damage during shipping, we will replace the headstone at no additional cost to you, ensuring peace of mind throughout the process. Customer satisfaction is our top priority.
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You can reach our support team via phone, email, or by using the contact form on our website.