Frequently Asked Questions

Gaydos Monument Company has been crafting family memorials to stand the test of time for three generations. A family memorial is a monument usually constructed of granite and it has often called a cemetery memorial, headstone, grave marker or tombstone.  A family memorial is typically placed at the head of the grave (which is where the term headstone comes from) to commemorate a family member or loved one. 

Contact & Location Questions:

Purchasing Questions:

Family memorials are typically made from granite- it is an ideal substance for monumental work because of its beauty and durability. Granite is a very hard igneous rock mined from deep in the earth; it is actually the second hardest substance known next to diamonds. Granite comes in many different colors and grains, and is excellent for showcasing engravings and/or etchings. 

The first thing you should do is call or email Gaydos Monument Company. We will contact your cemetery directly to determine what restrictions, if any, they have on the type or size monument you may have on your plot as well as the cost for a concrete footer. The footer is a pad of concrete poured prior to installation and will provide stable base for your memorial to be attached. 

Next we will help you select a granite color, shape, size finish and design that is to your liking and within your budget. Gaydos Monument will handle all aspects of your memorial order: sourcing the material, designing it to your unique wants & needs, sandblasting the engravings you’ve chosen, arranging the foundation and finally the installation at your cemetery. Once you place your order we take care of the rest. 

Cemetery memorials have a wide range of costs depending on the size and scope of what you would like to place at your site.  We have flat markers in the $500.00 price range up to 6-8 crypt -walk-in mausoleums that are $300,000.00 and up. We have something for everyone no matter what your budget may be as we are able to customize each memorial specific to your individual needs. Memorials can be better described in categories based on size and shape; these categories are flat markers, bevel markers, slants and dies.

Here are a few estimated prices for memorials we keep in stock and the majority of our families ultimately purchase:

• Flat Markers- $500.00 – $3,000

• Bevel markers- $500.00 – $5,000 +

• Slant and base combination- $1400.00 - $4,000

• Die and base combination- $1600.00 - $8,000 +

• Bronze and granite backer combination – $2,000 +

We are happy to quote anything you need to help you narrow down the options that would fit your budget.  

The whole process can take anywhere from 60-120 days depending on inventory. Once you have placed your memorial order with Gaydos Monument we will send you a computer generated, scaled to size black and white sketch of exactly how your engravings will appear on your memorial.  Once we have obtained the granite and your sketch is approved we will proceed with the final step of engraving your monument. Your cemetery will notify us when the footer is complete and at that time we will schedule the installation.

FLATS:

Flat markers have earned their name because of their traditional function of marking a gravesite. Flat-grass markers (also called flats or flush markers) are almost always rectangular and flush with the ground so that cemetery mowers can ride freely over them without damaging them.

Grave markers are traditionally made from granite but are also available in bronze or a combination of bronze with a granite surround. Although marker style options are limited, they are a very dignified and respectable way to mark a family member's or loved one's grave and they are available in many different granite colors and have virtually unlimited engraving options. Markers for individuals are usually 2 to 2 ½ ft. long and Companion Markers are usually 3 to 6 ft. long.

BEVELS:

Bevel markers are the next step up from a flat marker in terms of total height from the ground. These headstones are typically anywhere from 6-12’ tall and have a slightly slanted face. They usually have rock pitch (rough) sides and a polished top. Bevels can be used to mark single, double or multiple burials at grave site. We have produced these markers in sizies from 2’ to over 6’ long and are available in all of our granite colors.

SLANTS:

Slants have earned their name because they typically have a slanted face (front).

They are crafted from granite and are traditionally lower to the ground than dies and can be set directly on the cemetery footer at ground level or atop a base. As with dies, traditional slants customarily have a serpentine, oval or straight top. Slants also typically have a rock front nose, but western style slants do have a full face and no front nosing.

The face of a slant is traditionally polished (smooth, mirror-like finish) and the sides and front nose are usually rock pitch (natural rocky appearance). The tops and back of slants can be polished, rock pitch, or sawn (smooth, dull finish). However, as with dies, slants have a virtual cornucopia of monument designs and finish options, which will enable you to personalize your memorial monuments, grave headstones, granite monuments, and gravestone markers.

Many of the different slant options are showcased in our monument design catalogue in the menu to the right. Here you will find design options for individual slants and companion slants. Please note that many cemeteries have sections that either do not allow or only allow slants and place other restrictions with respect to size and engravings. It is important to contact Gaydos Monument Company so we can confirm these details for you prior to purchasing.

DIES:

A die is traditionally crafted from granite and usually has a face (front) that is perpendicular to the ground and is generally set atop a base unit that raises it off the ground. Traditional dies are typically square in shape and have a serpentine, oval, straight or roof top and are used for gravestone markers or memorial monuments.

Dies can be all polished (smooth mirror-like finish showcasing the granite color), all steeled (smooth textured finish), and they can also have rock pitch sides and top (natural rocky appearance).

Traditional bases typically have a polish flat top and rock sides which are not damaged by cemetery mowers and trimmers and will keep your monument design beautiful. However, the possibilities are endless with dies when it comes to specialty shapes, designs, and finishes, which will enable you to give your family memorial monument a very personal touch. Many of the different options are showcased in our Monument Design Catalogue in the menu to the right. Here you will find designs for individual dies and companion dies.

Please note that many cemeteries have sections that either do not allow, or only allow dies and bases, and often restrict aspects of size and have other engraving requirements and restrictions for your memorial monument. It is important that you contact Gaydos Monument Company so we can confirm these details for you, prior to purchase.