Hindman Monument
Company
Common Questions
FAQ
Purchasing a monument is not something you do everyday and most people have never had to deal with before. It can be an overwhelming and emotional process, with a lot of questions and concerns. Hopefully this page will help answer a few of those questions. If there is something we have missed please contact us and we will get right back to you.
How long should I wait before I purchase or have a monument placed at the cemetery?
We can set the monument at any time. It can be before they pass away and even if the person has just passed away. We do not set the monument on the grave itself, it gets set on solid ground above the grave. The gravesite will continue to sink for many years after the burial and we don't want the monument to fall in with it. More importantly the time is when your ready emotionally to purchase a monument, we will take care of the rest for you.
Can monuments be set during the winter months?
Absolutely, we set them year round. As long as the ground is not saturated with rain we can put it up. Frozen ground is just a little harder to dig but we can get it done.
How long will it take my monument to be ready or come in?
It depends on a few factors, like whether it was a special order or something we keep in stock. Special orders can take anywhere from 90 to 120 days to come in from overseas. We have a large inventory though and anything in stock will take anywhere from 2 to 3 weeks, during Memorial Day it may extend to 4 to 6 weeks.
How long does it take to have the monument engraved?
All of our engraving is done onsite so it can take any where from 1 to 5 days to carve and letter the stone. Then of course setting it up at the cemetery can be anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks, it mostly depends on the weather.
Is there a difference between etching and engraving?
Yes. Engraving is done by using air and fine abrasive particles to cut the surface of the monument deeply into the surface. Etchings are done by scratching the surface of the granite, and are more detailed than engraving because of the finer lines.
Do the etchings last?
Yes and No. When they are black and white etchings. The surface is scratched with a diamond bit tool to
create the detailed etched scenes or pictures so that will always be there. When there done in color though paint is used to fill those cracks or lines. As with anything paint doesn't last forever, it will eventually fade.
It may not fade in our lifetime but it is just paint. But even if it fades the actual etching will still remain.
Is there a difference between marble and granite?
Yes. Its two different types of rock. Most of our monuments are granite, and its a harder, tougher rock unlike marble which is more porous and soft. We still do marble monuments though and the marble is beautiful. Even though marble is a softer rock to work with, it will last as long as granite.